BRIDGEPORT, Connecticut — There’s new information about the state investigation into Paier College in Bridgeport. The investigation comes on the heels of lawsuits for unfair trade practices, complaints from students and the potential loss of the school’s accreditation.
Paier College is owned by Joe Bierbaum, who owned Stone Academy and allegedly scammed nursing students out of their tuition money. Bierbaum is now selling Paier College and has stepped down as its President.
In an email, Bierbaum announced the appointment of Dr. Daren Hancott as the new CEO. Hancott is a former University of Phoenix executive. The University of Phoenix is the largest for-profit school in the U.S., which was fined nearly $10 million in 2004 for breaking the law.
On Friday we got our first look inside the controversial art and design school in Bridgeport. “We had no AC or heating,” said student Celia Peperato-Tomkalski. “The conditions were grim,” added former Paier student and employee Gianni Higham.
FOX61 obtained photos showing mold and water damage, bathroom stalls separated by shower curtains, and restrooms without toilet paper. “It was all about marketing and not about the students at all,” said Higham.
In a 20 page report from the school’s accredditor, which shows abysmal graduation rates for some areas of study. It also details how only 3 of 37 faculty files had verification of previous work experience. “I didn’t really have any trust in the school,” remarked Peperato-Tomkalski. “What does that mean for my degree? What does that mean for the work that I put in?” added Higham.
Paier College continues to recruit students for the fall, despite currently not having any faculty to teach them. Their recruitment efforts aren’t limited to the United States. “They have been recruiting students from India through the whole year,” said Peperato-Tomkalski.
The college has been using AI generated social media ads that contain a backdrop of the Statue of Liberty. “They are more concerned with getting people in from overseas,” said Higham.
Paier College is a for-profit institution. The Connecticut Office of Higher Education said in response to complaints they solicited students' feedback via a survey. 47 students responded citing concerns Paier may become Stone Academy 2.0. “We were told that it could be harder to get our transcripts, which to me is really messed up,” said Peperato-Tomkalski.
A spokesperson for Paier College responded to FOX61 with the following statement. “Paier College is currently undergoing a change of ownership that is pending approval from its regulatory agencies. However, we have new operational management and our new management team has started conversations and meetings with faculty to renew contracts for the Fall Semester. Our new Provost Dr. Avis Chapman has communicated with students and we are prepared and excited to welcome them back for the Fall.
With respect to ACCSC, the College underwent a visit in 2023. The questions raised in the letter are typically reviewed by regulators when schools submit a change of ownership application. While we have changed the leadership team, the vision and mission of Paier remains the same; a student-first approach.
Regarding the State of Connecticut's investigation, the College will respond with any questions or concerns they will have and we don’t foresee any issues or concerns. The future of Paier is intact and we look forward to our new leadership team’s plan for future growth and expansion.”
Matt Caron is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at mcaron@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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