As South University looks back and celebrates its 125th Anniversary in 2024, the institution is looking forward to what the next chapter holds.
South University was founded in 1899 by Dr. John Draughon in Savannah, Georgia, originally as Draughon’s Practical Business College. The institution aimed to provide practical business education and training. Over the years, the university expanded its curriculum and geographic reach, evolving into a comprehensive university. By 1974, it had adopted the name South College and later, in 2001, became South University. Today, it offers a vast range of undergraduate and graduate programs across eleven campuses and online, focusing on the professional, social, intellectual, and personal development of students.
Previously owned by Education Management Corporation (EDMC), South University experienced substantial changes when it was acquired by Dream Center Education Holdings (DCEH) in 2017. However, DCEH faced financial difficulties, leading to a change in ownership of South University to the Education Principle Foundation (EPF) in 2019. This temporary move was part of a larger effort to help the institution become independent of any parent organization and to ensure it remained open and operational amidst significant turmoil. However, EPF, a Delaware-based nonprofit, does not directly engage with management on the day-to-day operations of these universities. Instead, it collaborated with Los Angeles-based Studio Enterprise to handle various aspects of the restructuring that South University needed at the time.
Led by CEO, Bryan Newman, Studio Enterprise has played a crucial role in the support of South University since 2019; providing back-office services such as marketing, compliance, technology, legal, real estate, and other forms of operational support. This partnership has been instrumental in maintaining the stability and continuity of South University, especially through significant ownership and management transitions over recent years.
Leveraging its management team’s over 100 years of combined industry experience and expertise in managing educational institutions, Studio Enterprise has been crucial in sustaining South University through these transitions. “By taking over responsibilities such as, marketing, IT, compliance, legal, and real estate, Studio Enterprise has helped ensure that South University can focus on delivering its industry-leading educational services without being burdened by operational challenges,” says Newman. This partnership has allowed South University to continue its mission as “a student-centered institution committed to cultivating a dynamic learning environment that fosters professional readiness and a sense of social responsibility. Our culture of academic excellence empowers students, faculty, and staff to reach their full potential and contribute positively to their lives, professions, and communities.” while benefiting from the professional expertise, efficiencies, and support services provided by Studio Enterprise.
As planned, in July of 2023, South University achieved a significant milestone by returning itself to independent status. The Board of Trustees of South University and the EPF board unanimously voted to separate the university from EPF, establishing it once again as an independent institution. This transition marked a return to its roots twenty years after its initial acquisition by EDMC. Despite this newfound independence, the support from Studio Enterprise remains critical for South University’s operations, ensuring stability and continuity in its services to students. “Our relationship with Studio Enterprise has been integral in our ability to turn the university around into a well-run, independent institution of higher learning,” says South University Chancellor, Steven Yoho.
This relationship highlights the evolving landscape of higher education management, where institutions often rely on external partners to handle various operational needs, enabling them to focus on their core educational objectives. The collaboration between Studio Enterprise and South University exemplifies a modern approach to managing educational institutions, balancing operational efficiency with academic integrity. As South University takes a moment to look back on 125 years, the institution and Studio Enterprise optimistically look forward to what the future holds for the University.