The St. Andrews Presbyterian College Board of Directors has approved the formation of a strategic partnership with an investment management group to help the institution grow in several key areas, according to college President Paul Baldasare.

"In collaboration with college faculty and staff, the Hudson Pacific Group of New York will help to develop new strategies for domestic and international student recruitment, to enhance marketing and branding, to redesign and optimize the college website, to create more online programs and satellite campuses, and to provide advice on the budget planning process," Baldasare said. "Since becoming president, I have shared with the St. Andrews community my firm belief that the higher education environment is rapidly changing, and that the college must (also) change in order to grow and prosper."

Baldasare said these necessary adjustments require a greater amount of resources and expertise than what is currently available at the college.

"The financial and human resources that Hudson Pacific Group brings to this new partnership will help us achieve these goals," he said.

St. Andrews Board Chairman David Burns agreed with Baldasare's assessment.

"We have to be more creative in developing new program offerings, and in using technology to deliver and extend the reach of a St. Andrews education beyond the boundaries of our campus," he said.

The mission of the Hudson Pacific Group, LLC is to invest in institutions providing post-secondary education in North America and around the world. HPG's interests are in campus, satellite-based and online instruction that enable students to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees.

New Zealand native Dr. Geoffrey Bannister, the chief academic officer for HPG, served for a decade as the Dean of Arts and Sciences at Boston University. From 1989 to 2000 he was the president of Butler University in Indianapolis, Ind.

"Small colleges will continue to be important contributors to higher education in the future, especially those that have a strong reputation for delivering quality educational programs," Bannister said. "With its national recognition for innovation and quality, St. Andrews is exactly the kind of college that has a bright future in the landscape of higher education in the 21st century. At HPG, we are eager to be a part of St. Andrews' future."

Baldasare said that Bannister's group will help develop and implement "a more comprehensive marketing plan for the college, especially in the area of international student recruiting", and will work closely with key leaders in the college's Center for Adult and Professional Studies to both expand online programs and to establish a stronger network of satellite campuses.

"Many schools, hospitals, government agencies and businesses across the country are turning to strategic partnerships as a way to gain access to private capital and to new expertise," Baldasare said. "The Hudson Pacific Group provides St. Andrews with the resources it needs to expand its programs and to significantly grow its enrollment."