“The Compass team is privileged to have the opportunity to expand our partnership with Ohio University. The university has recognized our skill set as an effective balance to their own strengths,” said Dan Devine, CEO and Founder of Compass Knowledge Group.  “Compass brings an entrepreneurial spirit and proven performance management to support Ohio University’s strategic initiatives and expansion of their high quality academic programs.”

Ohio University, a Tier 1 institution, was established more than 200 years ago. It is the oldest higher education institution in its region and has been engaging in lifelong and distance learning practices for over 100 years. The online Master of Engineering Management degree is designed for engineers, scientists and technical professionals of all disciplines who seek to strengthen their technical and managerial knowledge and skills, to become more effective leaders and managers of technical teams. Engineering management students will have access to all of the resources of a top-ranked research university with a nationally recognized engineering faculty to support their professional development and career enhancement efforts.

Dr. Dennis Irwin, Dean of the Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ College of Engineering and Technology, stated, “Compass Knowledge Group understands that we are student-centered and our goal is to offer this high quality degree to motivated students who want to transition into another stage in their career.  Building on our successful partnership with Compass Knowledge and using their expertise in marketing, recruitment, course delivery design services and retention, we feel confident that delivering this program online will be successful.”

Ohio University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a regional accrediting agency within the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA): www.ncahlc.org. The Russ College’s engineering and computer science programs are accredited by ABET, a specialized accreditation organization that oversees university programs in the subject areas of engineering, applied science, technology, and computing: www.abet.org.

About the Russ College of Engineering and Technology

The Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ College of Engineering and Technology at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, educates well-rounded professionals with both technical and team-project skills who become our business, government, and industry leaders. Enrolling approximately 1,300 undergraduate students and almost 300 graduate students, the Russ College offers undergraduate and graduate degrees across the traditional engineering spectrum and in technology disciplines such as aviation, computer science, and industrial technology. Strategic research areas include transportation, and energy and the environment. Named for alumnus Fritz Russ and his wife Dolores, the Russ College is home of the Russ Prize, the top bioengineering prize in the world.

About Ohio University

Established in 1804, Ohio University is the oldest public institution of higher learning in the state of Ohio and the first in the Northwest Territory. Ohio University has been cited for academic quality and value by such publications as U.S. News and World Report, America’s 100 Best College Buys, Princeton Review’s Best Colleges, and Peterson’s Guide to Competitive Colleges. The John Templeton Foundation has also recognized Ohio University as one of the top character-building institutions in the country. Ohio University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

About Compass Knowledge Group

Since 1993, Compass Knowledge Group has partnered with prominent, traditional universities to help them plan, implement and operate successful online academic programs. Compass provides the entire complement of online learning support services—including market research, program marketing, student recruitment, instructional design and technology, student retention support, faculty training and support, technical helpdesk, and online bookstore—enabling their partners to concentrate on delivering high-quality academics. Compass’ success is based on a history of predictable performance that far exceeds industry standards.

In the FIU 2010 Top-50 Women-led Businesses in Florida list, Pickar ranked 17; the fourth year running that she and Compass have been recognized. “It is a distinct honor to be a key leader of a growing and successful company in Orlando, especially during these tough economic times. I owe this award to the 180+ professionals who commit their talents and energies to serving our university partners and their students who are earning degrees via online learning, Ours is a business that meets important educational needs for our global economy,” Dr. Pickar said. “Being part of the FIU network devoted especially to developing and supporting women leaders to build successful businesses also gives us access to resources to help us meet our business objectives.”

In Florida, women leaders make a substantial contribution to the state’s economy. With over 700,000 women-led organizations throughout the state, not only do they provide valuable goods and services, but Florida’s women leaders are creating new job opportunities for many of the state’s residents. Women-led businesses continue to grow and expand in spite of the economic turndown and contributed as much as $125 billion to the state’s economy. The Top-50 Women-Led Businesses in Florida list includes prominent Florida women who hold the position of President, CEO, Chair, or primary-owner.

About Compass Knowledge Group

Since 1993, Compass Knowledge Group has partnered with prominent, traditional universities to help them plan, implement, and operate successful online undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Compass provides the entire complement of online learning support services – including market research, program marketing, student recruitment, instructional design and technology, student retention support, faculty training and support, technical helpdesk, and online bookstore — enabling their partners to concentrate on delivering high-quality academics. Compass’ success is based on a history of predictable performance that far exceeds industry standards.

About The Center for Leadership at Florida International University
The Center for Leadership at Florida International University is committed to equipping leaders across all sectors with the competencies needed to succeed in complex, multicultural organizations. To realize its potential an organization must effectively develop and utilize the leadership capacity of its people. As the pace of globalization and competition accelerates, this ability is becoming an increasingly critical foundation for success. In recognition of this challenge and of the leading role that South Florida plays as a hemispheric hub, the Center for Leadership engages in cutting-edge research in the area of leadership development, conducts leadership development programs for organizations to assist them in building leadership capacity, and supports the leadership development agenda of Florida International University.

Orlando, FL, (June, 2010) – Compass Knowledge Group, the expert provider of distance learning services, today announced that their Founder and CEO, Daniel J. Devine, received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2010 Award in the technology category in Florida.  According to Ernst & Young LLP, the award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who are building and leading dynamic, growing businesses.  Mr. Devine was selected by an independent panel of judges, and the award was presented at a gala event at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate on June 10. 
“It is such an honor to receive this prestigious award and represent the company that I founded almost two decades ago,” said Dan Devine. “We have a passion for the business of higher education. We exist to satisfy students’ demands for innovative learning options while ensuring that university standards, tradition, identity, and integrity are not only preserved, but enhanced.”

The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year awards celebrate their 24th anniversary this year.  The program honors entrepreneurs who have demonstrated exceptionality in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.

As a Florida award recipient, Mr. Devine is now eligible for consideration for the Ernst & Young LLP Entrepreneur Of The Year 2010 national program.  Award winners in several national categories, as well as the overall national Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year award winner, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, California, on November 13, 2010.  The awards are the culminating event of the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum, the nation’s most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.

Sponsors
Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year awards are pleased to have the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and SAP America as national sponsors.

Florida sponsors include Bowne, Carlton Fields, Fifth Third Bank, RFB Communications Group, Smart Business Network and Tribridge.

About Compass Knowledge Group

Since 1993, Compass Knowledge Group has partnered with prominent, traditional universities to help them plan, implement, and operate successful online academic programs. Compass provides the entire complement of online learning support services – including market research, program marketing, student recruitment, instructional design and technology, student retention support, faculty training and support, technical helpdesk, and online bookstore — enabling their partners to concentrate on delivering high-quality academics. Compass’ success is based on a history of predictable performance that far exceeds industry standards.

About Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Of The Year® Awards Program
Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Of The Year® is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The award makes a difference through the unique way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 135 cities in 50 countries.

Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young LLP is a client-serving member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited located in the U.S.

The new site is a valuable resource for universities seeking information on how to be successful in online learning. Included are the six definitions of success that identify the outcomes universities should expect from their online programs, and the chain of activities that maps out the steps necessary to achieve that success. Because much of the website features rich, personal stories told by Compass Knowledge’s university partners, the new site is also a valuable source of encouragement for institutions considering entering the distance learning market.

“As a services provider to prominent, traditional universities, Compass Knowledge is the gold standard,” said Daniel J. Devine, founder and CEO of Compass Knowledge Group. “Evidence of this level of excellence can be found in the resources we provide our university partners and the industry, including our new website, our highly intelligent and motivated staff, and the success stories that grow out of our lasting university partnerships.”

Also included on the new site is a series of articles that stretch across three primary themes: the business side of online learning, what universities should expect from their online programs, and organizational and foundational issues that arise when implementing online learning programs.

About Compass Knowledge Group

Since 1993, Compass Knowledge Group has partnered with prominent, traditional universities to help them plan, implement and operate successful online academic programs. Compass provides the entire complement of online learning support services – including market research, program marketing, student recruitment, instructional design and technology, student retention support, faculty training and support, technical helpdesk, and online bookstore — enabling their partners to concentrate on delivering high-quality academics. Compass’ success is based on a history of predictable performance that far exceeds industry standards.

“Entrepreneurship begins with inspiration and matures through hard work and a dedication to making your business ideas a reality,” says Dan Devine. “Compass Knowledge Group began almost two decades ago with the goal of bringing superior higher education opportunities to working professionals. By following our service standards of integrity, courtesy, quality, and efficiency we have developed into an industry leader and a model for entrepreneurial success. I’m proud of the accomplishments of CKG and to be nominated for Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year.”

The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year awards program celebrates its 24^th anniversary this year.  The program has expanded to recognize business leaders in over 135 cities in 50 countries throughout the world.

Regional award winners are eligible for consideration for the Ernst & Young LLP Entrepreneur Of The Year national program.  Award winners in several national categories, as well as the overall national Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year award winner, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, California on November 13, 2010.  The awards are the culminating event of the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum, the nation’s most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.

