To: ACCSC-Accredited Institutions...1. Please list all schools with which you are affiliated....

To: ACCSC-Accredited Institutions

From: Michale S. McComis, Ed.D., Executive Director

Date: February 12, 2020

Subject: School Commissioner Election Announcement Pursuant to Section 1.04 (a) and Section 2.07 of the ACCSC Bylaws, ACCSC will conduct an election beginning on February 20, 2020 and ending on March 5, 2020 to fill the following upcoming vacancies on the Commission:

• 1 Elected School Commissioners for a four (4) year term to begin July 1, 2020 • 1 Elected School Commissioner for a three (3) year term to begin July 1, 2020

Upon the recommendation of the ACCSC Nominating Committee and consent by the full Commission the following individuals have been slated as candidates for the School Commissioner election. Each candidate’s name below is hyperlinked to their photo, statement of interest, and resume.

• Susan Naples – Lincoln Technical Institute

• Jessica Sanders – Ancora Education

• Nicole Vitez – Hollywood Institute / Cortiva Institute

ACCSC encourages all accredited member institutions to take the time to review the candidates for School Commissioner prior to the election. Upon conclusion of the voting period, the candidates receiving the highest number of votes will be considered elected as ACCSC School Commissioners. Electronic Election Instructions

On February 20, 2020, each ACCSC-accredited member institution will receive an e-mail from ACCSC with a website link and login instructions to cast its vote in the School Commissioner Election. The election of Commissioners is an important part of ACCSC’s accreditation activities and the Commission encourages each accredited institution to cast its vote once the election opens. Each member shall have one vote, except that a group of affiliated schools – i.e., schools under common ownership – may have no more than five total votes regardless of the number of members in the group. Please contact Holly Eichhorst at 703.247.4524 or [email protected] with any questions regarding the electronic balloting process. Additionally, Dr. Michale S. McComis, ACCSC Executive Director, is available to discuss any questions you may have regarding the election process at 703.247.4520 or [email protected].

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Susan Naples Lincoln Technical Institute Professionally, I’ve held several positions in Regionally (Middle States Commission on Higher Education), and Nationally (ACCSC, ACICS, ACCET) accredited postsecondary institutions. After graduating from college in 1990 as a non-traditional age student, I taught GED programs for a local high school adult program, and a local community college. In 1994, I was offered a position, Director of Academic Advising, for an accelerated degree program at Rosemont College. In 1996, I accepted a Registrar position at Ultrasound Diagnostic school, and transitioned into the Director of Education position. Shortly after, I stepped into the position as Interim School Director. In 1998, I accepted an Evening Education

Manager position with the Chubb Institute located in Springfield, PA. In 2000, I was promoted to the position of National Director of Education for Chubb Corporate located in Parsippany, NJ, overseeing 12 campuses. When the Chubb Institute sold, I accepted a position in 2004 with Concord Career Colleges (ACCSC) located in Mission, KS. As Corporate Academic Specialist, I was responsible for several schools training Directors of Education and Career Services personnel. In addition, I was a trained member for ACCSC as an Education Specialist for re-accreditation visits. Beginning in 2005, I stepped briefly into a consulting role with two school groups, Branford Career Institute (ACICS) and TechSkills as Campus Director/President. My role with Brandford Hall was to successfully launch two new programs; HVAC and Culinary Arts. My role with TechSkills was to assist the school to transition into an accredited school with Title IV approvals. In 2007, I accepted a position as Campus President with Brown Mackie College (North Central Association of Colleges and Schools) located in Lenexa, KS. My campus was a branch campus. The main campus was located in Salina, KS, and I reported to the Institutional President and the Board of Trustees. In 2011, I accepted the position as Campus President with Lincoln Technical Institute located in Shelton, CT. In 2015 through 2018, I was the Regional Campus President overseeing the Shelton and New Britain, CT, schools until de-regionalization occurred in 2018. I reassumed my role as Campus President overseeing the Shelton, CT, campus only in September, 2018. I’ve devoted my educational and professional path to the field of higher education. My educational and professional experience is vast, and I am committed and in support of higher education and leadership. My numerous roles in the Regional and National sectors has provided me with a well-rounded knowledge base of educational practices and accreditation standards. The latter experience, in my opinion, provides me with the insight and experience to be a valuable member as an ACCSC Commissioner and Board Member. Accreditation is a critical attribute to the success of our institutions. Accreditation standards are the assessment platform to guide and support practices and procedures in the campus, and a validation that the campus is providing a quality education and experience for our students. Intricate to the accreditation

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process is a peer review team. The latter is certainly a validation of a 360 assessment process to provide feedback relative to the practices and procedures showcased by the campus. What motivated me to put forth this nomination to be an ACCSC Commissioner and Board Member is my desire to do more for our sector. My wealth of experience enables me to be a proactive participant that will assist the group with field experience to successfully have a voice for ongoing change to assist all schools with the tools to be successful with providing our students with a quality education in order to seek employment opportunities. After all, isn’t this what it’s all about? That is to provide a quality education for all of our students. They are truly the nucleus of our process.

