LYNCHBURG, Virginia, November 1, 2024 – Magellan Learning Solutions, LLC and Sway Communications, LLC have merged effective October 15th, 2024. This move will greatly enhance Magellan’s ability to service its higher education clients’ needs in the essential lane of online and traditional student acquisition.
Since 2017, Magellan Learning Solutions has worked with 2-year and 4-year public, private faith-based, and HBCU higher education and corporate clients to stand up or strengthen existing online-focused programs. In that time the company has developed thousands of courses across the spectrum of disciplines. Additionally, they have helped clients put the policies, systems, and processes in place that drive student success and retention. “But great courses and excellent online academic operations do not mean very much unless the student funnel is effectively attracting and enrolling students,” said Magellan co-founder and CEO Dr. Wayne Patton.
“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,” Patton continued.
Magellan’s leadership believes that with the traditional enrollment cliff upon us, higher education clients can create a sustainable income model with operational effective online programs. Currently, 80% of the graduate market is fully online, and 30% of undergraduate students take most of their coursework online. “Students will gravitate to the online programs where they have a good experience, and that first step, their initial inquiry, and the application process has to be seamless. Online students have plenty of options; if that first step finds them frustrated or experiencing arbitrary delays, they will go somewhere else. We want to help our clients enroll and retain that student.”
Founded in 1986, Sway Communications is a full-service contact center specializing in omnichannel customer service, fulfillment services, and marketing and enrollment solutions. With over three decades of experience, Sway serves various clients, including universities, offering tailored services that enhance engagement and operational efficiency. Sway provides comprehensive enrollment services for its university clients, managing the entire funnel from lead generation to student enrollment. Additionally, Sway’s fulfillment services focus on picking, packing, and shipping products, ensuring efficient delivery.
“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 merger will see the Sway Communications team move into the Magellan Offices in the Bank of the James Building in Lynchburg, Virginia, where the firm has suites on the 10th and 18th floors.
On Monday, November 4, 2024, Magellan will release its latest podcast, in which the executive team discusses the merger, how it came about, and how they believe it will impact their service to clients.
For more information about Magellan’s full services and solutions, visit Magellan at http://thinkmagellan.com.