About Compass Knowledge Group

Since 1993, Compass Knowledge Group has partnered with prominent, traditional universities to help them plan, implement, and operate successful online academic programs. Compass provides the entire complement of online learning support services – including market research, program marketing, student recruitment, instructional design and technology, student retention support, faculty training and support, technical helpdesk, and online bookstore — enabling their partners to concentrate on delivering high-quality academics. Compass’ success is based on a history of predictable performance that far exceeds industry standards.

About Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Of The Year® Awards Program

Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Of The Year® is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The award makes a difference through the unique way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 135 cities in 50 countries.

Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young LLP is a client-serving member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited located in the U.S.

Sponsors
Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year awards are
pleased to have the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and SAP America as national sponsors.

Florida sponsors include Bowne, Carlton Fields, Fifth Third Bank, RFB Communications Group, Smart Business Network and Tribridge.

ORLANDO, Fla. – (May, 2010) – The University of Cincinnati (UC) has extended its partnership with Compass Knowledge Group, the expert provider of distance learning services, by renewing the Educational Leadership principal licensure program and launching two new degrees with concentrations as part of the online Masters of Education program..

The Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction and the Master of Education in Special Education programs offer exciting new online curriculum options for students interested in maximizing their professional contributions in education-related careers.

Recognized as having one of the most innovative teacher education programs in the country, UC offers students an opportunity to learn and benefit from each other through the convenience and community of online learning.

The Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction offers multiple concentrations, including: General Studies, Gifted, Math Specialist, National Board Certification Preparation, Reading Specialist, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), TESOL, and Teacher Leadership. Students within these concentrations will learn to plan, develop, implement and evaluate instructional programs to educate K-12 students.

The Master of Education in Special Education challenges students to motivate developing children and accept their differences as they educate. UC’s unique cohort-based curriculum allows students to network with other teachers who seek the challenge and reward of working among students with disabilities. Degree-seeking students will gain an understanding of the behavioral, social, and academic development of special education students, which leads to more effective interaction and greater learning opportunity. This degree will give special education teachers the ability to improve and enhance their skills, as well as allow those teachers who may want to go into special education the opportunity to do so.

“These new degrees provide opportunities for existing teachers to improve their performance in the classroom. By connecting students with a dynamic community of dedicated professors, accessible research, and a devoted student support team, the programs help transform teachers into leaders.” said Dr. Lawrence Johnson, Dean of the College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services at UC.

“Quality is as important to us as it is to the universities we partner with,” said Dr. Gloria Pickar, Compass Knowledge Group President and Chief Academic Officer. “We work together to deliver online programs that not only provide students with an exceptional degree but an enhanced student experience. Students enrolled in the Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction and the Master of Education in Special Education programs will have a unique opportunity to earn their degree in a way that leverages the strengths of traditional programs with new online technologies and time-tested philosophies.”

About Compass Knowledge Group, LLC
Since 1993, Compass Knowledge Group has partnered with prominent, traditional universities to help them plan, implement and operate successful online academic programs. Compass provides the entire complement of online learning support services – including market research, program marketing, student recruitment, instructional design and technology, student retention support, faculty training and support, technical helpdesk, and online bookstore — enabling their partners to concentrate on delivering high-quality academics. Compass’ success is based on a history of predictable performance that far exceeds industry standards.

About University of Cincinnati
THE UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI, A FOUNDATION FOR EXCELLENCE
The University of Cincinnati, Ohio’s premier urban research university traces its origins to 1819, the year in which Cincinnati College and the Medical College of Ohio were chartered. In 1870, the City of Cincinnati established the University of Cincinnati, which later absorbed the earlier institutions. In 1906, the University of Cincinnati created the first cooperative education program in the United States.
For many years, the University of Cincinnati was the second oldest and second largest municipal university in the country. In 1968, UC became a “municipally sponsored, state-affiliated” institution, entering a transitional period culminating on July 1, 1977 when UC joined the university system of Ohio. Today, the University of Cincinnati is classified as a Research University (Very High Research Activity) by the Carnegie Commission, and is ranked as one of America’s top public research universities by the National Science Foundation.
The School of Education resides within the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services and has more than 50 full-time faculty members. All programs in the School of Education meet the rigorous accreditation standards of the State of Ohio and National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education* (NCATE).

