Minneapolis, MN July 18, 2008 -- Capella University, an accredited*, online university, was recognized by the National University Telecommunications Network for excellence in synchronous distance learning. The winning entry, "Next Generation Learning: Teaching Public Speaking in an Online Environment," won the NUTN 2008 Shirley Davis Award for Excellence In Teleconferencing. The award recognizes individuals and institutions who provide teleconferences of a superior nature, in terms of content, technical aspects and administrative issues.

Nick White, who was the online university's instructional designer of this course, accepted the award along with Capella faculty member Dr. Sue Perry at NUTN's distance learning conference--2020 Vision: A Look at Higher Education through Techno-Colored Glasses.

"Capella University's online college courses leverage current technology and extend access to learners who would not otherwise be able to complete a degree program, whether because they are busy professionals or deployed military personnel," said White. "This public speaking course demonstrates how Capella University uses synchronous communication tools and leading publisher course materials and multimedia to support online learning."

The online public speaking course was developed for Capella's School of Undergraduate Studies and employs webconferencing software, webcams, headsets, and Capella's online course room allowing learners to deliver speeches to instructors and other learners at locations around the world. In July 2007, this public speaking class won the Blackboard Exemplary Course Award, another peer review award program.

About NUTN
The National University Telecommunications Network (NUTN) is a membership-supported organization committed to dynamic leadership and support of applications of new and emerging technologies in distance education. As a premier distance learning professional organization, NUTN provides vision and experience to higher education institutions and professionals serving numerous constituencies and organizations. NUTN is headquartered at the Dallas County Community College District's R. Jan LeCroy Center for Educational Telecommunications in Dallas, Texas. For further information about NUTN, visit www.nutn.org.

About Capella University
Founded in 1993, Capella University (www.capella.edu) is an accredited*, fully online university that offers graduate degree programs in business, information technology, education, human services, psychology, public health, and public safety, and bachelor's degree programs in business, information technology, and public safety. Within those areas, Capella currently offers 104 graduate and undergraduate specializations and 15 certificate programs. The online university currently serves more than 23,400 students from all 50 states and 45 other countries. It is committed to providing high-caliber academic excellence and pursuing balanced business growth. Capella University is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Capella Education Company, headquartered in Minneapolis. For more information, please visit http://www.capella.edu or call 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552).

• Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), www.ncahlc.org.