Over the past few years the University’s colleges and schools have done an excellent job of developing online programs to make a Drexel education accessible to students across the country and around the world. The University recently strengthened its commitment to online education by establishing Drexel e-Learning, Inc., the University’s for-profit subsidiary that focuses on Internet-based, distance learning programs for adults.

Online education is dramatically changing all of academia. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that students over the age of 25 now comprise 40 percent of all post-secondary school enrollments, either on campus or online. Because a majority of these students have career and family commitments, online access to university programs gives them the opportunity to pursue the degrees they need to advance their careers.

According to a study published by the International Data Corporation (IDC), online enrollments are increasing at a rate of 33 percent annually, and are expected to reach 2.2 million by 2004. The IDC also reports that online enrollments will be higher in professional, technology and business-related subjects, such as those offered by Drexel, giving the University a special opportunity to make a difference in online higher education. We have great educational resources – many of which are already online – in academic subjects desired by professionals. We have a superb faculty and strong ties with the corporate world through our relationships with the more than 1,500 employer organizations in our co-op program. Additionally, we have a strong legacy of revolutionizing education through technology. Drexel e-Learning leverages these advantages to extend the University’s academic reach to nontraditional students.

I would like to congratulate Dr. Tom Samph, president and CEO of Drexel e-Learning, and his team for taking an innovative, market-oriented approach and working with corporations and professional organizations to provide online education opportunities for their employees and members. Beginning in January, Drexel e-Learning will begin its collaboration with Rome’s ICT Marketing University and Telecom Italia, Italy’s leading telecom provider, to bring Drexel’s Executive MBA Program to Italy.

Drexel e-Learning has also developed relationships with large health systems to provide online programs for their nurses, and to attract new nurses from community colleges by offering RN degree completion opportunities online. This summer Drexel e-Learning launched its new Web site, www.drexel.com, to provide access to our online programs in a consistent, integrated, customer-oriented manner.

Online education is a key component in the future of higher education and the University is committed to the success of Drexel e-Learning. I encourage the Drexel community to work with Drexel e-Learning and take advantage of the opportunity we have to make a difference in more students’ lives by providing quality educational programs online.

C.R. "Chuck" Pennoni Interim President