All the resources and knowledge to design and customize every aspect of an effective online education program.

Oct 24, 2007 (Abingdon, VA) – Every year, as autumn leaves start turning a beautiful array of warm colors, and the earth starts cooling off from the long summer heat, Abingdon, Virginia is preparing to host another Summit of the Appalachian College Association – “Thirty-six small, student-centered, private liberal arts institutions serving the Central Appalachian region.“

The Appalachian College Association is a non-profit consortium of 36 small, private, two and four-year liberal arts colleges and universities located across the central Appalachian Mountains in Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Collectively these higher education institutions serve approximately 42,000 students. The Association brings all members together and encourages them to share ideas, information, programs and resources to achieve their goals in higher education.

This year, the summit was held in the beautiful and modern building of the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in the Historic area of Abingdon. The accommodation was excellent – many meeting and presentation rooms, great equipment, computer labs and dining facilities. The theme of the summit was “Mountain Trails, Global Highways” symbolizing geographical proximity and global diversity.

Learning House, Inc. (LH) was one of the top sponsors for this event. LH was represented by Jan Hurst – Sales and Service Manager – and Laura Dorman – Marketing Specialist. ACA provided a “front row view” exhibit space for LH and all visitors had the chance to stop by and get information about Learning House and the wide array of services it provides to small colleges and universities.

Jan and Laura enjoyed very much meeting all representatives from various colleges and universities, and made great contacts during the summit. Many expressed interest in distance learning and the opportunities offered by Learning House and some actually invited Learning House to visit their respective college campus. In addition to the great interaction they were part of, Jan and Laura held a presentation for those interested in obtaining further or more in-depth information about Learning House and its services.

On Friday morning, the presentation room at the summit filled with teachers, program coordinators and administrators from various colleges like: Hiwassee College, Lincoln Memorial University, Montreat College, Ohio Valley University, Tuluscum College, Lee University and Ferrum College – just to name a few. Jan talked about “Building a Quality Online Campus” and Laura talked about “Marketing Strategies for Online Programs”. The presentation was followed by a great discussion session and all participants were very satisfied with the knowledge they gained from it.

At the ACA Summit, Jan and Laura have met quite a few interesting people. They have not only made friends, but they also built great basis for future business relationships. They were proud to represent Learning House, a company that puts all necessary energy in helping small colleges and universities progress and develop, in a world that is more and more obviously conquered by technology. Distance learning is an educational breed that will evolve in the future into an indispensable element for any higher education institution. It is the creed of Learning House to facilitate small colleges and universities to expand into this field.

written and submitted by Laura Dorman