Capella University and
the League for Innovation in the Community College
Announce 2nd Annual Full-ride Ph.D. Scholarship Contest

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Capella University and the League for Innovation in the Community College are pleased to announce the second annual League Scholarship contest. The League Scholarship will be awarded on July 21, 2003 to a faculty or staff member at a League Alliance member institution who wishes to pursue a Ph.D. The $47,000 scholarship covers tuition for three years and the cost of residential colloquia in one of Capella’s 26 Ph.D. programs. Applicants must demonstrate innovative accomplishments in the community college arena. Applications are due on June 23, 2003.

Capella University is an accredited online university that offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs in its Schools of Business, Education, Human Services, and Psychology. The League for Innovation in the Community College is an international service consortium dedicated to catalyzing the community college movement through innovation, experimentation, and institutional transformation.

“The partnership between Capella and the League for Innovation seemed destined,” said Capella University President, Mike Offerman. “Capella has been an innovator in higher education online since our beginning in 1993. The League has been a strong supporter of the community college movement for more than 35 years. This scholarship encourages higher education and provides access to a rigorous and innovative online Ph.D. program. We think the scholarship will provide a return on investment to the community college in the way of future innovations.”

“More than 10 million students are served by two-year colleges each year—many of whom are attending for the first time,” said Mark Milliron, president and CEO of the League for Innovation. “These students are taught by some of the most creative teachers in the industry. Last year, the scholarship was awarded to a community college instructor who had re-engineered curriculum to work for traditional and online delivery and conducted faculty workshops across her campus to facilitate implementation.”

Last year’s winner topped a field of very competitive entries with an application that demonstrated her work to improve teaching, learning, and assessment in traditional and distance learning courses. “We’re looking to recognize professionals who have found new ways to engender community, improve student learning and implement IT solutions” said President Offerman.

The scholarship is one of the benefits stemming from an articulation agreement between Capella University and the League for Innovation in the Community College signed in March of 2002. Under this agreement, League Alliance Member colleges partner with Capella to take advantage of a streamlined application process, smooth credit transfers and tuition discounts for faculty. Under the agreement, benefits are provided for faculty, staff and students.

“Some of the most creative teachers are teaching adults at the community college level,” said Milliron. “This scholarship acknowledges the importance of post-graduate study for educators at the community college level and it rewards thinking outside the box.”

To learn more about this scholarship opportunity and access the online scholarship application, please visit the Capella University website.

Capella University is a fully on-line university accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges, the same body that accredits Big Ten Universities throughout the Midwest. Founded in 1993, Capella University offers degree programs and certificates in business, technology, education, human services and psychology. Capella uses the power of the Internet to remove institutional and logistical barriers for adult learners around the world and provides a rewarding and efficient path to increased professional value. Central to Capella's approach is the high degree of online interaction with expert faculty, achievement-oriented learners and a university staff who are passionate about each individual's success. Capella University is affiliated with the for-profit Capella Education Company, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. For more information, visit Capella University online or call 1-888-CAPELLA.

The League for Innovation in the Community College is an international organization dedicated to catalyzing the community college movement. The League hosts conferences and institutes, develops Web resources, conducts research, produces publications, provides services, and leads projects and initiatives with more than 700 member colleges, 100 corporate partners, and a host of other government and nonprofit agencies in a continuing effort to make a positive difference for students and communities. Information is available online about the League and its activities.