University History
In 1992, stephen shank, former CEO of tonka Corporation, provided the vision, leadership, and a portion of the initial funding for the incorporation of a distance-learning institution. Mr. shank observed that adults were underserved by traditional universities for several reasons. Most significantly, attending classes is difficult or impossible for working adults due to employment and family obligations, and traditional curriculum often does not correspond with the professional goals of mature adults. He envisioned a barrierfree university that people could attend from remote locations such as their homes. the Graduate school of America (tGsA), eventually to become Capella University, was soon established.
In 1993, Dr. Harold Abel, an experienced leader in higher education and a former president of three universities, joined Mr. shank to serve as founding president and academic leader of the Graduate school of America (tGsA).
In 1997, during the presidency of Dr. Bruce Francis, tGsA was accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and became a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and schools (NCA). the university’s accreditation was reaffirmed by the HLC in 2008.
In 2001, Dr. Michael Offerman, formerly a leader within the University of Wisconsin system, became president of Capella University. today, Capella University offers certificates and bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees across its five schools.
The undergraduate learning experience was enhanced by a reorganization of schools in 2004 to form the school of Undergraduate studies and the school of Business and technology in addition to the existing schools of Education, Human services, and the Harold Abel school of Psychology.
In 2009, to better meet the professional needs of its learners in public service fields, Capella formed a new school—the school of Public service Leadership.
Capella’s most recent school addition, the Harold Abel school of social and Behavioral sciences, was established in 2010. the former school of Human services and the former Harold Abel school of Psychology moved into the new school as the Department of Counseling and the Department of Psychology, respectively.
Accreditation
Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), www.ncahlc.org.
Contact Information
USA toll-free: 1.866.283.7921
Canada toll-free: 1.866.734.5934
International: 1.612.339.8650
Fax: 1.612.977.5060
Capella University
Capella Tower
225 South 6th Street, 9th Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55402
See Also
Capellar University - Program by Profession
Capellar University - Online University Review