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS ACCSC COMMISSIONER / BOARD MEMBER

Nomination Form–Part II Please provide the following information: 1. Please list all schools with which you are affiliated.

ACCSC-Accredited Institutions Other Institutions

2. Are any of the above-listed institutions currently operating under a Show Cause Order, Probation Order, or any other similar status with any accrediting agency or state or federal regulatory agency?

3. Please list your education, work experience and background.1

4. Please list your management and leadership experience in postsecondary career-oriented institutions.

5. How do you think your education and experience will support and form your role as an ACCSC Commissioner and Board Member?

6. What motivated you to put forth this nomination to be an ACCSC Commissioner and Board Member?

7. What is your general philosophy regarding accreditation?

8. Explain how you believe you will have the time to allocate to the significant amount of reading, thinking, and assessment as well as the time to attend all meetings necessary to serve as an ACCSC Commissioner.

9. Have you discussed serving as a Commissioner with your employer and does your employer recognize the time necessary to honor the commitment and support your nomination?

10. What do you think you can contribute to ACCSC and the membership of schools as an ACCSC Commissioner and Board Member?

11. Please provide any other information that you believe supports your nomination.

1 ACCSC will request a copy of official transcripts should the Nominating Committee advance your nomination for election or appointment.

Lincoln Technical Institute, Shelton CT Campus N/A

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CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

ACCSC COMMISSIONER / BOARD MEMBER

Nomination Form–Part II

2. Are any of the above-listed institutions currently operating under a Show Cause Order, Probation

Order, or any other similar status with any accrediting agency or state or federal regulatory

agency?

Lincoln Technical Institute, Shelton, CT, campus, is not currently operating under a Show Cause

Order, Probation Order, or any similar status with any accrediting agency or state or federal

regulatory agency.

3. Please list your education, work experience and background.

Exhibit #3 is my resume for your review.

Educationally, I hold the following degrees:

A.A., in Liberal Arts from Delaware County Community College, Media, PA

B.A., in Mathematics from Rosemont College, Rosemont, PA

M.Ed., in Adult Education from Widener University, Chester, PA

Ph.D., in Higher Education Administration and Leadership from Capella University,

Minneapolis, MN

My work experience is as follows:

2006 – Present Thomas Edison State University Trenton, NJ

Mathematics Professor

Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Teach online mathematics classes

o Intermediate Algebra

o Quantitative Business Analysis

2011– Present Lincoln Technical Institute Shelton, CT

Campus President/Regional Campus President

ACCSC

Senior administrator of the campus

Full P&L responsibility

Regulatory and Programmatic oversight for the campus

Oversight for all departments, Admissions, Financial Aid, Education, and Career

Services, relative to maintaining operating procedures, compliance, and growth

Oversee institutional HR initiatives

In 2015, I assumed the position of Regional Campus President overseeing two

campuses.

2

2007 – 2011 Brown Mackie College – Kansas City Lenexa, KS

Campus President

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools



Report to the Institutional President and the Board of Trustees


Oversight for all departments, Admissions, Financial Aid, Education, and Career



2006 – 2007 TechSkills Lenexa, KS

Campus President - Consulting

Interim administrator of the campus


Regulatory oversight for the campus

Oversight for all departments, Admissions, Education, and Career Services, relative

to maintaining operating procedures, compliance, and growth

2005 – 2006 Branford Career Institute Springfield, MA

Executive Director – Consulting

ACICS


Full P&L responsibility for two campuses

Regulatory oversight for two campuses

Oversight for all departments, Admissions, Education, Financial Aid, and Career


2004-2005 Concorde Career Colleges, Inc Mission, KS

Corporate Academic Specialist

ACCSC

Provide campus Academic Deans and Directors of Graduate Services to

review, assist, and monitor compliance for state, accreditation, and Federal

agencies

To assist campuses with improving teacher-learning outcomes

Develop and monitor retention plans for campuses

Provide input relative to corporate policies and procedures

Responsible for review, evaluation, and updating current courses, and

programs under the direction of the Vice President of Academic Affairs

Responsible for coordinating teaching training seminars, workshops, and

in-services

3

1998-2004 The Chubb Institute Parsippany, NJ

National Director of Education

Evening Education Manager

ACICS, ACCSC, ACCET

Provide guidance and support for the Education Department from a National

perspective focusing on staff recruitment, training, and procedure adherence for 11

campuses

Knowledge and implementation of state and accreditation regulations that affect the

