Datatel President and CEO John Speer Named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year® 2010 Award Winner in Greater Washington

Award Recognizes Entrepreneurial Excellence in Software Category

• Read full article

FAIRFAX, Va. (BUSINESS WIRE), June 25, 2010 - Datatel, Inc., a provider of innovative technology products, services, and insight to higher education, today announced that Datatel President and CEO, John Speer, received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2010 Award in Greater Washington in the software category. According to Ernst & Young LLP, the award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who are building and leading dynamic, growing businesses. Mr. Speer was selected by an independent panel of judges, and the award was presented at a gala event at the Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner on Thursday, June 24, 2010.

“It’s an exciting time at Datatel, helping colleges and universities to rapidly innovate their business and academic processes,” said Mr. Speer. “Through our collaborative work, institutions can ensure that their students can achieve their dream of a higher education, gainful employment, and a brighter future for their families. I am honored that Ernst & Young has recognized our accomplishments, and I applaud them for their leadership in helping companies throughout the world to deliver on their missions. Building a company is a team endeavor, and this recognition reflects on the passion and professionalism of my Datatel colleagues, who are committed to student success.”

The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards celebrate their 24th anniversary this year. The program honors entrepreneurs who have demonstrated exceptionality in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.

“We are very pleased to see John recognized for his vision and life-long dedication to Higher Education. John’s strong leadership has uniquely positioned Datatel to continue to grow with its customers and the more than five million students they serve,” said Anupam Mishra, Director of Hellman & Friedman and member of Datatel’s Board of Directors.

As a Greater Washington award winner, Mr. Speer is now eligible for consideration for the Ernst & Young LLP Entrepreneur of the Year 2010 national program. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the overall national Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award winner, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, California on November 13, 2010. The awards are the culminating event of the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum, the nation’s most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.

Sponsors

Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur of the Year awards are pleased to have the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and SAP America as national sponsors.

In Greater Washington, sponsors include HSBC Bank, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, Reznick Group, PC, The Washington Business Journal, Cassidy Turley, SolomonEdwardsGroup and Lockton Companies.

About Datatel, Inc.

Datatel is a provider of innovative technology products, services, and insight to higher education. Colleges, universities, and technical schools across North America partner with Datatel to build Strategic Academic Enterprises dedicated to achieving student success. The company has focused on higher education since 1979. For more information, visit www.datatel.com.

About Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Of The Year® Awards Program

Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Of The Year® is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The award makes a difference through the unique way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 135 cities in 50 countries.

Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young LLP is a client-serving member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited located in the U.S.

©2010 Datatel, Inc. All rights reserved. Datatel is a registered trademark of Datatel, Inc. All other names, products, and services mentioned are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.