To: ACCSC-Accredited Institutions

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

Date: February 15, 2013

Subject: School Commissioner Election Announcement Pursuant to Section 1.08 (b) and Section 2.07 of the ACCSC Bylaws, ACCSC will conduct an election to fill two (2) School Commissioner seats, each with a four year-term beginning on July 1, 2013 and ending June 30, 2017, and to fill one vacant School Commissioner seat with a one-year term beginning July 1, 2013 and ending June 30, 2014. The election is scheduled to open on March 1, 2013. Upon the recommendation of the ACCSC Nominating Committee, the following individuals will be slated as candidates for election as a School Commissioner. Each candidate’s name below is hyperlinked to their statement of interest and resume.

• Julia Corona – Southeastern College and Southeastern Institute – Miami Lakes, Florida • Duane Kramer – Universal Technical Institute – Scottsdale, Arizona

• Debbie Magruder – Full Sail University – Winter Park, Florida • Valerie Njie – Bidwell Training Center, Inc. – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania • Michale Pugliese – Platt College – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

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

On or about March 1, 2013 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. Each ACCSC accredited-member institution is entitled to one vote. The e-mail will include a link to the ACCSC webpage containing the nominee’s curriculum vitae. Please read the instructions on the website closely to ensure that your ballot is counted. It is of critical importance that all ACCSC accredited member institutions ensure that a correct e-mail address has been filed with the Commission through the ACCSC Annual Report-School Info Tab. In addition, it is important that each accredited institution’s IT infrastructure recognize messages from the Commission as high importance (i.e., not spam or junk mail) and that all spam filters are adjusted to recognize and allow messages from accsc.org.

The election and appointment of Commissioners is an important part of ACCSC’s accreditation activities and the Commission encourages each accredited institution to cast its vote and submit comments once the election opens. Please contact Holly Miller, Executive Office Communications and Relations Coordinator, at 703.247.4524 or hmiller@accsc.org with any questions you have on the electronic balloting process. Additionally, Dr. Michale S. McComis, ACCSC Executive Director, is available to discuss any questions you may have regarding the election and appointment process at 703.247.4520 or mccomis@accsc.org.

ACCSC Commissioner Nominees February 15, 2013

Julia Corona Regional Vice President of Operations Southeastern college and Southeastern Institute What has motivated me to put forth my nomination to be an ACCSC Commissioner is my passion in providing quality career education to the students and the communities that our ACCSC schools serve. My experience and background have prepared me for this role to serve my sector. My role as a senior manager of Southeastern College (formerly Keiser Career College) and Southeastern Institute for over 9 years, and my experience as an ACCSC Team Leader for 4 years, support my role as an ACCSC

Commissioner. Through my leadership and management the schools (10) have obtained several programmatic accreditations and a majority of the campuses have been recognized has Schools of Excellence or Schools of Distinction by ACCSC. My leadership skills in managing quality educational institutions demonstrate my understanding of accreditation standards and my ability to implement the proper processes at an operational level to ensure that the institutions may successfully operate and meet standards. Anyone who is a member of a profession should return something to the profession and assist whenever possible. During the current environment, I find it crucial to serve my sector. My passion, beliefs, and experience in providing quality education and measurable/successful student outcomes will allow me to provide support to the ACCSC Board and the membership of schools by providing an understanding of the importance of compliance through meaningful standards and the ability to implement those standards in order to maintain highly effective and performing institutions while providing quality educational experiences to the students and communities that our membership schools serve.

Please click here for resume

ACCSC Commissioner Nominees February 15, 2013

Duane Kramer VP of New Campus Operations and Education Programs Universal Technical Institute My interest in the opportunity to serve as an ACCSC Commissioner goes back to my childhood. My parents taught all of their eight children that we are put on this earth for a purpose and throughout my career I have looked for ways to make a difference. In one of my first jobs in juvenile and adult corrections, I saw the value of embedding vision and mission to drive understanding and behavior. I also saw regulations and regulators as protectors and protections. Leaders with wisdom and experience ensure that proper, prudent and appropriate

policy and procedures are developed, instituted and corroborated. I became a Team Leader with ACCSC in order to be a part of the solution for challenges. By being involved, I have help grow my organization into a more compliant culture. I have also partnered with professionals in the accreditation community to further my understanding. My continued growth opportunity is to learn and participate in the processes at a higher leadership level. I believe by working with the experienced Commissioners, I will be able to gain wisdom to help both my organization and the education community. I enjoy my relationships with the ACCSC staff and believe in the organization. The ACCSC leadership is dedicated, caring and demonstrates walking the talk every day. I would like to be a part of that kind of quality group. ACCSC is gaining brand recognition as a premier organization. I want to be a part of being the best of the best!