Education Department

Oversee the filing process of new programs with states and accreditation agencies

(ACICS, ACCET, ACCSC)

Work collaboratively with other National Managers on cross-functional projects

affecting the schools

Coordinate articulation agreements with collegiate affiliates

Coordinate and process ACE evaluations for all curricula

ACE Commissioner

Work collaboratively with the Product Development team to ensure delivery meets

education standards of the state and accreditation standards

P & L knowledge

ACICS and ACCSC Team Evaluator

Responsible for day-to-day operations of the education department, instructors,

students, and related issues or conflicts

Prepare instructor training plans, schedules, and performance appraisals

Conduct instructor observations

Demonstrate effective leadership abilities

1996–1998 Ultrasound Diagnostic School Trevose, PA

Registrar, Director of Education, Interim School Director

ACCSC

Maintain student academic records, grades, attendance, and transcripts

Administer entrance examinations

Liaison between administrative departments

Conduct process review audits of academic and financial records

Instructor training and development

Curriculum approvals and implementation

1994–1996 Rosemont College Rosemont, PA

Director of Academic Advising


Academic Advising/Transfer/Portfolio Counselor

Developed and implemented academic policies and procedures

Evaluated ACE, PONSI, Military, and other collegiate credits

Proctored and evaluated CLEP and DANTE assessments

Maintained student retention

4

4. Please list your management and leadership experience in postsecondary career-oriented

institutions.

Professionally, I’ve held several positions in Regionally (Middle States Commission on

Higher Education), and Nationally (ACCSC, ACICS, ACCET) accredited postsecondary

institutions. After graduating from college in 1990 as a non-traditional age student, I taught

GED programs for a local high school adult program, and a local community college. In 1994,

I was offered a position, Director of Academic Advising, for an accelerated degree program

at Rosemont College. In 1996, I accepted a Registrar position at Ultrasound Diagnostic

school, and transitioned into the Director of Education position, and then stepped into the

position as Interim School Director. In 1998, I accepted an Evening Education Manager

position with the Chubb Institute located in Springfield, PA. Shortly after, I was promoted to

the position of National Director of Education for Chubb Corporate located in Parsippany,

NJ, overseeing 12 campuses. When the Chubb Institute sold, I accepted a position in 2004

with Concord Career Colleges (ACCSC) located in Mission, KS. As Corporate Academic

Specialist, I was responsible for several schools training Director of Education and Career

Services personnel. In addition, I was a trained member for ACCSC as an Education

Specialist for re-accreditation visits.

Beginning in 2005, I stepped briefly into a consulting role with two school groups, Branford Career Institute (ACICS) and TechSkills as Campus Director/President. My role with

Brandford Hall was to successfully launch two new programs; HVAC and Culinary Arts. My

role with TechSkills was to assist the school to transition into an accredited school with

Title IV approvals. In 2007, I accepted a position as Campus President with Brown Mackie

College (North Central Association of Colleges and Schools) located in Lenexa, KS. My

campus was a branch campus. The main campus was located in Salina, KS, and I reported to

the Institutional President and the Board of Trustees.

In 2011, I accepted the position as Campus President with Lincoln Technical Institute

located in Shelton, CT. In 2015 through 2018, I was the Regional Campus President

overseeing the Shelton and New Britain, CT, schools until de-regionalization occurred in

2018. I reassumed my role as Campus President overseeing the Shelton, CT, campus only in

September, 2018.

5. How do you think your education and experience will support and form your role as an ACCSC

Commissioner and Board Member?

I’ve dedicated my educational and professional path to the field of higher education. My

educational and professional experience is vast, and I am dedicated and in support of higher

education and leadership. My numerous roles in the Regional and National sectors has provided

me with a well-rounded knowledge base of educational practices and accreditation standards. The

latter experience, in my opinion, provides me with the insight and experience to be a valuable

member as an ACCSC Commissioner and Board Member.

5

6. What motivated you to put forth this nomination to be an ACCSC Commissioner and Board

Member?

What motivated me to put forth this nomination to be an ACCSC Commissioner and Board

Member is my desire to do more for our sector. My wealth of experience enables me to be a

proactive participant that will assist the group with field experience to successfully have a voice

for ongoing change to assist all schools with the tools to be successful with providing our

students with a quality education in order to seek employment opportunities.


Accreditation is a critical attribute to the success of our institutions. Accreditation standards are

the assessment platform to guide and support practices and procedures in the campus, and a

validation that the campus is providing a quality education and experience for our students.

