Datatel shows new kids how it’s done
September 4th, 2007 by Brian Lustig
Fellow ExecutiveBiz blogger Karen Mortensen did a wonderful job analyzing the August 30th Washington Post story that chronicled the wave of regional education technology companies changing the way teachers, students and parents work and interact.
As I looked beyond the Blackboard’s and Defywire’s in perusing the full list of 20+ companies listed in the article, another firm caught my eye not only because of its long-term history in the area, but also because of the short-term challenges it faced – and overcame.
Succeeding a respected executive can pose a tremendous challenge under normal circumstances. For John F. Speer, III, President and CEO of Datatel, the transition was even more daunting. About one year ago, ExecutiveBiz conducted an Executive Spotlight interview with Speer, who had just taken over under the most unfortunate circumstances when the firm’s long-time President Russ Griffith passed away.
Datatel has been at the forefront of delivering IT solutions for the higher education market for years. Its core solution – Datatel Colleague – incorporates five primary integrated components (Student, Finance, Financial Aid, HR and Advancement) that assist colleges and universities in meeting their business objectives.
While new-to-the-scene, regional high fliers always hover around a hot market segment, Datatel is one company that has been content to cruise at a steady altitude. Founded in 1968 (that is not a misprint), the Fairfax, Va.-based Company now boasts over 700 clients, 570 employees according to the most recent data, and 2006 revenues exceeded $115 million.
When Griffith passed, Datatel employees were likely heartened that a familiar face was taking over. Speer served as vice president of sales for about ten years prior to being named President, and has been with the firm for over two decades.
By all indications, the past year has been a successful one for Datatel – and for Speer, who was named CEO last month. The company’s news page shows that the firm has been busy in 2007 adding new clients such as Fairleigh Dickinson University, growing successfully on the heels of record revenue in 2006, and creating a desirable work environment as evidenced by being named one of the “Best Places to Work” by the Washington Business Journal.
Back in 2004, Roger Hughlett at the Washington Business Journal profiled Datatel and the inspiring rise of Griffith – who was pulled out of the University of Maryland and deposited in Vietnam. While Griffith might not have earned the degree, he brought home a Bronze Star and a proven ability to lead.
The WBJ story went on to recognize Griffith’s commitment to employees – from free sodas to tuition assistance. With the “Best Places to Work” designation, it is clear that Speer continues to value his predecessor’s approach, and with Datatel’s continued success it is clear an old hand can still teach the new kids on the block a thing or two.
