#United States #Miami #Knack #Megan Dusenbery #New Markets Venture Partners

Knack's Strategic Evolution

Knack, a leader in student success technology, announced significant organizational changes that promise to propel its mission forward. With the appointment of Megan Dusenbery as Chief Executive Officer, the company is set to enter a transformative phase. This decision follows a successful Series B funding round spearheaded by New Markets Venture Partners (NMVP), designed to bolster partnerships in higher education institutions focused on peer learning.

Leadership Transition

The founder of Knack, Samyr Qureshi, will step into the role of Executive Chairman after a decade at the helm. His transition allows him to focus on long-term strategic initiatives while Dusenbery takes charge of daily operations and growth management. Qureshi has built Knack’s reputation over the years by establishing partnerships with renowned universities such as Fordham, Georgia Tech, and the University of Florida. Under his stewardship, Knack has enabled student tutors to earn millions and significantly improved retention and graduation rates at partner institutions.

Megan Dusenbery comes with an impressive resume, having previously served as Chief Partnerships Officer at the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE). She also held senior leadership roles at Kaplan, particularly overseeing initiatives in higher education. Her blend of extensive experience in educational partnerships and revenue strategy equips her to advance Knack’s vision effectively.

Remarks from Leadership

Expressing his excitement about the company's new direction, Qureshi stated, "I am thrilled for this next chapter for me and the company. With nearly 20 years in the field, Megan brings a unique blend of expertise and operational rigor. I am excited to support Knack under her leadership."

Dusenbery, on her part, stated, "It’s an honor to lead Knack into this crucial new growth phase. As the landscape of higher education evolves, it becomes imperative to invest in solutions that foster meaningful retention outcomes for students. I am particularly eager that our platform not only drives institutional success but also creates paid opportunities that empower students to gain real-world skills."

Series B Funding Milestone

The Series B funding led by New Markets Venture Partners signals a vote of confidence in Knack’s strategic direction. NMVP, renowned for its focus on education and workforce technology, has raised over $160 million for its Economic Mobility Fund aimed at supporting evidence-based solutions for the educational sector. The funding will allow Knack to deepen its existing partnerships and explore new collaborations to expand its reach and effectiveness.

Robb Doub, General Partner at NMVP, remarked on Dusenbery’s selection as CEO, stating, "Megan is the right leader for this phase. We are excited to collaborate with her and the Knack team to propel the company forward."

About Knack

Founded in 2015, Knack specializes in creating platforms that power peer learning programs tailored for higher education institutions. Its partnerships with universities across the country, such as Auburn and Rutgers, focus on identifying and deploying high-achieving students as paid peer tutors. This model not only enhances academic support but also provides students with valuable career experiences. Knack's effectiveness and innovative approach have garnered the attention of prominent venture investors and educational entities committed to shaping the future of learning.

Conclusion

As Knack embarks on this new journey under Megan Dusenbery’s leadership, the commitment to enhancing student success through peer learning remains a core focus. The support from NMVP will provide the necessary resources to navigate the evolving education landscape and achieve impactful outcomes for students and institutions alike.