Alliance Data Systems Becomes Sixth Strategic Partner Of U.T. Dallas’ School of Management

Alliance Data Systems Becomes Sixth Strategic
Partner Of U.T. Dallas’ School of Management

RICHARDSON, Texas (April 11, 2002) - Alliance Data Systems, a leading provider of transaction services, credit services and marketing services, has been named The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) School of Management’s sixth Strategic Partner.

“We are excited that Alliance Data Systems is joining our team as a Strategic Partner,” said UTD School of Management (SOM) Dean Dr. Hasan Pirkul. “We envision a synergy that will be gained for both organizations based on the strengths of both.”

UTD School of Management Strategic Partners make a financial commitment to the school as well as pledge to support its efforts through involvement on the School’s Advisory Council and the University’s Development Board. In return, Alliance Data Systems will receive “value back” in terms of priority in hiring and opportunities to utilize SOM centers, as well as classes for real-world problem solving. The school will provide Alliance Data Systems several seminars per year based on identified needs.

“It is a win-win for both organizations,” said Dwayne Tucker, executive vice president of Alliance Data Systems. “We are pleased to have the resources of UTD as one of the tools available to us as we strive to be an ‘employer of choice’ in our industry.”

Anthony Good, vice president of corporate communications for Alliance Data Systems, has been designated as the SOM Advisory Council representative. Good has spent the last two decades helping organizations become more effective in their communications with internal and external stakeholders. He has developed comprehensive communications strategies for the launch of new products, long-range corporate planning and short-term issues.

“The UTD School of Management has emerged as one of the country’s fastest growing organizations for business learning,” said Good. “We’re proud to be a neighbor of UTD and look forward to a strong relationship with The School of Management.”

The School of Management’s other Strategic Partners are Alcatel USA, AT&T, Fujitsu, Haynes & Boone LLP and Nortel Networks.

About UTD

The University of Texas at Dallas, located at the convergence of Richardson, Plano and Dallas in the heart of the complex of major multinational technology corporations known as the Telecom Corridor, enrolls more than 7,000 undergraduate and 5,000 graduate students. The school’s freshman class traditionally stands at the forefront of Texas state universities in terms of average SAT scores. The university offers a broad assortment of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs. For additional information about UTD, please visit the university’s web site at www.utdallas.edu.

About Alliance Data Systems

Based in Dallas, Alliance Data Systems (NYSE: ADS) is a leading provider of transaction services, credit services and marketing services, assisting retail, petroleum, utility and financial services companies in managing the critical interactions between them and their customers. Alliance Data each year manages over 2.5 billion transactions and 72 million consumer accounts for some of North America's most recognizable companies. The Company also operates and markets the largest coalition loyalty program in Canada. Alliance Data Systems employs over 6,500 associates at more than 20 locations in the United States, Canada and New Zealand. For more information about the company, visit its web site, www.alliancedatasystems.com.