MINNEAPOLIS, Feb 23, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Capella Education Company (NASDAQ: CPLA), a provider of exclusively online post-secondary education through its wholly owned subsidiary Capella University, announced today that Capella chief executive officer Kevin Gilligan was named as chairman of the Capella Education Company board of directors. Founder Stephen G. Shank retired as chairman and remains on the board of directors. Gilligan was named chief executive officer in March of 2009.
"The Board of Directors is confident in Kevin's leadership as CEO and as chairman," said Shank. "Kevin has demonstrated a keen sense for strategic direction and expert operational capabilities. He is firmly grounded in Capella's values, unique culture and commitment to talent development and is carrying on our mission to provide learners with exceptional learning outcomes and an exceptional learner experience," concluded Shank.
"The Board of Directors and particularly Steve have been strong supporters and valuable counselors," said Gilligan. "I am honored to be named chairman of a board that has been instrumental in leading and building Capella's reputation as a leader in quality, adult online education. The board and I will continue to focus on learner success, which drives long-term sustainable growth and return to our shareholders."
About Capella Education Company
Founded in 1991, Capella Education Company is a national leader in online education and parent company of Capella University, a regionally accredited* online university. Capella University offers graduate degree programs in business, information technology, education, human services, psychology, public health, and public safety, and bachelor's degree programs in business, information technology, and public safety. These academic programs are designed to meet the needs of working adults, combining high quality, competency-based curricula with the convenience and flexibility of an online learning format. Currently, Capella University offers 39 graduate and undergraduate degree programs with 129 specializations and more than 2,050 courses. Nearly 34,000 learners were enrolled as of Dec. 31, 2009. For more information about Capella Education Company, please visit http://www.capellaeducation.com. For more information about Capella University, please visit http://www.capella.edu or call 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552).
*Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), http://www.ncahlc.org.
Capella University, Capella Tower, 225 South Sixth Street, Ninth Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55402, 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552), www.capella.edu.
SOURCE: Capella Education Company
Capella Education CompanyInvestor Contact:Heide Erickson, 612-977-5172Heide.Erickson@capella.eduorMedia Contact:Irene Silber, 612-977-4132Irene.Silber@capella.edu