Capella University - History

History

What is now Capella University was established in 1991 by Dr. Harold Abel and Stephen Shank, former CEO of Tonka, who believed adults were an academically underserved population by traditional universities.

In 1993, Abel, a former president of three universities, became the first president of the Graduate School of America. This school was later renamed Capella University.

In April 1996, Capella (at the time TGSA - the Graduate School of America), launched its website and online program developed by Steve Arakawa (Webmaster and course developer), under the direction of Bruce Francis (President).

In 1997, Capella University received regional accreditation.

In 1999, the parent company and university were renamed to Capella Education Company and Capella University, respectively.

In 2000, the Capella University began to offer bachelor's degree programs for the first time.

In 2006, Capella Education Company became a publicly traded company (NASDAQ: CPLA).

In 2007, Capella was named one of 86 higher education institutions in the United States to have received the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education (CAEIAE) designation by the National Security Agency (NSA). The designation is valid for the academic years 2007 through 2012.

In March 2008, Capella Education Co., longtime occupant of the 225 South Sixth skyscraper in downtown Minneapolis, signed a new lease that expanded its office and renamed the building Capella Tower. The building houses all of the company's 1,150 downtown Minneapolis administrative staff.

In 2009, The Project Management Institute (PMI) Global Accreditation Center for Project Management (GAC) accredited two Capella University online degree programs: the MS in Information Technology with a specialization in Project Management; and the BS in Information Technology with a specialization in Project Management.

In 2009, Capella launched its School of Public Service Leadership.

In 2010, Capella, along with three other schools, was awarded the CHEA Award for Outstanding Institutional Practice in Student Learning Outcomes by The Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

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