Intricate to the accreditation process is a peer review team. The latter is certainly a validation of a

360 assessment process to provide feedback relative to the practices and procedures showcased

by the campus.

8. Explain how you believe you will have the time to allocate to the significant amount of reading,

thinking, and assessment as well as the time to attend all meetings necessary to serve as an

ACCSC Commissioner.

This is a viable opportunity for me, and therefore, a priority to make time. I am extremely

fortunate that I have a supportive employer who understands the importance of this opportunity.

In addition, I have a seasoned Executive Team at my campus, and they are supportive as well.

9. Have you discussed serving as a Commissioner with your employer and does your employer

recognize the time necessary to honor the commitment and support your nomination?

I have discussed my desire to serve as an ACCSC Commissioner and Board Member with my

employer. My employer fully understands the time commitment, and supports my application

submission to seek election as an ACCSC Commissioner and Board Member.

10. What do you think you can contribute to ACCSC and the membership of schools as an ACCSC

Commissioner and Board Member?

My years of experience in the field in multiple positions has provided me with a comprehensive

overview of all facets of campus operations. The latter experience has tooled me with the ability

to be a well-rounded knowledge base with campus processes and procedures.


I am enthusiastic about this opportunity to be a contributing member to my sector and to ACCSC.

1

DR. SUSAN G. NAPLES

EXPERIENCE

2006 – Present Thomas Edison State University Trenton, NJ

Mathematics Professor


Teach online mathematics classes

o Intermediate Algebra

o Quantitative Business Analysis

2011– Present Lincoln Technical Institute Shelton, CT

Campus President/Regional Campus President

ACCSC




Oversight for all departments, Admissions, Financial Aid, Education, and Career Services, relative to maintaining operating procedures, compliance, and growth


In 2015, I assumed the position of Regional Campus President overseeing two campuses.

2007 – 2011 Brown Mackie College – Kansas City Lenexa, KS

Campus President

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools



Report to the Institutional President and the Board of Trustees


Oversight for all departments, Admissions, Financial Aid, Education, and Career Services, relative to maintaining operating procedures, compliance, and growth


2006 – 2007 TechSkills Lenexa, KS

Campus President - Consulting



Regulatory oversight for the campus

2

Oversight for all departments, Admissions, Education, and Career Services, relative to maintaining operating procedures, compliance, and growth

2005 – 2006 Branford Career Institute Springfield, MA

Executive Director – Consulting

ACICS


Full P&L responsibility for two campuses

Regulatory oversight for two campuses

Oversight for all departments, Admissions, Education, Financial Aid, and Career Services, relative to maintaining operating procedures, compliance, and growth

2004-2005 Concorde Career Colleges, Inc Mission, KS

Corporate Academic Specialist

ACCSC

Provide campus Academic Deans and Directors of Graduate Services to

review, assist, and monitor compliance for state, accreditation, and Federal agencies

To assist campuses with improving teacher-learning outcomes

Develop and monitor retention plans for campuses

Provide input relative to corporate policies and procedures

Responsible for review, evaluation, and updating current courses, and

programs under the direction of the Vice President of Academic Affairs

Responsible for coordinating teaching training seminars, workshops, and

in-services

1998-2004 The Chubb Institute Parsippany, NJ

National Director of Education

Evening Education Manager

ACICS, ACCSC, ACCET

Provide guidance and support for the Education Department from a National perspective focusing on staff recruitment, training, and procedure adherence for 11 campuses

Knowledge and implementation of state and accreditation regulations that affect the Education Department

Oversee the filing process of new programs with states and accreditation agencies (ACICS, ACCET, ACCSC)

Work collaboratively with other National Managers on cross-functional projects affecting the schools

Coordinate articulation agreements with collegiate affiliates

Coordinate and process ACE evaluations for all curricula

ACE Commissioner

Work collaboratively with the Product Development team to ensure delivery meets education standards of the state and accreditation standards

3

P & L knowledge

ACICS and ACCSC Team Evaluator

Responsible for day-to-day operations of the education department, instructors, students, and related issues or conflicts

Prepare instructor training plans, schedules, and performance appraisals

Conduct instructor observations

Demonstrate effective leadership abilities

1996–1998 Ultrasound Diagnostic School Trevose, PA

Registrar, Director of Education, Interim School Director

ACCSC

Maintain student academic records, grades, attendance, and transcripts

Administer entrance examinations

Liaison between administrative departments

Conduct process review audits of academic and financial records

Instructor training and development

Curriculum approvals and implementation


Director of Academic Advising

Middle States Commission on Higher Education Academic Advising/Transfer/Portfolio Counselor

