Mark Arnold Appointed as Next President of Rasmussen University

Rhea-AI Summary

Rasmussen University has appointed Mark Arnold as its new President, effective January 22, 2025. Arnold, who brings over 20 years of executive leadership experience in healthcare and mission-driven organizations, succeeds Paula Singer, who will transition to the University's Board of Directors as Vice Chair. Arnold previously served as CEO of Nystrom & Associates, where he expanded operations from 16 to 50+ locations across four states.

The University currently educates more than 14,500 students across 20 campuses in six states and online. As a national leader in nursing education, Rasmussen offers comprehensive programs from Practical Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice, along with 15 health science programs and over 50 online degree programs in various fields.

The appointment coincides with Rasmussen's 125th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in the institution's history of providing career-focused education since its 1900 founding in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Positive

• Significant leadership experience with proven track record of expansion (16 to 50+ locations at Nystrom)
• Strong healthcare industry background aligns with university's focus on nursing education
• Large existing student base of 14,500 across 20 campuses
• Diverse program portfolio with 60+ career-focused programs

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• None.

Experienced healthcare leader to guide Rasmussen University as it begins its 125th year.

MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rasmussen University is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Arnold as its next President, effective January 22, 2025. Arnold succeeds Paula Singer, who will transition to the Rasmussen University Board of Directors as Vice Chair and Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee.

Mark Arnold—a Minnesota native—brings more than 20 years of executive leadership experience in healthcare and mission-driven organizations. Most recently, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of outpatient mental health provider Nystrom & Associates, where he successfully expanded operations from 16 to over 50 locations across four states, serving nearly 100,000 patients annually. His previous roles include Chief Operating Officer and Chief Development Officer at Rayus Radiology (formerly Center for Diagnostic Imaging), helping the organization grow from 55 to over 120 diagnostic imaging centers in 22 states, and senior healthcare research analyst at Piper Sandler. Arnold's extensive background also includes leadership roles at 3M Company and as a healthcare management consultant.

Matthew Yale, Rasmussen University's Board Chair, highlighted the significance of Arnold's appointment. "We are thrilled to welcome Mark Arnold as the next President of Rasmussen University. His extensive healthcare experience and proven leadership in mission-driven organizations make him uniquely qualified to lead Rasmussen during a time of tremendous opportunity. We are well-positioned to help expand opportunities for students in fields such as nursing, early childhood education, business, and law enforcement, continuing our mission to empower students and strengthen communities."

Mr. Yale continued, "I would also like to thank Paula Singer for her exceptional leadership over the past two years. Her dedication has equipped Rasmussen for sustainable growth, and I look forward to guiding the University alongside her on the Rasmussen Board."

Rasmussen University educates more than 14,500 students across 20 campuses in six states and online. It is a national leader in nursing education, offering a full nursing education ladder—from Practical Nursing (PN) to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)—and 15 health science and healthcare administration programs. The University collaborates with health systems nationwide to transform the relationship between healthcare education and employment. Additionally, Rasmussen's more than 50 fully online degree programs in business, technology, design, and social services support the growing demand for accessible and personalized career-focused education.

This year, Rasmussen University celebrates a 125-year legacy of opportunity. Since its beginning in 1900 in St. Paul, Minnesota, Rasmussen has helped create a path to success for students and provided unwavering support along the way—especially to those underrepresented, underserved and underestimated by traditional higher education.

Mr. Arnold shared his excitement about joining Rasmussen University during its 125th anniversary year. "Rasmussen's 125-year legacy of creating opportunities for students and transforming lives and communities is truly inspiring. Its strong foundation in healthcare education aligns well with my professional experience and personal commitment to making a difference. This is a pivotal time to expand opportunities in career-focused fields that address critical workforce needs. I am honored to lead Rasmussen into its next chapter and collaborate with the exceptional faculty, staff, and students who bring its mission to life every day."

For more information about Rasmussen University and its more than 60 career-focused programs available online and across its 20 campuses, please visit https://www.rasmussen.edu/.

