Capella Education Company Names Ken Sobaski as President and Chief Operating Officer; Online University Hires Experienced Sales, Marketing, and Service Executive to Join Executive Leadership Team

Business Wire, Feb 20, 2006

MINNEAPOLIS -- Capella Education Company, parent corporation of Capella University, an accredited(a) online university headquartered in Minneapolis, announced today that Kenneth Sobaski has been appointed to the position of president and chief operating officer of Capella Education Company. Sobaski will be responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of Capella's sales, marketing, and product management, as well as the company's learner support services and IT operations.

Sobaski most recently served as vice president, sales, marketing, and service of Polaris Industries, Inc., a manufacturer of snowmobiles and other sports vehicles with more than $1.8 billion in annual sales. Previously, Sobaski served in executive sales and marketing positions at ConAgra Foods, The Pillsbury Company, The Drackett Company, Kraft Foods and General Mills.

"I am very excited to have Ken join Capella's executive leadership team, where we will benefit immensely from his proven record of success," said Stephen Shank, chairman and CEO, Capella Education Company. "Because of our commitment to offering a high-quality online educational experience, Capella's potential for growth is enormous. Ken's leadership and experience will help us further strengthen Capella's brand, successfully manage our growth, and continuously improve our operational efficiency and learner experience."

Sobaski holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics and urban studies from St. Olaf College and a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University.

About Capella Education Company

Headquartered in Minneapolis, Capella Education Company is a for-profit education services company that operates through its subsidiary, Capella University, an accredited(a) online university. Founded in 1993, Capella University offers graduate degree programs in business, information technology, education, human services, and psychology, as well as a Bachelor of Science online degree program with 11 specializations in business and information technology. The online university currently serves more than 14,500 enrolled learners from all 50 states and 63 countries.

For more information about Capella Education Company, please visit http://www.capellaeducationcompany.com. For more information about its wholly-owned subsidiary Capella University, please visit http://www.capella.edu or call 1.888.CAPELLA (227-3552).

(a) Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, located at 30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504, (312) 263-0456, www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org.