Developed and implemented academic policies and procedures

Evaluated ACE, PONSI, Military, and other collegiate credits

Proctored and evaluated CLEP and DANTE assessments

Maintained student retention

EDUCATION

2004-2010 Capella University Minneapolis, MN

Ph.D., Higher Education and Leadership

Dissertation: Millennials: Their Attitudes and their Affect on Student Retention

2002–2003 Thomas Edison State College Trenton, NJ

Distance Education Facilitator Certification

1994-1995 Widener University Chester, PA

M.Ed., Adult Education


B.A., Mathematics

References Upon Request

Jessica Sanders Ancora Education I believe in the purpose and value of accreditation. I am humbled by the opportunity to serve as an ACCSC Commissioner. I will work hard and smart, be kind, and listen. I will make thoughtful and informed decisions, reflecting in advance how decisions made impact schools and students. I am dedicated to partnering with schools to monitor and implement initiatives to ensure ongoing quality and continuous improvement. Accreditation standards provide the roadmap to do just that.

It is my duty and responsibility to contribute to this process. I admire that ACCSC has created a culture of community among its campuses and respect ACCSC’s commitment to accountability, integrity, and student success. I will rely upon my unique mix of education and extensive experience to provide quality service to both ACCSC and its schools. I have experience working in campus-based, corporate and consulting roles and at institutions owned by individuals, publicly traded, and private equity. I have led schools through changes of ownership, substantive changes, initial/renewal applications, acquisitions, start-ups, and orderly teach-outs. I have managed accreditation and state licensing across 20 states and with eight programmatic and four institutional accrediting agencies. While serving as an ACCSC Team Leader over the last 17 years, I’ve had the opportunity to visit an array of accredited institutions, mentor new team leaders, facilitate shadowing of on-site evaluations, and deliver training at the conference. I am passionate about maintaining the quality of the accreditation process and helping ACCSC navigate the challenges facing accreditation with energy and enthusiasm.


Nomination Form–Part I

Nominee Information Name ________________________________________________________

Title ________________________________________________________

Institution ________________________________________________________

Address ________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip ________________________________________________________

Phone _____________________________________

E-Mail ______________

Corporation Name ________________________________________________________ I am a (check all that apply):

Appeals Panel member Manager/Executive of an ACCSC-accredited School

Team Leader Former ACCSC Commissioner ACCSC Committee Member Other – Please specify

I attest that I have no affiliation with any other school represented by a sitting ACCSC Commissioner and that all information submitted with this nomination is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge & belief. I also understand that if selected to move forward, I will be subject to a criminal background check by ACCSC. Signature Date

Please return this form along with the Nomination Form–Part II and a current résumé no later than November 15, 2019 to the attention of:

Michale S. McComis, Ed.D., Executive Director ACCSC

2101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 302 Arlington, VA 22201

November 13, 2019

Jessica Sanders

Chief Compliance Officer

Ancora Education

8701 Bedford Euless Road, Suite 400

Hurst, TX 76053



Please provide the following information:

1. Please list all schools with which you are affiliated.

ACCSC-Accredited Institutions Other Institutions Edge Tech Academy, Platt Colleges, Arizona Automotive Institute International Schools

South-Texas Vocational Technical Institutes Creative Circus

Miller-Motte College, Miller-Motte Technical College South-Texas Vocational Technical Institutes - Weslaco and Brownsville

McCann Schools of Business and Technology Berks Technical Institute

2. Are any of the above-listed institutions currently operating under a Show Cause Order, Probation Order, or any other similar status with any accrediting agency or state or federal regulatory agency?

The Surgical Technology program at Miller-Motte Technical College in Charleston, SC and McCann School of Business and Technology in Lewisburg, PA are currently on probation with CAAHEP. These schools are on programmatic accreditation reporting with ACCSC and are scheduled to provide updates regarding the status of the program its accreditation accordingly.

3. Please list your education, work experience and background.1

Ph.D., Instructional Management & Leadership, Robert Morris University M.S., Legal Studies: Law and Public Policy, California University of Pennsylvania B.S., Organizational Studies - Leadership, Robert Morris University A.S.B., Computer Management, ICM School of Business

Chief Compliance Officer/V.P. of Accreditation and Licensing, Ancora Education Consultant, Jessica M. Sanders Consulting Regional Director/Director of Regulatory Operations, Career Education Corporation Compliance Director, Le Cordon Bleu Institute of Culinary Arts (Pennsylvania Culinary Institute) Team Leader, ACCSC Member, NASASPS Member, SCCE



4. Please list your management and leadership experience in postsecondary career-oriented

institutions. I have served in the following management and leadership positions supporting postsecondary career-oriented, ACCSC accredited institutions:

• Chief Compliance Officer/V.P. of Accreditation and Licensing, Ancora Education

• Regional Director/Director of Regulatory Operations, Career Education Corporation

• Compliance Director, Le Cordon Bleu Institute of Culinary Arts

o (Previously Pennsylvania Culinary Institute)

5. How do you think your education and experience will support and form your role as an ACCSC Commissioner and Board Member?

