MARION – Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) has received board of trustee approval to acquire 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.
