Sustainability Pioneer Joins with Global Education Leader in Partnership to Expand International Sustainability Education

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Board of Directors of Presidio Graduate School (PGS) has executed a Change of Control Agreement with Amity Global Education Organization (AGEO), a not-for-profit company incorporated under the laws of the Republic of India and which is associated with Amity University (Amity). The accreditors of both PGS and Amity, the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), approved the agreement.

Amity is one of Asia's leading non-profit private education groups and has a strong commitment to excellence in education, social justice, and environmental responsibility. Amity currently has over 170,000 students enrolled in over 300 academic programs across India, and with additional campuses including London, Singapore, UAE, Netherlands, South Africa, Mauritius and more. They have four campuses that have current accreditations by WSCUC. Amity has been expanding its network of partnerships around the world and is interested in working with PGS because of its excellent reputation and commitment to sustainability management.

"Amity University is delighted to be conclude this change of control with Presidio Graduate School at this important time for both of our institutions," stated Chancellor Aseem Chauhan of Amity. "The social and environmental issues we are facing are global in scale and only through international cooperation can we surmount them. We have the highest respect for PGS's programming and leadership in the field of sustainability. We look forward to working together with the existing PGS community to bring their mission and values to scale around the globe – including our campuses in India and Dubai."

Due Diligence, Structure, and Governance

The agreement calls for PGS to remain an independent organization and for degrees to continue to be awarded by PGS. The PGS bylaws were revised to allow for a newly appointed board, with controlling interest appointed by Amity, but with significant representation from the former PGS board members. A majority of board members will remain independent and is charged with serving the current mission and vision of PGS. A separate Advisory Council of up to 20 members has been formed and is comprised of PGS alumni, faculty, staff, students, and industry leaders. The Advisory Council will make recommendations to the board in the matters including academic affairs, personnel, and fundraising. PGS will remain a non-profit institution and will retain its IRS 501(c)(3) status.

"This has been a carefully considered process by our representative Acquisition Task Force and the school's leadership. I am tremendously excited about the opportunities for PGS, our students, alumni, faculty, and staff," said board chair Suzanne Farver. "The board carefully evaluated our various choices for future sustainability, and the opportunity with Amity rose to the top because of their demonstrated capabilities and proven commitment to excellence across their many campuses and schools. The fact that they have four campuses accredited by WSCUC clearly identifies Amity as a leader in the field of education. They are also committed to social and environmental goals, as well as the Experiential Learning format that is part of PGS's reputation."

A Vision for the Future

This Change of Control provides PGS with a clear path towards expanding its mission. It provides Amity with access to the leading edge thought and practice around social and environmental sustainability in business and public administration.

About the Change of Control

A 'Change of Control' agreement indicates that the PGS entity will remain, but it will have a new source of funding and board governance. The board will maintain a majority of members who are independent, but Amity appointed the initial new board members. Going forward, the board will have a nominating committee comprised of a majority of independent members and the board itself will approve new appointments.

About Presidio Graduate School

Founded in 2002, Presidio Graduate School (PGS) is a values-driven graduate school offering MBA, MPA, and Dual MBA/MPA degree programs and Professional Certificates in Sustainable Solutions. At campuses in San Francisco and Seattle, all courses in the first of its kind curriculum integrate social justice, environmental responsibility, and systems thinking.

Our world-class faculty academy of full and part-time scholar-practitioners possess subject matter expertise across the full spectrum of sustainability disciplines. With over 1900 business and public administration alumni at the forefront of the field, PGS is a global hub for sustainability innovation and regenerative impact, helping forge a new definition of the common good at the intersection of for-profit and for-benefit. Learn more about our programs, people, and impact on our website.

SOURCE Presido Graduate School