My unique mix of education and extensive experience in accreditation and postsecondary regulatory compliance provides a base knowledge that will appropriately support and form my role as a Commissioner to provide quality service to both ACCSC and its schools. I purposefully crafted my educational experience to encompass organizational studies, law, public policy, and instructional management and leadership to support my career providing accreditation and compliance management for career-oriented educational institutions. My knowledge in these areas has contributed to my ability to be a trusted and valued advisor and partner to campus leaders. I will rely upon my education in the assessment of institutions and to make honest and fair decisions consistent with ACCSC’s mission and core values. My professional experience at career-oriented institutions has touched upon each part of the student life cycle, including marketing, admissions, student finance, financial aid, academics, student services and career services. I have experience working in campus-based, corporate and consulting roles. I have also worked at institutions that were individually owned, owned by publicly traded corporations, owned by private equity, and also consulted for a public university. Over the years, I have led schools through obtaining approvals and maintaining compliance through changes of ownership, substantive changes, initial applications for accreditation, renewals of accreditation, restructuring, acquisitions, start-ups, orderly program and campus teach-outs, and changes in accrediting agency. I have managed the accreditation and state licensure process for schools across 20 states, 8 programmatic accrediting agencies, and 3 institutional accrediting agencies in addition to ACCSC. I am confident that relying upon this extensive experience will positively impact my development in the role as an ACCSC Commissioner and Board Member.



I am confident in my knowledge and understanding of the history of accreditation, ACCSC Standards of Accreditation, Rules of Process and Procedure and am proud to have completed the ACCSC Certified Accreditation Professional Program. While serving as an ACCSC Team Leader over the last 17 years, I have also had the opportunity to mentor new team leaders, facilitate shadowing of on-site evaluations, provide training to team leaders at the ACCSC conference, and serve as a resource to evaluate and develop new and revised training and evaluation materials for use by team leaders. In addition, I have had the honor to build excellent working relationships with ACCSC staff. I also chose to focus my doctoral research on accreditation. The purpose of my dissertation study was to examine the knowledge and opinions of volunteer peer evaluators regarding the effectiveness of the peer review process in accreditation. I had the opportunity to partner with several national and regional accrediting agencies to complete this study. I am passionate about maintaining the quality of the accreditation and peer review process. My experience in the peer review accreditation process positions me to provide valuable insight as a Commissioner.

6. What motivated you to put forth this nomination to be an ACCSC Commissioner and Board

Member?

I have been interested in becoming an ACCSC Commissioner and Board Member for quite some time, just waiting for the appropriate personal and professional timing. That time is now! I am motivated to put forth this nomination by my strong belief in the purpose and value of accreditation and its importance in maintaining quality in postsecondary education.

I am a lifelong learner and believe that I am always learning and can always improve. I am passionate about my duty to work with schools to monitor and implement initiatives to ensure ongoing quality and continuous improvement. Accreditation standards provide the roadmap to do just that. I value the balance of the self-evaluation process and system of peer review to assess quality, share best practices, and facilitate improvement and ultimately student success. It is my duty and responsibility to contribute to this process.

I admire that ACCSC has created a culture of community among its campuses and respect the agency’s commitment to accountability, integrity and student success.


It is complex. Accreditation is a valuable system of quality assessment and improvement. Self –evaluation and peer review are important components of the accreditation process. While not perfect, I do believe it is the most effective way to assure quality in postsecondary education. Accreditation serves many stakeholders – students, employers, businesses, taxpayers, institutions, and regulatory agencies/government. Each stakeholder brings its own set of



expectations. Accreditation relies on volunteers. The accreditation process is most valuable when each participant is engaged and does their part. It is important that each participant in the accreditation process understand their role and contribute to the process with honesty and integrity including agency staff, volunteer evaluators, commissioners, and schools.

8. Explain how you believe you will have the time to allocate to the significant amount of reading, thinking, and assessment as well as the time to attend all meetings necessary to serve as an ACCSC Commissioner.

