University of Arkansas, Fayetteville Selects Blackboard to Help Expand Online Program

WASHINGTON, April 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The University of Arkansas, located in Fayetteville, has selected Blackboard as its partner to help expand marketing efforts for the institution's online program, the company announced today. The agreement is the latest in a series of Blackboard service partnerships that aim to help institutions expand and grow their online offerings.

Blackboard will help university administrators analyze the marketability of its online degree programs. The goal will be to identify and promote key programs targeted to address unmet demands for flexible degree options in Arkansas and neighboring states. The company will also conduct market research, create branding and communications assets, and develop marketing plans to help the university attract new online students.

"The benefits of robust online education reach beyond the online student," said Dr. Javier Reyes, vice provost for distance education at the University of Arkansas. "Online programs should be a seamless part of the university ecosystem and student experience. We are excited to partner with Blackboard, a trusted and experienced industry leader, to do just that. They have created innovative methodologies and can demonstrate proven success in helping students meet their educational goals."

"Students must know about the university's online programs before they can benefit from them," continued Reyes. "We trust that Blackboard will provide expert marketing guidance and give us a blueprint for future marketing efforts."   

University officials cited Blackboard's business model, which allows the university to maintain control over their online programs, selecting the services they want and omitting those they don't, as one of the reasons for their selection. Blackboard's fee-for-service model allows the university to determine the amount of support they need, in the areas they need it.

"We are excited to work with forward-thinking institutions like the University of Arkansas as they take innovative approaches to online learning that directly address student needs," said Katie Blot, senior vice president of Blackboard's education services division. "Their focus on providing quality online education and engaged student support directly aligns with our passion for helping schools meet the expectations of today's learners, while also meeting their own enrollment goals."

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For more information about the University of Arkansas, visit uark.edu.

About the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
The University of Arkansas is the flagship institution of the University of Arkansas System and the premier research institution in the state. It was founded in 1871 as Arkansas' land-grant institution, with the three-fold mission of teaching, research and public service. The U of A offers more than 200 baccalaureate, master's, doctoral, professional and specialist degree programs, and has an enrollment of more than 25,000 students. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching categorizes the University of Arkansas in its highest research classification, a level that only 2 percent of American colleges and universities share.

About Blackboard
Blackboard Inc. is a global leader in enterprise technology and innovative solutions that improve the experience of millions of students and learners around the world every day. Blackboard's solutions allow thousands of higher education, K-12, professional, corporate, and government organizations to extend teaching and learning online, facilitate campus commerce and security, and communicate more effectively with their communities. Founded in 1997, Blackboard is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with offices in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

Any statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects for Blackboard represent the Company's views as of the date of this press release. Actual results may differ materially as a result of various important factors. The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause the Company's views to change. However, while the Company may elect to update these statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so.

SOURCE Blackboard Inc.