*NCATE-2010 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 500 Washington DC 20036-1023 phone: (202) 466-7496 fax: (202) 296-6620 Web site: www.ncate.org

The presentation analyzed hybrid programs of national scope from possibly four universities, including the University of Cincinnati, the University of Florida, the University of New England, and Boston University. It also included a description of the pedagogical planning that went into each program to ensure mission, regulatory, academic, and social needs were met.

“This presentation gave insights into hybrid programs and what it takes for them to be successful,” said Suzanne Powers, senior higher education consultant. “Compass Knowledge Group, as the pioneer in online learning, was pleased to give this presentation and also be a Coast-to-Coast Diamond Sponsor of the conference.”

The Conference and Workshop: The Promise and Practice of Blended Learning, offered in partnership with the University of Illinois at Chicago, provided the opportunity for administrative leaders, faculty members, instructional designers and researchers to discover and share effective practices in blended learning.

The presentation was be given on Monday, April 19th, 2010 at 1:00 pm during the Academic Planning/Institutional Strategies presentation track.

About Compass Knowledge Group www.compassknowledge.com
Since 1993, Compass Knowledge Group has partnered with prominent, traditional universities to help them plan, implement, and operate successful online academic programs. Compass provides the entire complement of online learning support services – including market research, program marketing, student recruitment, instructional design and technology, student retention support, faculty training and support, technical helpdesk, and online bookstore — enabling their partners to concentrate on delivering high-quality academics. Compass’ success is based on a history of predictable performance that far exceeds industry standards.

About the Sloan Consortium www.sloan-c.org
The Sloan Consortium (Sloan-C) is an institutional and professional leadership organization dedicated to integrating online education into the mainstream of higher education, helping institutions and individual educators improve the quality, scale, and breadth of online education. Sloan-C supports the collaborative sharing of knowledge and effective practices to improve online education in learning effectiveness, access, affordability for learners and providers, and student and faculty satisfaction.

Membership in the Sloan Consortium provides knowledge, practice, community, and direction for educators. Originally funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Sloan-C is now a non-profit, member sustained organization. Join with Sloan-C to lead higher education in meeting social needs for affordable access, quality innovations, and teaching and learning excellence.

The conference is the largest single gathering of higher education professionals who develop, implement, and promote professional and continuing education and online learning in the United States and beyond. The UCEA 95th Annual Conference Leading Innovation in Higher Education provides a unique opportunity to explore the role of continuing education as an innovative engine in higher education.

“Compass Knowledge is proud to be a Gold Sponsor and to give this presentation with our academic partner,” said Fred Snow, senior higher education consultant. “The MS in Health Informatics program at the University of Illinois at Chicago is a great example of how traditional universities can successfully launch their programs online to students around the world with tremendous financial success that can benefit the entire University.”

“We partnered with Compass in December of 2007, and since then we have grown from 27 students to over 200 at the beginning of the 2010 winter/spring semester. We always knew we had a great graduate degree program, but we didn’t quite know how to get it out there and how to attract qualified applicants and convert them into students.” said Larry Pawola, clinical associate professor and interim head. “The success of our distance learning program really benefits the University as a whole, and a portion of our revenues support distance education throughout the campus.”

The presentation will be given on Friday, April 9th, 2010 from 10:45 am – 12:00 pm during the concurrent sessions.

About Compass Knowledge Group

www.compassknowledge.com
Since 1993, Compass Knowledge Group has partnered with prominent, traditional universities to help them plan, implement, and operate successful online academic programs. Compass provides the entire complement of online learning support services – including market research, program marketing, student recruitment, instructional design and technology, student retention support, faculty training and support, technical helpdesk, and online bookstore — enabling their partners to concentrate on delivering high-quality academics. Compass’ success is based on a history of predictable performance that far exceeds industry standards.

About the UIC College of Applied Health Sciences

www.healthinformatics.uic.edu
The College of Applied Health Sciences (CAHS) at the University of Illinois at Chicago is located in the heart of the University’s Health Sciences campus just west of Chicago’s downtown area. The College was established in 1979 and offers baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees, including online bachelor’s degree completion, online master’s degree programs and online post-master’s degree certificate programs in Health Informatics and Health Information Management.

About University Continuing Education Association

www.ucea.edu
In today’s fast-paced, rapidly changing environment, the University Continuing Education Association serves as an important resource to the profession. Its members (public and private accredited, degree-granting colleges and universities) rely on the Association for timely, cross-disciplinary perspectives on pressing concerns as well as for strategies that can help them respond to the growing population of adults and non-traditional students seeking continuous learning opportunities.