I am committed to allocating the appropriate time and resources to serve as an ACCSC Commissioner. I have served as a Team Leader and am aware of the additional amount of time necessary to commit to a Commissioner role. I have experience allocating significant amounts of time to reading, thinking, writing, and to attend class from my doctoral studies. I am willing and ready to dedicate the time and resources necessary to serve as a Commissioner. I have the support of the Ancora Education CEO, leadership team, my compliance team, as well as my family. In addition, 16 of the 23 ACCSC accredited Ancora Education campuses completed the renewal of accreditation process in 2018-2019. The timing is right for me beginning in 2020 to serve ACCSC as a Commissioner and Board Member.

9. Have you discussed serving as a Commissioner with your employer and does your employer recognize the time necessary to honor the commitment and support your nomination?

Yes, I have discussed serving as a Commissioner with my employer and he does recognize the time necessary to honor the commitment and supports my nomination.

10. What do you think you can contribute to ACCSC and the membership of schools as an ACCSC Commissioner and Board Member?

As an ACCSC Commissioner I will contribute honesty, integrity, impartiality, and good judgement. I will make sound, fair and consistent decisions to ensure that ACCSC meets its mission and conducts its business in accordance with established rules. I vow to help improve institutions and the opportunities available to students.

I will seek ways and take actionable steps to contribute to the quality and improvement of the accreditation process and the ACCSC Standards of Accreditation.

I will dedicate time to work in the standards review policy area or any area where my experience will benefit ACCSC and its institutions.

I will work hard and smart. I will be kind and listen. I will openly share my education, experience, and opinion. I will make thoughtful and informed decisions. I will think about in advance and reflect on how decisions made impact schools and students.




Not only does my professional experience demonstrate my commitment to vocational and career-oriented education but I am proud that my own education journey started at a vocational and career oriented school in Pittsburgh, PA. Though the youngest, I was the first and only member of my family to pursue postsecondary education and the choice of a vocational school was the right choice for me.

1 ACCSC will request a copy of official transcripts should the Nominating Committee advance your nomination for election or appointment.

JESSICA M. SANDERS Post-secondary Education Professional with proven accomplishments and over 20 years’ experience in senior level compliance management positions for nationally and regionally accredited postsecondary education institutions. Trusted partner, advisor, and expert in regulatory affairs and operations. Recognized performance in accreditation, state licensing, institutional assessment, training, policy and procedure development, and quality improvement and assurance. Excellent interpersonal and analytical skills. • Project Management • Flawless Execution • Relationship Management

• Lifelong Learner • Collaborative Leader • Change Management

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Ancora Education, Hurst, TX Chief Compliance Officer/VP of Accreditation and Licensure 2017 - Current Oversee regulatory compliance for a system of 30+ career colleges across the US to include federal compliance, state licensure, and programmatic and institutional accreditation.

• Developed and staffed a department to include compliance, accreditation and licensing, and internal audit. • Coordinated regulatory approvals with 56 agencies for the acquisition of 19 institutions and the change of

institutional accrediting agency. • Managed the renewal of accreditation process for 16 campuses

Jessica M. Sanders Consulting, Pittsburgh, PA Independent Consultant/Contractor 2015 – 2017 Assisted organizations with regulatory research, compliance advising, accreditation, state licensing, applications, responses, and on-site evaluations. • Partnered with a public research university to research state and programmatic authorization for nursing,

teacher education, and online program delivery. Advised operational leaders regarding approvals and restrictions related to geography expansions, new programs, marketing, and physical presence triggers.

• Relied upon by institutional accrediting agency to conduct thorough and timely evaluations of initial applications for accreditation and draft acceptance/deferral letters per agency’s rules of process and procedure.

Career Education Corporation, Schaumburg, IL Regional Director/Director Regulatory Operations 2009 – 2016 Provided regulatory compliance oversight of 16 degree-granting college campuses including the coordination of operational projects, company initiatives, regulatory practices, and accreditation efforts. Lead, supervised, and supported team of 6 remotely located senior regulatory operations staff across US. • Developed accreditation toolkit including training modules, templates, assessments, policies and procedures,

and resource documents for use by campus leadership teams and regulatory staff to effectively and efficiently navigate the accreditation process.

• Improved relationships with over 30 regulatory agencies by maintaining awareness of agency needs and preferences and keeping contacts informed via ongoing professional and friendly interaction resulting in superior relationships.

• Partnered with business unit leaders to develop, obtain regulatory approval, and implement brand initiatives including the alignment of curriculum, programs, policies, and procedures across 16 locations nationwide to improve operating efficiency.

• Empowered team to achieve results such as zero actionable finding accreditation visits as well as develop and utilize additional skill sets via coaching, training, and professional development plans

• Implemented a system to monitor and track ongoing compliance with accreditation standards and regulatory requirements including campus visits, checklists, quality assessments, observation tools, surveys, and reports.

