Rasmussen College partners with Chicago AUSL program to offer free college credit to high school students

Students at The Chicago Academy High School can now earn college credit online through the Academy for Urban School Leadership (AUSL) and a new, unprecedented relationship with Rasmussen College. Beginning in the fall of 2009, 32 Chicago Academy seniors will have the opportunity to enroll in entry-level college courses for dual high school and college credit through the school’s partnership with Rasmussen College

The program is being offered free of charge by Rasmussen College to the Academy for Urban School Leadership (AUSL), a not-for-profit that partners with Chicago Public Schools to transform chronically underperforming schools. The Chicago Academy is one of 14 AUSL-run Chicago schools.

“Rasmussen is excited about contributing to the effort which allows every student the opportunity to excel, even beyond the high school level,” said Rasmussen president Kristi Waite, “by giving them a leg up on their college education.”

Rasmussen College breaks ground on Mokena campus

Rasmussen College officials broke ground on the site for the newest Rasmussen campus in Mokena, Illinois.

The Mokena Messenger covered the event, remarking on how Rasmussen would bring educational opportunities to the Mokena area.

“We don’t get to have many groundbreakings in this economy, so I’m glad we can do this now,” said Michael Locke, Rasmussen CEO. “I’m happy to say that our students have a high rate of employment after they graduate from Rasmussen.”

Rasmussen College’s Green Bay campus is visited by Senator Dave Hansen

Rasmussen College’s Green Bay campus hosted Wisconsin State Senator Dave Hansen on Monday, November 9.

The Senator visited the college’s School of Allied Health to generate awareness about a new state bill that will require statewide education, testing and accountability for all massage and bodywork therapists. The Hansen/Berceau 2009-10 Massage Licensing Bill will ensure all massage therapy and bodywork therapy professionals meet the proposed state standards for education and training.

“As one of the few colleges in the Green Bay area that offers an Associate’s Degree in massage therapy, Rasmussen College is happy to welcome Senator Hansen to our campus to demonstrate the importance proper training has for professionals in this field,” said Scott Borley, Campus Director, Rasmussen College Green Bay.

Mankato Campus approved for Professional Nursing program

The Minnesota Board of Nursing has approved the Associate’s in Professional Nursing degree program, offered through the Rasmussen College School of Nursing at its Mankato, Minnesota campus.

The Mankato nursing program is designed to prepare students to sit for the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurses) exam, which is required in order to obtain a Minnesota nursing license and practice as a registered nurse.

“Professional Nurses are the largest group of healthcare workers in the United States,” explained Rasmussen College Campus Director John Pappas. “Our Associate’s in Professional Nursing degree will help alleviate the dire need for board-approved training programs for incoming nursing professionals.”

The Professional Nursing program is the second nursing degree offered through the Rasmussen College School of Nursing. The college also offers a Practical Nursing degree program.

Mankato campus enrollment climbing; students enroll in new program to start in 2010

The enrollment at Rasmussen College’s Mankato campus is steadily climbing, and the college is adding several new programs to meet the needs of the students, according to the Mankato Free Press.

The president of the Mankato campus, John Pappas, said that the campus has seen a 10 percent increase in student enrollment this year. A vast majority of the student enroll in the nursing program, which is the major program expanding at the Mankato campus.

The campus will be the first of its kind to offer a two-year registered nursing degree. According to the Mankato Free Press, the program will begin enrolling students in January for the program’s opening in April 2010.

 

1. The enrollment at Rasmussen College’s Mankato campus is steadily climbing, and the college is adding several new programs to meet the needs of the students, according to the Mankato Free Press.

The president of the Mankato campus, John Pappas, said that the campus has seen a 10 percent increase in student enrollment this year. A vast majority of the student enroll in the nursing program, which is the major program expanding at the Mankato campus.

The campus will be the first of its kind to offer a two-year registered nursing degree. According to the Mankato Free Press, the program will begin enrolling students in January for the program’s opening in April 2010.

Rasmussen Faculty Spotlight – Cassandra Pinnell

Cassandra Pinnell serves as the Program Coordinator for the Medical Assisting Program at the Ocala campus, a position she has held since July 2008. Born and raised in Syracuse, New York, she and her family moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, in May of 2001. Cassandra holds an Associates of Science in Medical Assisting from Bryant and Stratton College (formerly Technical Institute) and she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management from the University of Phoenix in January of 2009. Her next goal? To complete a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration within the next few years.

Cassandra taught as an adjunct for Rasmussen prior to becoming the Program Coordinator. She has been a leader in setting standards and high expectations for Ocala Allied Health students. She is available and helpful, and the Ocala Medical Assisting students have excelled under her guidance and direction.

Rasmussen Board of Directors member recognized by Daniel H. Burnham award dinner

The 18th annual Daniel H. Burnham award dinner honored John A. Canning, Jr., the Chairman of Madison Dearborn Partners, LLC., and member of the Rasmussen College, Inc., Board of Directors on Thursday, November 5.

According to an article by the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, “The Daniel H. Burnham Award is presented annually by the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce to a business leader who best embodies the Burnham philosophy of ‘make no little plans.’”

Canning currently serves on several Boards of Directors, including Exelon Corporation, Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, TransUnion Corp., and Children’s Inner City Educational Fund.

Rasmussen Faculty Spotlight – Donna Carignan

In 1998, Donna Carignan began her career with the Ocala Campus of then-Webster College as the instructor for the travel program. She herself earned an MA in Business from Webster University in 2001, and has since then she has served as full-time faculty teaching in the School of Business.

Donna was also very involved in the creation of the first bachelor program for Webster College, and she held the position of Baccalaureate Program Coordinator from 2002—2004. She began teaching online for Rasmussen College in 2005, and is currently a member of the Assessment Task Force.

Before teaching at Webster/Rasmussen, Donna worked as a travel agent and an elementary school teacher (she taught third grade). When she isn’t working, she loves to travel. She has been to many countries in Europe, as well as China, Canada, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Alaska, and many places within the continental U.S. Donna also enjoys walking, biking, and playing the piano and accordion in her spare time.

Rasmussen graduate bakes business plan for success

A Rasmussen College graduate, Nick Wheeler, was profiled in an article in the Worthington Daily Globe.

Wheeler began his company, Wheeler Bread, after taking business classes at Rasmussen College. Wheeler is now a local celebrity in his hometown of Worthington, Minn. He now sells his creations in three locations around the Worthington area.

Rasmussen College attends Career Literacy Seminar

Representatives from Rasmussen College were at the Career Literacy Seminar hosted by the Plainfield South High School Student Services Department.

The seminar allowed high school students and parents to meet with college representatives to get their questions answered and get more information on each college that was represented.

“For today’s students, it is more than just going to college,” Natalie Kleefisch, a Plainfield South counselor, said in an interview with the Plainfield Sun. “The students need to come out with the skills and resources to find jobs.”