ABOUT RASMUSSEN UNIVERSITY:
Rasmussen University, a university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (www.hlcommission.org), is dedicated to changing lives and the communities it serves through innovative educational programs. As a pioneer in career-focused education since 1900, the University is defining a new generation of higher education that focuses on competency-based education, technology and transferable skills. Rasmussen offers undergraduate and graduate programs online and in person at 20 campuses around the country. The University is designed to lift and support its students every step of the way, from each student's first credential to their last. Rasmussen is dedicated to global enrichment, serving the underserved and meeting the evolving needs of diverse students, communities and economies. Rasmussen encourages its students, faculty and staff to strive for academic excellence, community enrichment and service to the public good. Rasmussen is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (Nasdaq: APEI). For more information about Rasmussen University, please visit www.rasmussen.edu.

ABOUT AMERICAN PUBLIC EDUCATION, INC.:
American Public Education, Inc. (Nasdaq: APEI), through its institutions American Public University System (APUS), Rasmussen University, Hondros College of Nursing and Graduate School USA (GSUSA) provides education that transforms lives, advances careers, and improves communities.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS:
Statements made in this press release regarding APEI or its subsidiaries that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements based on current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about APEI and the industry. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "anticipate," "believe," "seek," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "should," "will," "would," and similar words or their opposites. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the APEI's future path, expected growth, registration and enrollments, revenues, income and adjusted EBITDA and EBITDA, capital expenditures, the growth and profitability of Rasmussen University and plans with respect to recent, current and future initiatives.

Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, risks related to: APEI's failure to comply with regulatory and accrediting agency requirements, including the "90/10 Rule", and to maintain institutional accreditation and the impacts of any actions APEI may take to prevent or correct such failure; APEI's dependence on the effectiveness of its ability to attract students who persist in its institutions' programs; changing market demands;  declines in enrollments at APEI's subsidiaries; the enactment of legislation that adversely impacts APEI or its subsidiaries; APEI's inability to effectively market its institutions' programs; APEI's inability to maintain strong relationships with the military and maintain course registrations and enrollments from military students; the loss or disruption of APEI's ability to receive funds under tuition assistance programs or the reduction, elimination, or suspension of tuition assistance; adverse effects of changes APEI makes to improve the student experience and enhance the ability to identify and enroll students who are likely to succeed; APEI's need to successfully adjust to future market demands by updating existing programs and developing new programs; APEI's loss of eligibility to participate in Title IV programs or ability to process Title IV financial aid; economic and market conditions and changes in interest rates; difficulties involving acquisitions; APEI's indebtedness and preferred stock; APEI's dependence on and the need to continue to invest in its technology infrastructure, including with respect to third-party vendors; the inability to recognize the anticipated benefits of APEI's cost savings and revenue generating efforts; APEI's ability to manage and limit its exposure to bad debt; and the various risks described in the "Risk Factors" section and elsewhere in APEI's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and in other filings with the SEC. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. APEI undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason, unless required by law, even if new information becomes available or other events occur in the future.

Contact: Molly Andersen
Mobile: 903.920.4366
Email: molly.andersen@rasmussen.edu

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SOURCE Rasmussen University; American Public Education, Inc.

FAQ

When does Mark Arnold start as Rasmussen University's new President?

Mark Arnold starts as Rasmussen University's President on January 22, 2025.

What is Mark Arnold's previous experience before joining Rasmussen University?

Mark Arnold was previously CEO of Nystrom & Associates, where he expanded operations from 16 to over 50 locations. He also served as COO and CDO at Rayus Radiology, and held roles at 3M Company and Piper Sandler.

How many campuses does Rasmussen University currently operate?

Rasmussen University operates 20 campuses across six states, plus online programs.

What is Rasmussen University's current student enrollment?

Rasmussen University currently educates more than 14,500 students.

How many degree programs does Rasmussen University offer online?

Rasmussen University offers more than 50 fully online degree programs.