JESSICA M. SANDERS PAGE 2

• Analyzed institution and program level outcomes including retention, graduation, and employment, evaluated program viability, and developed and implemented outcome improvement plans when below benchmark to improve process and outcomes.

• Served as key knowledge resource for faculty, staff, and organization leaders by managing change from a regulatory perspective (including restructures, changes in accreditation, start-ups, changes of ownership, teach-out and campus closures, higher credential offerings, new programs, and substantive changes), sharing best practices, and resolving student complaints leading to achievement of company goals.

Le Cordon Bleu Institute of Culinary Arts (Pennsylvania Culinary Institute), Pittsburgh, PA Compliance Director 1999 – 2009 Served as a senior leader for degree granting institution responsible for state, federal, and accreditation compliance, student complaints, institutional effectiveness and improvement, operational policies and procedures, as well as tracking and advising of international student population. • Maintained awareness of federal, state, and accreditation requirements to advise fellow leaders in decision

making and strategic planning. Researched, obtained, and maintained institutional and solicitor licensing in 10 states to allow out of state recruiting and enrollment of students.

• Developed and staffed enrollment management department and implemented policies and procedures as a function of quality assurance for admissions process.

• Assessed needs, created, and delivered initial employee and ongoing staff/faculty training to improve knowledge and awareness of regulatory requirements resulting in improved compliance.

• Managed annual and high profile reporting to and communications with state and federal government and accreditation agencies to include annual reports, outcomes reporting, applications, self-studies, responses, on-site evaluations, program reviews, and non-substantive and substantive change approvals to facilitate ongoing licensing and accreditation of institution and offered programs.

• Collected and analyzed student outcomes, student surveys, student course/instructor evaluations, and student complaint data to identify trends and develop plans for ongoing improvement.

EDUCATION Robert Morris University, Moon Township, PA Ph. D., Instructional Management and Leadership 2017 California University of Pennsylvania, California, PA M.S., Legal Studies: Law and Public Policy 2010 Robert Morris University, Moon Township, PA B.S., Organizational Studies - Leadership 2005 LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Career Education Corporation, Schaumburg, IL Developing Leaders Academy 2010 Career Education Corporation, Schaumburg, IL Performance Leadership Program 2004 Achieve Global, Pittsburgh, PA High Achievement Leadership 2003 PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, Arlington, VA Team Leader Volunteer Evaluator 2002 – 2019 • Reviewed applications and self-study materials and lead a team to conduct on-site evaluation to assess

managerial and administrative strengths and weaknesses of schools as part of peer review accreditation process Team Leader Mentor 2012 - 2016 • Mentored new team leaders and facilitated shadowing of on-site evaluations during initial training

JESSICA M. SANDERS PAGE 3

Team Leader Resources Committee 2015 - 2016 • Served as a resource to evaluate and develop new and revised materials and training for use by team leaders CERTIFICATIONS Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, Arlington, VA Certified Accreditation Professional 2019-2024 MEMBERSHIPS National Association of State Administrators and Supervisors of Private Schools Associate Member 2018-2019 Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics Member 2017-2019

Nicole Vitez Hollywood Institute / Cortiva Institute

I am seeking the position of ACCSC School Commissioner because as a graduate from a career education program, I personally understand the value and importance of a quality career education. I began my career in over 15 years ago after graduating from New England Technical Institute in West Palm Beach, Florida and working in many facets of the Beauty, Health, and Wellness industry, including; as a master stylist, platform artist, as well as, working as an educator. During my tenure in education, I gained a broader perspective on some of the challenge’s students experience every day, I saw opportunities to create a more student centric learning environment and began working in various roles in school administration. My passion for education led me into my current focus of Regulatory Compliance when I literally selected the “short straw” of the group

while navigating through the acquisition and change of ownership process of a Beauty and Wellness School located in Southern California. After selling my interest in the school, I continued to focus on school administration, policy development, Federal, State and Accreditation requirements and the regulations pertaining to post-secondary education. Currently, I am the Corporate Director of Compliance for Hollywood Institute of Beauty Careers (NACCAS Accredited), Hollywood Institute (ACCSC Accredited) and Cortiva Institute (ACCSC/COMTA Accredited), I work with multiple state regulatory bodies, accrediting agencies and federal organizations to ensure the compliance of our 11 institutions of higher education which are located in Florida, Texas, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Maryland. I believe my experience would bring the Commission a unique perspective, and my genuine concern for student success and passion for our industry makes me an ideal candidate.

To: ACCSC-Accredited Institutions...1. Please list all schools with which you are affiliated....

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Transcript of To: ACCSC-Accredited Institutions...1. Please list all schools with which you are affiliated....