A global leader in education software, Blackboard has been shaking up its image as a one trick pony with a learning management system used nationwide by making two strategic acquisitions. First, Blackboard bought student jobs site MyEdu in January and on Tuesday, the edtech company announced its acquisition of help desk and student services provider Perceptis.
The acquisition of the South Carolina-based company speaks to Blackboard's continued efforts to expand beyond its LMS. Now, Blackboard boasts a wide variety of appealing student support services like the ability to facilitate enrollment, financial aid, administrative processes, tech support and more for over 1.4 million students, faculty and staff annually.
With Perceptis on board, Blackboard can provide essential integrated services to support students throughout their entire academic experience. It's value for consumers increases, making this a smart move for the edtech titan. University leaders seem to agree, too.
"Over the past three years, Blackboard has helped us provide exceptional services and support that has positively impacted the success of our students' college experience," said Gloria McCall, vice president at Kentucky Community & Technical College System. "The acquisition of Perceptis demonstrates Blackboard's commitment to being first in class for 24/7/365 virtual services."
It's abundantly clear that Blackboard is working to drive change and change the way education services are delivered for the better.
"With the many touch points students have to an institution, we are starting to see an increasing desire from students for more immediate access and greater personalization across all aspects of their education experience," explained Jay Bhatt, CEO of Blackboard, in a press release. "By combining the Blackboard and Perceptis teams, we will enhance a service model that the industry needs: one that fully supports students from the first moment they are interested in a school to the day they graduate."
Will the acquisition of Perceptis improve student outcomes? Blackboard seems to think so.
