From Pulp and Paper to Dean; DeVry University Announces Dr. Allan Ryan as Dean of Memphis Center.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- DeVry University, one of North America's leading providers of career-oriented education in business, technology and management, announces Dr. Allan Ryan as the dean of its new Memphis location. With thirteen years of educational experience, bi-lingual, and five degrees including a Ph.D. in Management, Ryan has the perfect combination of skills and background to establish DeVry University as a provider of higher education in the Mid-South.

Ryan brings an extensive background in higher education and business strategy to his new position at DeVry University. As center dean, he will direct overall operations and work with students to ensure they meet their academic goals.

Ryan's unique background has shaped his outlook on the educational experience and his approach to inspiring students to learn. Ryan grew up in the small town of Temiscaming, Quebec, known as a pulp and paper town; in fact, his own home was owned by the local paper mill. He was the one of the very few from his high school class to attend college.

"Being the new dean of DeVry University in Memphis means that I have a chance to influence and reach people who may not have otherwise had the opportunity," said Allan. "I am one of those individuals that would not have had educational opportunities if I had not sought them out."

Upon receiving his MBA in 1982, Ryan found himself in the midst of an economic recession for college graduates entering the work force. He spent several months in Canada working on a national political campaign. Ryan subsequently spent a year managing a non-profit organization before joining Canada Post Corporation where he held a progression of management positions in information technology and finance. As the 1980s drew to a close, Ryan decided to pursue his dream of a career in education.

After receiving his Ph.D. in Management, Ryan taught at the University of Alberta in Canada. He then spent five years as an assistant professor at Rhodes College in Memphis. While at Rhodes, Ryan taught courses in international business, business strategy, statistics, accounting and business ethics, and business research. Ryan frequently served as a panel member for the Rhodes Institute on the Profession of Law.

"Ryan's academic and real world experiences are ideal for a DeVry University dean," said Galen Graham, regional vice president for DeVry University. "He will have many roles both as a mentor to students and as a leader for our faculty and administrators. Since Memphis is a new market for us, he is laying the groundwork for a successful launch and building relationships with other business and community leaders in the area."

Recently, Ryan was awarded the Certified Management Accountants Bronze medal for having the third highest score on the national accounting test. The U.S. Institute of Management Accountants recognizes Ryan as having exceptional skills in the realm of accounting and business.

Ryan earned his M.B.A. in Finance and Accounting from McGill University, an M.S. in Management from Cornell University, and a Ph.D. in Management with minors in Economics and Statistics. Ryan has been a member of the Academy of Management since 1991.

In addition to Ryan, DeVry also recently hired several admissions advisors for its Memphis location. Jeremy Cooper, who previously worked for DeVry in Kansas City, Mo., will serve as both the assistant director of admissions and the graduate admissions advisor. Jimmy Cox and Gayenette Price will both serve as the undergraduate admissions advisors.

As one of the largest degree-granting higher education systems in North America, DeVry University provides high-quality, career-oriented associate, bachelor's and master's degree programs in technology, healthcare technology, business and management. Approximately 48,000 students are enrolled at its 84 locations that are in 24 states and Canada, as well as through DeVry University Online. DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA). DeVry University, a division of DeVry Inc. (NYSE:DV), is based in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. For more information about DeVry University, visit http://www.devry.edu.