Negotiations continue with senior living provider to acquire Barat Campus

DePaul University has signed an agreement with the American College of Education to acquire the academic assets of Barat College and assume control of the Lake Forest, Ill., school. The new owners plan to reinvigorate the college, operate under a new name at a new location and pursue approval to offer two accredited education master’s degree programs in the Chicago area next fall, officials said.

“After fielding numerous inquiries from educational organizations interested in continuing the operation of Barat College or in acquiring the campus, the American College of Education presented the most economically viable proposal for DePaul’s consideration,” said William Bennett, a DePaul trustee who served on the committee guiding the university’s divestiture. “American College of Education has the expertise and financial resources to turn its plans into reality.”

The Dallas-based American College of Education will seek approval from the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) to build upon Barat’s tradition by continuing some of its currently accredited bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in education. In the future, the American College of Education may offer business and computer science programs as well.

“There is a growing need for quality teacher education, especially in urban areas,” said Rena Pederson, a spokesperson for American College of Education. “This agreement will ensure that more teachers will have access to knowledge they need to enhance their skills.”

The transaction is expected to close sometime this summer. In the coming months, American College of Education will pursue the permanent regulatory endorsements necessary to operate a college in Illinois. They include approvals from the U.S. Department of Education, the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and the IBHE.

Meanwhile, talks between DePaul and Classic Residence by Hyatt for acquisition of the campus property continue. Classic Residence is a luxury senior living provider that made a presentation to the Lake Forest Barat Planning Team last month. The concept met with encouraging feedback from city officials due to its high quality and low impact on city schools and neighborhood traffic. The idea was one proposed by the planning team as meeting a need in the community and a viable use for the land.

DePaul and Barat formed an educational alliance in 2001, but after more than $22 million in investments to achieve success at Barat, the campus produced significant operating losses, student demand did not materialize and maintenance costs for the 100-year-old campus became prohibitive. In February of 2004, DePaul trustees voted to close Barat operations and focus future investments at the university’s Loop and Lincoln Park campuses, where DePaul fulfills its educational mission more comprehensively and efficiently.

“DePaul will continue its commitment to teach out the remaining Barat College students enrolled prior to the educational alliance,” said Charles Strain, associate vice president for Academic Affairs at DePaul.

All but a handful of students are expected to complete their degrees this summer, and DePaul will continue to work with the remaining students to assist them in completing their degrees. Students who enrolled in Barat College of DePaul either have or are planning to transfer to another DePaul school, college or campus in June or already have transferred to other schools.

DePaul will maintain most of the old Barat College records and will continue to be responsible for issuing transcripts, according to Strain.

Strain pointed out that many important accomplishments were achieved during DePaul’s involvement with Barat. “DePaul gave all students who were enrolled in the original Barat College the opportunity to graduate,” he said. “During that time, pay and benefits for Barat staff and faculty were improved, and DePaul awarded all of Barat’s tenured faculty tenure as DePaul faculty. In addition, the campus received millions of dollars in sorely needed repairs and upgrades.”

“Through this agreement, the legacy of Barat College will be continued and generations of students in the Chicago region will continue to receive quality education,” Pederson said.

Note to Editors: For additional information, please contact: Rena Pederson, American College of Education, 214-720-8908, rpederson@westmarkllc.com.