Matt Hulett Appointed CEO of StraighterLine
StraighterLine, a leader in online education known for its flexible and affordable post-secondary courses and industry credentials, has announced the appointment of Matt Hulett as its new chief executive officer. With over 30 years of experience in leading high-growth companies within the education technology and consumer industries, Hulett is poised to steer StraighterLine into its next chapter of growth and innovation.
Expertise and Aspirations
Before joining StraighterLine, Matt Hulett was the president of Rosetta Stone, where he played a pivotal role in transforming and expanding the company’s language division, which led to two major liquidity events. His background includes building top-tier digital consumer and B2B companies. Hulett has contributed to the growth of several organizations in both the private and public sectors, including well-known names like Rosetta Stone, Expedia, RealNetworks, and PetMeds.
A Commitment to Education
“I’m thrilled to become part of StraighterLine. I have a deep passion for broadening access to educational opportunities for as many learners as possible,” Hulett expressed. He believes that as the landscape of education evolves, StraighterLine is uniquely equipped to make a significant difference in the future of learning by offering affordable, flexible, and high-quality pathways to college credit and degree completion. Hulett intends to build upon the solid foundation already laid by the company to further enhance its impact on students, partners, and stakeholders.
The Foundational History of StraighterLine
Established in 2008, StraighterLine was the first non-collegiate institution to provide ultra-affordable, high-quality online courses that are recognized by the American Council on Education (ACE) for transferable college credit. This groundbreaking approach has transformed how post-secondary education is accessed.
Promising Prospects Ahead
Burck Smith, the founder and executive chairman of StraighterLine, expressed his confidence in Hulett’s leadership. “Matt's enthusiasm for education, combined with his extensive experience in scaling growth-stage businesses, particularly in ed tech, makes him the perfect leader for StraighterLine at this crucial time in higher education,” Smith remarked. Under Hulett's guidance, the company aims to foster positive outcomes for both students and universities.
Remarkable Growth and Reach
To date, over 350,000 learners have benefited from StraighterLine’s offerings, successfully transferring their credits to more than 3,000 accredited colleges and universities throughout the United States. The company collaborates with higher education institutions to help address enrollment and retention challenges by providing courses that allow students the flexibility to study on their own terms.
Strategic Partnerships for Growth
StraighterLine has experienced consistent growth through strategic partnerships. In recent years, the company acquired the ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI), a major provider of online training for early childhood education professionals. Following this acquisition, StraighterLine further expanded into the early childhood education sector by acquiring ProSolutions Training. These acquisitions have enabled hundreds of thousands of learners from diverse institutions to participate in online courses or certification programs designed to advance their careers.
Dedication to Affordable Education
“I am very optimistic about the future of StraighterLine and the essential need to offer students and professionals affordable options to accelerate their educational journeys,” Hulett stated. His commitment to creating financially accessible pathways for all students aligns perfectly with the current educational landscape, which emphasizes quality and affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Matt Hulett?
Matt Hulett is an accomplished executive with over 30 years of experience in the education technology and consumer sectors, recently appointed as the CEO of StraighterLine.
What is StraighterLine?
StraighterLine is a prominent provider of high-quality, affordable online courses that assist learners in earning transferable college credits and achieving their professional aspirations.
How many students have benefited from StraighterLine?
More than 350,000 learners have taken advantage of StraighterLine’s courses and successfully transferred their credits to over 3,000 accredited institutions.
What did Burck Smith say about Hulett's appointment?
Burck Smith, the founder and executive chairman, noted that Hulett's enthusiasm for education and extensive experience make him the ideal leader for this critical moment in higher education.
What recent acquisitions has StraighterLine made?
StraighterLine acquired ChildCare Education Institute in 2022 and ProSolutions Training in 2024, both focused on providing training in early childhood education.
