Lindenwood University and Dorsey College Will Continue to Operate as Separate Education Institutions
Lindenwood Education System, the non-profit parent entity of Lindenwood University, has completed its acquisition of Dorsey College, a nationally accredited institution that provides career-focused education in the healthcare, skilled trades, culinary arts, emergency medical services, and beauty and wellness fields. Lindenwood Education System is now the parent organization of both Dorsey College and its existing Lindenwood University, a regionally accredited university with a 190-year history and more than 75,000 alumni.
Under Lindenwood Education System, Dorsey College and Lindenwood University will operate as separate education institutions, and Dorsey will maintain its name and career-focused programs. Lindenwood University will continue as a regionally accredited, NCAA Division I, liberal arts college offering on-campus and online education.
“This is a historic moment for both institutions which have a shared vision for providing learner-centric education,” said Dr. John Porter, president and CEO of both Lindenwood Education System and Lindenwood University. “A key part of our strategy is to expand into the ‘just-in-time’ learner space, and Dorsey’s 89-year history of providing exceptional career-focused education is a perfect fit.”
Dorsey is the oldest career college in Michigan serving more than 1,800 students across eight campuses in the state. The college offers more than 20 programs and certificates running from six to 24 months in length. It is also Michigan’s largest educator of practical nurse and emergency medical service graduates. Lindenwood University offers 70 undergraduate and 30 graduate programs to more than 7,000 students from all 50 states both on-ground at its 500-acre campus and online.
This is the first step in the plan of the Lindenwood Education System to build a network of schools with complementary educational programs that can provide life-long education leading to career advancement. Immediately following completion of the transaction, Dorsey College will hold tax-exempt status for corporate and tax purposes. In the coming months, Dorsey anticipates pursuing recognition as a non-profit institution of higher education with the U.S. Department of Education.
“This is the natural next step for Dorsey College,” said John Barnes, CEO and president of Dorsey College, who will remain in his leadership role. “We believe our career-focused curriculum and our deep commitment to developing the whole person to promote their long-term success aligns perfectly with Lindenwood’s learner-centric mission. These commitments will only grow stronger as a member of the Lindenwood family.”
The Lindenwood Education System represents an innovative and forward-looking approach to growth in the increasingly competitive higher education market which has seen historic enrollment declines in recent years. “We believe the Lindenwood Education System is the beginning of a new network of schools that will attract students by providing them with a solution for lifelong learning that will enable them to achieve their personal and professional goals,” Porter said.
- For more information about Dorsey College, visit www.dorsey.edu.
- For more information about Lindenwood University, visit www.lindenwood.edu/about.
Inquiries
For general or media inquiries regarding this announcement, contact:
Julee Mitsler
University Spokesperson
Lindenwood University
(636) 949-4913
FAQ - General
What impact will the acquisition have on current Lindenwood University students?
None. Lindenwood University’s parent organization, Lindenwood Education System, is the organization acquiring Dorsey College, not the University. Lindenwood students will be unaffected by the acquisition.
What is the name of the college that has been acquired?
Dorsey College
https://www.dorsey.edu/about-us/
What is the goal of the acquisition?
The acquisition enables Lindenwood to expand its reach into the growing career education sector, diversify its revenue streams, create a comprehensive higher education system that can meet the changing needs of today’s learners, and advance the common educational missions of educating students and preparing them for real-world careers.
How was Dorsey College selected as the college to acquire?
After years of deliberate and thoughtful evaluation and consideration of many other institutions, Dorsey stood out for its student-centered focus and long record of success in educating students.
Will Dorsey College be rebranded under the Lindenwood University name?
No. Both institutions will continue under their respective names and brands.
Will Dorsey College be integrated into Lindenwood University’s existing departments and programs?
No. The two institutions will continue to operate independently with their own accreditations, administration, faculty, staff, students, programs, etc.
Who will manage the newly acquired college?
John Barnes will remain as president and CEO of Dorsey College and will report to Lindenwood Education System president, Dr. John Porter.
Dr. Porter will also continue to serve as the president of Lindenwood University.
Will Dorsey College be under HLC accreditation?
No. Dorsey will continue to operate separately under its current accreditations. Lindenwood will continue to operate separately under its HLC accreditation.
Will Dorsey College students become Lindenwood University students?
No. Dorsey students will not become Lindenwood University students – the institutions are separate entities, although pathways will be explored for qualified Dorsey graduates to continue their educational journeys in Lindenwood University programs.
