The answers I’ve supplied to your questions below are on-the-record.
I know South has a long history, and some valuable programs, such as degrees in pharmacy. Response: Thank you for acknowledging that South has valuable programs. In addition to PharmD, South is a leader in clinical healthcare education. South has two of the only 14 Anesthesiologist Assisting programs in the country, perhaps the largest Physician Assistant program in the country, clinical BSN, Family Nurse Practitioner, and other healthcare programs that lead to licensure.
Please tell me more about the Education Principle Foundation-EPF (aka Colbeck Foundation) and how they can be reached (phone, emails) response: As noted in my prior response, EPF is no longer affiliated with Colbeck nor is it “also known as Colbeck Foundation.”
Who is on the Board of EPF and if they have any relationship with Colbeck Capital? Response: Please direct inquiries regarding EPF board members to EPF. I do not serve on the board of EPF as you have suggested. As noted in my prior response, Colbeck has no affiliation with EPF or its board members.
How can I successfully reach B N*, the CEO of Studio Enterprise? Response: You should reach out to him through Studio’s website.
About allegations re: South University in Lacon v Education Principle Foundation (e.g. robocalls, using JobsFlag as a lead generator)? response: JobsFlag is not currently and never was a vendor of South University. The legal matter has been dismissed for months.
Are there any plans to close or consolidate campuses, such as Virginia Beach? Response: There are no campus closures being contemplated. South is consistently rationalizing the size of its real estate footprint in order to ensure institutional resources are used efficiently. Expense management (such as real estate) along with improvements to student retention and admissions have substantially increased the operating surplus for South in the past few years.
Has anyone at Colbeck or EPF been trying to sell South University? Response: South is well respected in the Education community and regularly in dialogue surrounding partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions. Colbeck does not own or control EPF or South and therefore cannot control the sale of it.
I also have a number of complaints from the FTC database regarding South University I would like to review with someone. Response: As you can observe by looking at the file you supplied, the vast majority of these cases are closed or were originated during years that predate the current ownership/management. South takes all student inquiries seriously and does not comment on ongoing resolution processes.
Would also like to discuss South's graduation rate, student loan debt repayments, and gainful employment of all programs. Response: South is in good standing with its licensing bodies, programmatic accreditors, institutional accreditor, department of education, and the states that South operates within.
Graduation rates and testing pass rates are well within industry standards.
Student loan debt repayments are well within department of education standards.
There is no Gainful Employment regulation, therefore it is not possible to comment.
I sincerely hope this helps you to write a compelling and accurate article. South continues to achieve its mission and relies upon its reputation which I hope you are not seeking to harm with erroneous claims.
SY