CSU Press Release
Waldorf College Sale to Mayes Education Finalized
After nearly a year of diligent efforts by the Waldorf College and Columbia Southern University (CSU) faculty and staff to secure the future of Waldorf, the sale of Waldorf College was finalized late Friday, Jan. 8. Mayes Education, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of CSU, is now the owner of Waldorf College.
The journey began last January when Waldorf officials began their search for a way to save the college and shortly after began a process of due diligence with CSU. Following unanimous approval to pursue the asset agreement by the Waldorf Lutheran College Association of Congregations and the Board of Regents, former Waldorf President Dr. Richard Hanson proceeded with the transactions necessary to sell the college’s assets to Mayes Education.
“It is very rewarding to see the culmination of so many months of hard work come to fruition,” said Robert Mayes, CEO of Mayes Education and president of CSU. “We are looking forward to helping Waldorf become the college it was always intended to be – a lively, thriving community.”
“We are thankful for the vision and generosity of Mayes Education, and thrilled that Waldorf College will be able to continue engaging students for many years to come,” said Robert Alsop, vice president of academic affairs at Waldorf.
Waldorf and CSU, as separate institutions, will work closely together for the betterment of both schools by providing new majors, campus improvements and distance learning programs. New majors in sport management, international management, criminal justice administration, organizational leadership and fire science administration are now available for residential students. Distance learning programs (primarily online programs with some classroom requirements) will be available on January 13 in business administration, organizational leadership and fire science administration. A blended concept is used for new campus majors with courses primarily offered in a classroom format with three to five distance learning courses.
Athletics, music, and theatre will continue to offer involvement opportunities for Waldorf students. Athletic teams include: baseball, basketball, football, golf, soccer, volleyball, softball, and wrestling. Mayes Education is also helping Waldorf add cross-country, track, bowling and a men’s JV basketball team. The Waldorf choir, jazz band, wind symphony, Warrior pep band, and theatre will continue. Waldorf organizations will also continue, including campus ministry.
The Waldorf Lutheran College Foundation, a non-profit organization originally founded in 2006, will continue to serve as a link between the past and the future.. The Foundation will receive gifts, manage endowments, award scholarships to students attending Waldorf, and support alumni and campus ministry. Gifts to the Foundation continue to be tax-deductible and qualify for Thrivent matching funds from member contributors.
Waldorf College, located in Forest City, Iowa, is a four-year, liberal arts college that delivers engaging experiences through innovative classroom instruction. The college offers bachelor’s degree programs in business, communication, theatre, music, education, fire science administration, criminal justice administration and more.
CSU, the parent company of Mayes Education, was established in 1993 as one of the nation’s first completely online universities. Serving a record enrollment of more than 20,000 students, the university offers associate, bachelor, master, doctoral and certificate programs. Majors are available in a variety of disciplines including business administration, fire science, criminal justice, occupational safety and health and more. CSU also holds partnerships with over 1,500 organizations around the world including Delta Air Lines, the New York Fire Department and the National Sheriffs’ Association.