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 Mr 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.
Mr 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 Rowland's hometown of Westport, Co Mayo, employing more than 50 full time staff members and some 300 adjunct faculties worldwide.
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