“Distance learning programs enable universities to extend their reach and generate new tuition revenue,” said Dan Devine, Compass Knowledge Group’s Founder and CEO. “Working with Ohio University on these two programs will allow them to continue their mission in ways that will make a tremendous impact on their students and the field of athletics.”

Athletic professionals seeking advancement in the field of interscholastic sports will benefit from the Athletic Administration graduate program. Nationally respected Ohio University has created a flexible, online program that equips professionals with the skills necessary to lead highly effective athletic programs. Students completing this program are prepared to take the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) Certified Athletic Administrator certification exam.

The Coaching Education graduate program uniquely prepares coaches for success by improving their ability to use leading-edge motivational and instructional techniques to propel an athlete forward. Convenient, online classes work in conjunction with a high intensity summer residency where students work with some of the nation’s top coaches.

The partnership between Compass Knowledge Group and Ohio University facilitates offering the two programs to a wider group of students, according to Charles Bird, Ph.D., vice provost for university outreach.

“The Coaching Education and Athletic Administration programs are both high quality, successful programs, but we have been limited to serving only a small number of students through our existing delivery methods,” Bird said. “By partnering with Compass Knowledge Group to provide technical and marketing expertise we are able to expand our ability to offer and deliver these well respected academic programs to a much broader group of professionals who wish to pursue a degree and excel in the fields of athletic administration or coaching education, but are unable to attend a traditional campus program.”

About Compass Knowledge Group

Since 1993, Compass Knowledge Group has partnered with prominent, traditional universities to help them plan, implement and operate successful online academic programs. Compass provides the entire complement of online learning support services – including market research, program marketing, student recruitment, instructional design and technology, student retention support, faculty training and support, technical helpdesk, and online bookstore — enabling their partners to concentrate on delivering high-quality academics. Compass’ success is based on a history of predictable performance that far exceeds industry standards.

About Ohio University

Established in 1804, Ohio University is the oldest public institution of higher learning in the state of Ohio and the first in the Northwest Territory. Ohio University has been cited for academic quality and value by such publications as U.S. News and World Report, America’s 100 Best College Buys, Princeton Review’s Best Colleges, and Peterson’s Guide to Competitive Colleges. The John Templeton Foundation has also recognized Ohio University as one of the top character-building institutions in the country. Ohio University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

The MA in Art Education is for practicing art educators who want to improve their teaching skills, artists who have a desire to teach in K-12 classrooms, and artists or educators who view art education as a vehicle for affecting social and cultural change. The program emphasizes contemporary art and art education issues in developing art teachers who are uniquely positioned to thrive in the varied 21st century learning environments, in part by leveraging the power of digital media to enable creative and innovative art education.

“Our students will be engaged in a high-tech, high-touch educational environment, with rich studio experiences in traditional and digital media. Without compromising the traditional humanity of art making, our graduates will empower students to express themselves in ways not possible before,“ said Professor Craig Roland of the University of Florida.

“Our online learning services, partnered with UF’s high quality academics, allow artists and art educators to earn their master’s degree while they continue working,“ said Dan Devine, Compass Knowledge Group’s Founder and CEO. “Technology plays an important role in the delivery of educational opportunities. Online course delivery takes away geographical boundaries and enables faculty to deliver high quality instruction to students worldwide,“ he added.

Students enrolled the UF online Master of Arts in Art Education program improve their professional knowledge and skills by staying current with new technology and pedagogical practices while engaged in their respective classrooms. For those candidates interested in teaching in Florida’s K-12 schools, the UF Master of Arts in Art Education program also offers the Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) track, which prepares individuals for eligibility to receive Florida K-12 art teacher certification as well as pursue careers in states with reciprocity agreements.

The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Additionally, the Art Education program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

About Compass Knowledge Group

Since 1993, Compass Knowledge Group has partnered with prominent, traditional universities to help them plan, implement and operate successful online academic programs. Compass provides the entire complement of online learning support services – including market research, program marketing, student recruitment, instructional design and technology, student retention support, faculty training and support, technical helpdesk, and online bookstore — enabling their partners to concentrate on delivering high-quality academics. Compass’ success is based on a history of predictable performance that far exceeds industry standards.

About The University of Florida

The University of Florida (UF) is a major, public, comprehensive, land-grant, research university. The state’s oldest, largest and most comprehensive university, UF is among the nation’s most academically diverse public universities. UF has a long history of established programs in international education, research and service. With an enrollment approaching 50,000 students annually, UF is home to 16 colleges and more than 150 research centers and institutes. It is one of only 17 public, land-grant universities that belong to the Association of American Universities.