Industry News

Hobsons Acquires Starfish Retention Solutions

• By Joshua Bolkan
• 02/23/15

Hobsons has acquired Starfish Retention Solutions, a provider of higher ed student success and advising tools.

"The Starfish Enterprise Success Platform will augment Hobson's existing advising and admissions tools, creating a unique all-inclusive portfolio of student support from grade school through graduate school," according to a news release.

The Starfish Enterprise Success Platform comprises four modules, including Starfish Early Alert, Starfish Connect, Starfish Advising and Starfish Insight. Together, the modules are designed to identify at-risk students in real time, identify concerns and connect students with resources such as tutoring, mentoring and personalized support.

Hobsons provides tools for student lifecycle management, application and admissions management, as well as tools designed to help K-12 students identify their strengths and interests and to find appropriate higher education matches.

"With the addition of Starfish's expertise and software platform in college advising, Hobsons is increasing its investments in advising and admissions, aiming to provide a comprehensive, seamless transition for students to discover their strengths and interests, explore careers and create education plans, then persevere until they succeed in getting their degrees and launching their careers," said Craig Heldman CEO at Hobsons, in a prepared statement.

"Hobsons is the industry leader in admissions, enrollment management and college and career advising solutions, so we are thrilled to join an excellent team with a shared mission to maximize student success," said David Yaskin, founder and chief executive officer of Starfish, in a news release. Yaskin will join Hobsons in a leadership position as part of the acquisition.

More information is available at starfish.hobsons.com.