The Community Solution Education System

Background

The Community Solution Education System is an integrated, nonprofit consortium comprising six colleges and universities dedicated to enhancing student success and community impact. Operating across 12 metropolitan locations, the system educates over 13,500 students annually. Its mission is to foster collaboration among member institutions, enabling them to focus on their core objective: educating students.

Key Strategic Focus

The organization's strategic focus centers on leveraging integrated governance and supportive infrastructure to promote innovation and sustainable growth. By building strategic partnerships and utilizing economies of scale, The Community Solution aims to positively impact the student experience and institutional goals.

Financials and Funding

As of January 2025, The Community Solution Education System reports annual revenues in the range of $10 million to $50 million. The organization employs approximately 333 individuals across five continents, including North America, Asia, and Europe.

Technological Platform and Innovation

The Community Solution employs a range of technological tools to enhance its operations, including Tableau for business intelligence, Adobe Sign for electronic signatures, and Microsoft 365 for email services. Additionally, the organization utilizes JavaScript libraries such as Modernizr and OWL Carousel, as well as Yoast SEO for search engine optimization.

Leadership Team

Michael Horowitz, Ph.D.: President and Founder of The Community Solution Education System. Dr. Horowitz established the system in 2009, emphasizing collaboration over competition to drive growth and innovation in higher education.

Cherron R. Hoppes, Ed.D.: Appointed as Chief Academic Officer in November 2024. Dr. Hoppes brings over two decades of experience in higher education leadership, with a focus on strategic planning and academic innovation.

Brian Powell: Appointed as Chief Human Resources Officer in June 2023. Mr. Powell oversees human resources strategies and initiatives across the organization.

John Springer, MBA: Appointed as Chief Financial Officer in July 2022. Mr. Springer manages the financial operations and strategic financial planning for the system.

Leadership Changes

In November 2024, Dr. Cherron R. Hoppes was appointed as Chief Academic Officer, succeeding the late Dr. Leanne Wruck, who served in the role since 2019. Dr. Wruck's contributions to educational excellence and student success are honored through the establishment of the Dr. Leanne Wruck Scholarship Fund.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The higher education sector is experiencing significant transformations, with institutions seeking innovative models to enhance student success and operational efficiency. Integrated systems like The Community Solution are emerging as viable solutions to address these challenges.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include other nonprofit education systems and consortia that focus on collaborative governance and shared resources. These organizations aim to achieve similar objectives in institutional sustainability and student outcomes.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

In March 2024, The Community Solution Education System and The Chicago School jointly acquired a 247,000-square-foot property at 400 S. Jefferson St. in Chicago's West Loop. This facility, set to open in 2025, will accommodate approximately 1,800 students, faculty, and staff, and will serve as a hub for community leaders in mental and physical health.

Operational Insights

The Community Solution's integrated model of governance and supportive infrastructure enables member institutions to focus on their educational missions while benefiting from shared resources and strategic partnerships. This approach fosters innovation and sustainable growth within the higher education landscape.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

The organization's recent rebranding in October 2023 reflects its commitment to community and cooperation. By continuing to build strategic partnerships and leveraging economies of scale, The Community Solution aims to enhance its impact on student success and community engagement.