The Magellan Story

Magellan Learning Solutions is a full-service online education solutions provider based in Lynchburg, Virginia. They assist predominately higher education clients with marketing and enrollment, curriculum services, and academic operational services that help increase student retention.

Founded in early 2017 by Dr. Wayne Patton (CEO) and Mr. Aaron Traphagen(President and COO), the organization aims to enhance online educational experiences for institutions and students. Dr. Emily Heady joined as a partner and Chief Academic Officer in 2022, bringing extensive academic and operational expertise to the company. Mr. Jimmy Queen became a partner in 2024 and acts as the Chief Business Development Officer.

The company has 55 full-time employees and a network of over 700 sub-contractors.

The company is privately held, and “We have consistently operated within our financial means, ensuring that growth is pursued when supported by viable projects and the necessary funding. We have maintained a debt-free position and have never operated at a deficit, demonstrating our commitment to fiscal responsibility and sustainable development.” -Aaron Traphagen

Dating back to the early 2000’s, the Magellan leadership team has been entrenched in all aspects of online academic operations and course content development. Magellan has grown consistently and steadily since its inception. Initially, Patton and Traphagen were the only two full-time employees, relying on a trusted team of sub-contractors to help them service the various projects. The early projects largely entailed developing online courses and conducting operational assessments of various institutions’ online programs and processes. All of these projects were secured via first or second-hand referrals.

“People just sort of found out we had set up shop and would call with a request for online program development or ‘Hey, could you come take a look at what we are doing online and give us your thoughts?’ So, we would figure out a way to make it happen. But it was all word of mouth.” -Wayne Patton

Within a few years, Magellan had landed several sizable course development projects and some operational assessments that resulted in additional work in helping those clients run their online academic operations.

On October 15th, 2024, Sway Communications, LLC merged with Magellan Learning Solutions, LLC. This move was initiated to enhance Magellan’s ability to service its higher education clients’ needs in the essential lane of online and traditional student acquisition.

“It is a logical next step for us to bring this key service area in-house. We are simply responding to what the higher education market is calling for and rounding out our suite of services that are necessary for colleges and universities to be successful and thrive,” -Wayne Patton

“This merger represents a huge step forward for Sway and Magellan,” said Jimmy Queen, President of Sway Communications.

“By combining our strengths with Magellan’s expertise, we will be able to offer even more comprehensive and impactful services to our clients, positioning us for continued success and growth.”

Post-merger Queen will serve as Magellan’s Chief Business Development Officer and partner.

The Magellan Team is collaborative, innovative, and interested in helping your institution meet its goals.

We develop educational and operational solutions for higher education institutions, industry, and other organizations.

These include but are not limited to: