NEWS

WIRES

OTHER

Capella University Names Larry A. Isaak as its Next President

"In Larry, we have found a leader who truly appreciates and will be able to build upon Capella's reputation for academic quality and our focus on learner success," said Capella CEO Kevin Gilligan. "Larry's depth of experience in higher education and understanding of the special culture that has been created at Capella make him a tremendous fit to lead us for years to come. We are deeply appreciative to Mike Offerman for his years of service to Capella and for so expertly filling the role of interim president. We are thrilled that he will remain with Capella as a member of our leadership team and will help guide Capella's future success."

In his role as president of Capella University, Isaak will work extensively with the provost, academic deans, and other key staff to ensure that the goals and mission of Capella are met.

"It was important to us that Capella's next president exemplify our unique learner-centered culture and commitment to academic quality, and we absolutely believe we have found that in Larry," said Marcia Ballinger, PhD, chair of the Capella University Board of Directors.

Isaak's broad history of intellectual and professional leadership will help ensure Capella remains a leader in adult-focused higher education. He will work to expand Capella's national and international profile, and will build upon Capella's reputation for academic quality and learning outcomes.

"What attracted me to Capella was the clear focus on academic quality, and even more so the commitment to learner success. Capella's focus on adult learners and the culture of innovation that has been its foundation makes this a particularly exciting organization to lead," Isaak said.

In his current position as president of the MHEC in Minneapolis, Isaak has helped lead a significant expansion in MHEC activities related to student access, policy research and cost-savings initiatives. Previously, as chancellor of the North Dakota University System for nearly 10 years, he and the board were able to streamline programs and administrative functions, update course offerings, employ new technologies and recruit dynamic campus leaders.

In addition, Isaak has served as chair of the State Higher Education Executive Officers (SHEEO) and as a commissioner to both the MHEC and the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

Isaak earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration as well as an MBA from the University of North Dakota. He also completed the Business Management Institute program at Stanford University and is a certified public accountant.

About Capella University
Capella University is an accredited online university* that has built its reputation by providing quality online degree programs for working adults. Nearly 80 percent of Capella students are currently enrolled in master's or doctoral online degree programs in the fields of business, counseling, education, human services, information technology, nursing, psychology, public administration, public health, public safety, and social work. Capella also offers bachelor's degree programs in business, information technology, nursing, psychology, public administration, and public safety. Within those areas, Capella currently offers 137 graduate and undergraduate specializations and 16 certificate programs. More than 38,000 learners were enrolled as of June 30, 2010, from all 50 states and 52 other countries. Capella is committed to providing high-caliber academic excellence and pursuing balanced business growth. Founded in 1993, Capella University is a wholly owned subsidiary of Capella Education Company (NASDAQ: CPLA), headquartered in Minneapolis. For more information, please visit http://www.capella.edu or call 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552).

Visit the Capella Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/CapellaUniversity.
Follow Capella on Twitter at http://twitter.com/CapellaU.

* Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), www.ncahlc.org.
Capella University, Capella Tower, 225 South Sixth Street, Ninth Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55402, 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552), www.capella.edu.

Capella University
Mike Buttry, 612-977-5499
mike.buttry@capella.edu