Collegis forms new company to invest and provide services for online program development
December 3, 2003
(Hinsdale, Ill. — December 3, 2003) — Collegis, the nation’s leading independent services provider to higher education, announces the formation of Collegis University Solutions to address the growing market demand for online education.
Collegis University Solutions, presently a wholly-owned subsidiary of Collegis, will provide capital and services to post-secondary institutions for the rapid development and delivery of online undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs.
“We believe we are just at the beginning of the adoption of more flexible delivery models for today’s learners and that online programs will continue to grow exponentially,” said J. Michael Locke, who will serve as president of Collegis University Solutions. “With significant capital, an existing network of partner institutions and more than 100 professionals focused on the development, marketing and support of online programs, Collegis will partner with a select group of not-for-profit and for-profit institutions to develop their respective market opportunities. For more than six years, Collegis has helped institutions build, market and support online programs and we are pleased now to be in a position to invest in these partners as well.”
Collegis University Solutions also announces an investment in, and strategic partnership with, Rasmussen College and Aakers Business College. Rasmussen and Aakers educate and serve approximately 2,000 students in business, allied health and information technology at a combined six campuses throughout Minnesota and North Dakota. Rasmussen is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and Aakers is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).
“Our partnership with Collegis University Solutions will allow us to continue to provide our students the highest quality and convenient program offerings,” said Kristi Waite, who will continue as president and co-owner of Rasmussen and Aakers. “The students in Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin want more online courses and programs, and with our partnership with Collegis University Solutions, we can now meet that demand.”
Along with Rasmussen and Aakers, Collegis University Solutions has 17 other client partnerships with private four-year institutions, community colleges and public four-year institutions throughout the country. The new company is projecting revenues of approximately $26 million in 2004.
Collegis, based in suburban Orlando, Fla., provides higher education services to more than 100 colleges and universities nationwide.
About Collegis Inc. (www.collegis.com)
Collegis provides education, business and technology services to higher education institutions, helping them better serve their constituents. Founded in 1986, Collegis helps improve the delivery of education, increase student recruitment and retention, and increase revenues while stabilizing and reducing costs. Collegis offers unparalleled knowledge, expertise and accountability exclusive to the unique needs of higher education.
About Rasmussen College and Aakers Business College
(www.rasmussen.edu ; www.aakers.edu )
Rasmussen College and Aakers Business College are institutions of higher learning dedicated to the growth and development of students, employees, and the communities they serve. Founded in 1900 and 1902 respectively, Rasmussen and Aakers are recognized as leaders in innovative curriculum design, instructional delivery, and technology application in education. Rasmussen operates four campuses located in Minnesota (Eagan, St Cloud, Minnetonka and Mankato) while Aakers operates two campuses in North Dakota (Fargo, Bismarck). Together, the institutions serve approximately 2,000 students offering associate degrees, diplomas and certificates in business, allied health, criminal justice, child care, accounting and information technology.
