March 30, 2023
Lindenwood Education System Acquires Dorsey College, Michigan’s Longest Standing Career School
Dorsey College, a trusted name in career training and education here in Michigan for nearly 90-years, announced on Thursday March 30, 2023, that they have been acquired by Lindenwood Education System, the parent entity of Lindenwood University. Dorsey College and Lindenwood University, which both fall under the umbrella of Lindenwood Education System, will continue to operate as separate educational institutions. Dorsey will maintain its name and career-focused training programs and Lindenwood University will continue as a regionally accredited, NCAA Division I, liberal arts college offering on-campus and online education.
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, president and CEO 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 student-centric mission. These commitments will only grow stronger as a member of the Lindenwood family.”
“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.”
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 seamless solution for lifelong learning that will enable them to achieve their personal and professional goals,” Porter said.
The Dorsey School was founded by Ruth Dorsey in 1934 and was located in downtown Detroit. Today, Dorsey College, remains committed to providing quality career training that prepares individuals for promising career opportunities in fields such as healthcare, nursing, culinary, beauty, skilled trades, and emergency medical services at various campus locations in Michigan. Dorsey College is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education. This applies to the Madison Heights campus (which serves as the main campus) and the Dearborn, Grand Rapids, Roseville, Saginaw, Woodhaven, and Wayne campuses (which are branch campus locations of Madison Heights). To learn more about Dorsey College, you may visit www.dorsey.edu.
Founded in 1832, Lindenwood is a dynamic four-year institution dedicated to excellence in higher education. Its historic campus is situated in the heart of Saint Charles, Missouri, a growing community of more than 65,000 just west of St. Louis. Lindenwood offers more than 100-degree programs through values-centered education that lead to the development of the whole person. Lindenwood is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is known nationally and internationally for innovation, entrepreneurship, and extraordinary dedication to students.
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For general or media inquiries regarding this announcement, contact:
Julee Mitsler, University Spokesperson for Lindenwood University, (636)949-4913, jmitsler@lindenwood.edu and/or John O’Sullivan, Vice President of Marketing for Dorsey College, (248) 220-5909, josullivan@dorsey.edu.
