Penn Foster is one of the oldest and largest distance learning institutions in the world. Founded in 1890 by Thomas J. Foster in Scranton, Pennsylvania under the name Colliery School of Mines to educate miners and lessen the occurrence of coal mining accidents, today, Penn Foster offers high school, career and associate degree programs in online, print-based and blended formats. Its mission is to empower its students to advance or change their careers, learn a new skill, or gain personal satisfaction. The school strives to fulfill this mission by providing breadth and depth of courseware, applicable technology, and a wide array of flexible services aimed at the needs of the distance learner. More than 90 educational programs are offered in disciplines such as business, technology, and healthcare, among others. Penn Foster enrolls approximately 200,000 students each year in the U.S. and abroad, and since its inception, has educated over 13 million students around the world.

Stuart J. Udell, Chief Executive Officer

Stuart Udell is CEO of Penn Foster and oversees all aspects of its operations and strategic development.

Mr. Udell has extensive prior leadership experience in educational publishing and technology, most recently serving as President of Kaplan K12 Learning Services. Prior, Mr. Udell served as President of the School Renaissance Institute.

Mr. Udell currently serves on the board of the Software and Information Industry Association and is Vice Chairman of the board of the National Dropout Prevention Center. He holds an MBA from Columbia University and a BS from Bucknell University.