From SY to the Higher Education Inquirer:
*I am very interested in reviewing South's 2022 IRS 990 when it is made public. The $20M operating surplus doesn't seem plausible. Response: You will be able to confirm that my statements are accurate once South's 2022 IRS 990 is available. A 10%+ operating surplus is education industry standard, and performance that South has worked diligently to re-establish. It will not only allow South to pay back the Main Street Loan in full and on time, but also to invest in the institution, as we continuously seek to improve the quality of the education and experiences provided to our students.
*You are listed as an EPF Board Member in the 2019 IRS 990, the last 990 posted. Response: As I have explained, I am not a member of the EPF Board. The 2019 Form 990 lists every director, trustee, and manager for all institutions owned by the EPF. I am listed on the EPF Form 990 because of my role with South University. Suggesting otherwise is incorrect.
From what I can tell, EPF does not have a website or contact information. Their number in the most recently posted 990 is M B***'s number. Response: The phone number listed on the form 990 from 2019 isn't correct and was likely held over, predating the transactions that occurred in January of 2019. Here is EPFs information email in case you don’t have it: EPF@educationprinciplefoundation.org. As a holding entity, EPF is not active in the management of South which is managed entirely by South’s management as directed by the South University independent board of trustees.
*Studio Enterprise does not answer calls or emails. From what I can tell, most of Studio's employees are former employees of EDMC, DCEH, and CEHE. Response: If Studio is not answering press inquiries, I will comment on the nature of some of the services they’ve been providing so that you may better understand the relationship.
Marketing - services cover all aspects of South’s marketing including content creation, web site development, brand management, SEO, digital advertising, traditional advertising, and media budget creation/management.
Compliance - services include conducting daily third-party reviews of interactions between South administrators and South students. Phone calls, emails, and chats are screened for quality and compliance against misrepresentation regulations. Studio then creates training recommendations and reporting summaries for South. South uses this information to better assess staff effectiveness and to ensure that students are receiving accurate information.
Information Technology - services include full IT stack management, network architecture, hardware and software management, procurement, systems integration, software development, telephony, cyber security, data warehousing, help desk support, and desktop support.
You may use the above responses on the record.