Five Questions

Classes started in July at the Fort Myers campus of Rasmussen College, the 14th branch of the private, for-profit school founded in St. Paul, Minn., in 1900 by Walter Rasmussen. The school’s doors opened in the spring for school tours and registration, and Campus Director Eric Whitehouse anticipates about 100 students on the first day of class. Located in The Forum, a mixed-use development near I-75 and S.R. 82, the 10-classroom school is equipped with a library, student service center and technology labs.

1. Why open a branch of Rasmussen College in Southwest Florida?

We have two other campuses in Florida, one in Ocala and one in Holiday, so this will be the third in Florida. Any time we open a campus we do a lot of market research to make sure there is a need in the community. Through our research and talking with employers [and economic development councils] in the community, we found there was a need here.

2. What types of degrees do you offer?

We have four schools or areas: Allied Health, Business and Accounting, Justice Studies and Information Technology/Digital Design. Within those schools we have a wide variety of both bachelor’s and associate degrees with a wide range of different concentrations. We offer more unique degrees like homeland security and forensics, game design and simulation, call-center management, Internet marketing and more.

3. What will Rasmussen College prepare graduates to accomplish?

Nationwide we have a 92 percent [employment] placement rate for this previous year in the field in which the student studied. First and foremost, we want to make sure that the students get a well-rounded, interesting and engaging program, and [that] they also get the jobs they want. We have a more intimate model that helps students that don’t want to be lost in the sea of numbers in a big institution. It helps them make it to graduation and achieve the career goals they have.

4. What does it take to run a private, for-profit university?

Being private enables us to be more nimble and [responsive] to what the market is asking for as far as students and employers. That allows us to change faster. You need to be in tune with what is going on with the local employers to deliver the programs of most benefit to students. With a private university, there are different tax and funding structures; the funding is coming directly from the students, so you have to make sure you’re meeting their needs. It’s smart business to make sure you’re taking care of the needs of your student, your customer.

5. How do you distinguish yourself from the other colleges in the area?

When it pertains to [competing with] larger institutions, we offer a smaller setting and a more intimate model. With other smaller private institutions, it comes down to the people that work at the organization. I think we have great people here who are all very passionate about student service. The people, first and foremost, make up the organization.