Are the outcomes listed in the Lindenwood 2026 strategic plan now elevated to the Lindenwood Education System level?
Yes. When we originally launched the Lindenwood 2026 strategic plan in July 2021, we hadn’t envisioned the development of the new system structure. In our next iteration of the strategic plan, which will go live on July 1, we will incorporate the Lindenwood Education System into the plan and show how the strategic outcomes align across the system.
FAQ - Lindenwood Education System
What is the name of Lindenwood University’s non-profit parent organization?
Lindenwood Education System. Lindenwood University, and Dorsey College, are subsidiaries of the parent Lindenwood Education System.
Why was the Lindenwood Education System structure created?
After much consideration, the Lindenwood leadership team and the Board of Trustees approved the adoption of a system corporate structure with operationally separate institutions of higher education for three reasons: 1) to minimize the disruption that can occur during an acquisition, 2) to enable institutions to be acquired and added that may not be to be easily integrated into a single university, (e.g., because of different accreditation or other circumstances), and 3) to help maintain the individual brand and identity of each individual school in the system.
When was the non-profit parent organization formed?
The Lindenwood University non-profit corporation changed its name to Lindenwood Education System in 2023 and the system structure was approved by the Board of Trustees in late 2022.
Who governs the Lindenwood Education System?
The Lindenwood Education System is governed by its Board of Trustees. These same individuals also serve on the board of Lindenwood University and, following the transaction, will serve on the board of Dorsey College.
How is Lindenwood Education System different from Lindenwood University?
Lindenwood Education System is not a degree granting college or university. Its purpose is to create a system of schools that helps enable Lindenwood University, and other system institutions, to flourish and fulfill their common educational missions. Its specific non-profit educational mission includes being organized and operated for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes and to manage, control, operate, direct, establish, build, maintain, promote, or conduct schools, colleges, universities, or other institutions of learning.
Will the Lindenwood Education System acquire any additional schools in the future?
Yes; it is possible. The Board of Trustees and administration carefully consider and evaluate each acquisition opportunity when deciding whether to add schools to the Lindenwood Education System. In addition, any potential acquisition is subject to the approval of various regulators.
Why is Lindenwood Education System acquiring a for-profit?
We were attracted to Dorsey for several reasons. First, we wanted a partner that cares deeply about the success of its students. Dorsey has an amazing 90-year history of being Michigan’s leading career college will a stellar reputation for student success. Second, we wanted a partner that could create a win-win scenario for both institutions. We learned from our regional school superintendents that they are directing nearly 50 percent of their students into career and vocational training after high school. This is a significant part of our customer base. Missionally, we felt it was essential that we extend our reach into this growing market and felt Dorsey provided the perfect fit. Third, we wanted to acquire a well-run organization. Dorsey has a strong culture, excellent operational leadership, and a strong track record of financial responsibility. Finally, there has been a lot of disruption in the career college space and Dorsey has weathered the storm. Many of the large competitors that once dominated Michigan and the Midwest have either left the region or have gone out of business. Dorsey is a brand people trust and has a strong plan for expansion.
FAQ - Lindenwood University Employees
Will there be any changes to my job as a result of the acquisition?
No. Lindenwood University employees will continue to be employed by Lindenwood University and the employees at Dorsey College will continue to be employed by Dorsey. Both schools will continue to be independent institutions and focus on their own operations, students, growth plans and strategies.
Will Lindenwood University faculty teach for Dorsey College?
No. Lindenwood University faculty will continue teaching Lindenwood University students and working for Lindenwood University.
Do Lindenwood University faculty and staff work for Lindenwood University or Lindenwood Education System?
Lindenwood University faculty and staff work will continue to work for Lindenwood University.
Will there be any changes to my employee benefits?
No. Lindenwood University employee benefits will not change from the acquisition or system structure.
Will employees from Dorsey College be joining the Lindenwood University staff?
No. Employees will continue to work at their respective and separate institutions.
Will the acquisition impact Lindenwood University’s budgeting process?
No. Lindenwood University will continue with its normal budgeting process and Dorsey College will continue with its normal budgeting process.
Was the acquisition funded by Lindenwood University’s endowment?
No. Lindenwood University’s endowment was not used to fund the acquisition.
Endowment funds were not disbursed to fund the acquisition. An initial bridge loan was used to finance the acquisition that was secured by certain and limited endowment assets.
