Kaplan Higher Education Acquires Andover College
Maine School is Kaplan’s First in State; Acquisition Expands Campus Network to 72 Locations in 17 States
New York, NY, February 3, 2005 – Kaplan, Inc. today announced that its higher education division has acquired Andover College, an associate degree granting post-secondary institution with locations in Portland and Lewiston, Maine. The acquisition marks Kaplan’s first higher education school in the state and expands the company’s campuses to 72 locations in 17 states.
“We were attracted to Andover by its breadth of educational offerings, quality programs in growing fields such as allied health and criminal justice, and strong ties to the Portland and Lewiston communities,” said Gary Kerber, Vice Chairman of Kaplan, Inc. and President & CEO of Kaplan Higher Education Corporation. “We’re excited about providing the community with the high-quality education programs and resources they need to achieve their career goals.”
The Lee Jenkins family has owned Andover College for most of its 38-year history. Mark Jenkins, current owner, believes the sale of the school to Kaplan will "enable Andover College to expand career development opportunities to more students in Portland and Lewiston and enhance its contribution to the economic development of Maine communities.”
“Kaplan Higher Education Corporation has proven that its institutions offer a quality educational experience through programs that develop individual career skills and provide a flexible schedule required by adult learners,” Jenkins continued. “As a Kaplan institution, Andover can strengthen its role in helping Maine achieve its state-wide higher education goals and economic growth."
Andover College offers associate’s degrees in Accounting, Business Administration, Office Administration, Computer Technology, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, Medical Assisting, Paralegal Studies and Travel & Hospitality Management. In addition, Andover College awards certificates in Accounting, Administrative Assistant, Early Childhood Education, Medical Transcription, Paralegal, Travel & Hospitality Management. Day and evening classes are structured so that most students are able to work full-time and part-time jobs while attending school.
Founded in 1967 as the Andover Institute of Business, Andover College enrolls nearly 700 students today. Andover College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and was the first school of its kind in Maine to receive this accreditation. The college is the recipient of numerous community service awards and participates in the nationally-recognized Service Learning program. The main campus in Portland is located at 901 Washington Avenue, Portland, ME 04103. A second campus located at 475 Lisbon Street, Lewiston, ME 04240 opened in March 2004. To contact Andover College, call 1-800-639-3110 or visit the website at www.andovercollege.edu
For those who qualify, financial assistance at the school is available through Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, and the Federal Family Educational Loan Programs.
About Kaplan Higher Education
The higher education division of Kaplan, Inc. includes 72 campuses in 17 states, as well as online programs. Kaplan Higher Education offers certificate, bachelor and associate degree programs designed to provide students with the skills necessary to qualify them for employment in fields such as healthcare, business, information technology, technology, fashion and design. Kaplan, which has been helping people achieve their goals for nearly 70 years, provides educational and career services to students, schools, professionals and businesses worldwide. Kaplan is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO). For more information about Kaplan, please visit www.kaplan.com.