MARION, Ind. – Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) has acquired the key assets of the Eleven Fifty Academy in a deal that will allow the program to continue providing Hoosiers a quick, proven way to ramp up their technical skills for future careers in the tech sector.
“The Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees, acting on behalf of the entire board, enthusiastically and unanimously approved the acquisition of key assets from Eleven Fifty Academy at today’s board meeting,” said Carl Shepherd, IWU Board of Trustees Chairman. “The University has a long and successful history of innovation in Higher Education. I am excited to watch as the administration works with local and state officials and the private sector to leverage the academy to address the workforce needs today and in the future.”
With the acquisition complete, Indiana Wesleyan University now shifts its focus on hiring a managing director to oversee the nonprofit organization that will operate as an affiliate organization of IWU.
“We believe strongly in developing programs that align with our commitment to academic excellence,” said Dr. Jon S. Kulaga, President of IWU. “The Eleven Fifty Academy acquisition of key assets supports our online and regional center strategy to provide lifelong learners opportunities to further their education and create a better life for themselves, their families, and our community. We strongly believe the Academy is a valuable resource in assisting Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb and his administration’s focus on addressing the workforce needs throughout the state of Indiana.”
Former Eleven Fifty Founder Scott Jones will not have a role with the new organization. IWU has engaged John Qualls, a long-time tech business entrepreneur and a former executive at Eleven Fifty, to lead the transition effort during this interim period.
“It is important to acknowledge Scott Jones for his tireless efforts to create an organization that can move the needle for re-skilling a workforce,” said Dr. Eileen Hulme, Chancellor of IWU-National & Global. “We thank him for his commitment to improving the lives of Hoosiers. We understand this program must continue to give students an affordable way to rapidly gain the skills needed in today’s tech workforce. IWU plans to build on this while also enhancing its reach by using our network and existing infrastructure to connect to those who seek to further their education.”
IWU has acquired the following key assets as part of the deal: Eleven Fifty Academy’s curriculum, trademarks, trade names, domain names, and social media accounts. It also assumes responsibility for the continued education of the approximately 65 students scheduled to complete their training in March 2023. IWU hopes to build relationships with past alums of the program and offer both current students and alums of the Academy an opportunity to continue their educational journey through IWU’s various programs. IWU is not assuming any responsibility for its debt.
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About Indiana Wesleyan University
Indiana Wesleyan University celebrates over 100 years as a Christian, global, comprehensive university providing liberal arts and professional education to approximately 11,000 students worldwide. IWU is one of the largest faith-based universities in America with rich undergraduate, graduate, master's, and doctoral programs in highly acclaimed academic units such as the School of Nursing, Physical and Applied Sciences, College of Adult and Professional Studies, and School of Arts and Humanities.
An early leader in adult and online education, IWU is known for excellence in innovation. Students live and learn on the beautiful 350-acre IWU-Marion traditional campus and study through IWU-National & Global programs offered online and at education centers in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University, founded by the Wesleyan Church denomination and IWU, prepares Christian leaders to engage in missional ministry locally and globally. Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. It is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information, visit tsuzcuisine.com.