From the Irish Times, October 24th, 2008:

DR. SEAN ROWLAND, the founder of Hibernia College, was last night named the Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year 2008.

"It's very important for us to get national recognition in Ireland as a leader in quality higher education," said Dr. Rowland after the announcement was made.

When asked whether he surprised about his win, he said: "I'm absolutely amazed but very delighted."

Founded in 2000, Hibernia College is an online college offering postgraduate programmes in pharmaceutical medicine, primary teacher education and financial management.

Dr. Rowland describes the company as an international, third-level, online college offering accredited, educational programmes designed to address the growing demand for flexible, cost-effective, lifelong learning that is not restricted by location or time.

He has developed an organisation that has attracted students from more that 20 countries.

Hibernia College has offices in Dublin and Dr. Rowland's hometown of Westport, Co Mayo, employing more than 50 full time staff members and some 300 adjunct faculties worldwide.

 

The following video profiling Dr. Rowland and Hibernia College was aired on RTÉ 1 on 2 October, 2008 as part of a series of programmes featuring the finalists in the Ernst and Young, Entrepreneur of the Year competition. Click the Play button to start the video.