[1] In 1987 Glenn R. Jones launched the cable television network Mind Extension University (ME/U, later Knowledge TV), which enabled 30,000 students to take courses from more than 30 colleges and universities via television.

In 1993, Jones started JIU, claiming to be the first university anywhere to exist completely online.

In 1999, JIU became the first fully online university in the U.S. to be accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and a member of the North Central Association.

This decision caused outrage from the American Association of University Professors on the grounds that the teaching staff had no academic freedom, and that an institution that taught only one subject could not claim to be a university.

Students who did not graduate in the Class of 2015 were offered teach-out transfer to Trident University International.