Please click here for resume

ACCSC Commissioner Nominees February 15, 2013

Debbie Magruder, CPA Chief Financial Officer Full Sail University My interest in serving as an ACCSC Commissioner stems from a desire to use my experience in higher education to enhance the career education sector and the students we serve. In beginning my 20th year at Full Sail University, an entertainment and media college in Winter Park, Florida, I continue to be motivated by our sector’s ability to positively

affect students’ lives. In my role as Chief Financial Officer, I oversee the Business Office, the Human Resources Department, all accounting functions and financial reporting, and the Compliance Department. I have worked closely with the accreditation and regulatory process through the years and have recently joined the ACCSC Financial Review Committee. Through my accreditation and regulatory work, and most recently, my participation on the Financial Review Committee, I understand the role accreditation plays in strengthening the quality of the education we provide to our students.

If elected, I would not only bring my professional experience as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) but also a keen understanding of the changing regulatory landscape in higher education and the impact it is having on career schools and colleges. I will make informed, impartial decisions and focus on the integrity of the accreditation process. I believe it is important to maintain consistency among the various regulations that our institutions must adhere to between the federal, state and accrediting agencies. Finally, as a representative of all ACCSC schools and colleges, I will work tirelessly with my fellow Commissioners to highlight the positive role our institutions make in the lives of our students and communities.

Please click here for resume

ACCSC Commissioner Nominees February 15, 2013

Valerie Njie Executive Director/Senior Vice President Bidwell Training Cetner, Inc. At Bidwell Training Center, Inc. our mission is “We Change Lives”. When I think about my decades of career education and literacy experience and passion to make a difference, I realize the services we offer have impacted the lives of tens of thousands of students and their families. I am the Executive Director/Senior Vice-President and have worked tirelessly in various management positions at Bidwell since 1981. I want to serve as a Commissioner to assist in making an impact on policy and practices that will ultimately shape and improve training and employment opportunities for all students that we are charged to serve. I am also interested in promoting our sector nationally by demonstrating that ACCSC schools are

receiving appropriate oversight and are focused on outcomes and improving training and employment opportunities for all students. Since Bidwell became accredited in 1995, the standards have provided a blueprint for strengthening and accomplishing our mission and the oversight provided by ACCSC has driven us toward continuous improvement. Bidwell is a single, small, not-for-profit school that initially struggled with the rigorous standards of accreditation. We lacked the infrastructure that larger, especially corporate schools possessed, but appropriately were held to the same standards. This experience guided me in developing essential skills and strategies that can benefit and compliment the outstanding work currently performed by our highly capable, committed Commissioners. I bring diversity to the table with strategies and practices that can offer a different perspective. I truly believe the caliber of training we offer impacts the workforce significantly and prepares graduates for demanding employment opportunities. I have been a Team Leader since 2002 and have conducted over 70 visits to schools of various sizes and assisted in formulating reports that support accreditation rulings. I take my role as a team leader very seriously and have established a reputation. Staff, team members and school personnel have found me to be well-prepared, resourceful, respectful, committed, focused, professional, impartial, thorough and direct, yet fair. I am open-minded and often bring a different understanding to the ways that schools operate, as long as they comply with the required standards. One constant observation has been that schools are often so overwhelmed with the process; they miss the purpose and rationale behind the standards and practical ways to comply. Staff and commissioners have made significant strides toward making the standards more “user friendly,” but there remains work in this area. All of these skills will be useful in performing the duties of a Commissioner. Since 2007 I have had the privilege to serve as a member of the Standing Appeals Panel and go about my responsibilities with integrity, scrutiny, fairness, dignity and respect. In 2009 I was honored with the Volunteer of the Year Award and Bidwell received a 2010 Service Award. One of my biggest professional accomplishments was receiving the 2011-12 School of Excellence Award.

Please click here for resume

ACCSC Commissioner Nominees February 15, 2013

Michael Pugliese President Platt College Currently, I serve as the President of the Platt College system of schools with campuses located throughout Oklahoma as well as in Dallas, Texas, all of which are accredited with ACCSC. Platt College specializes in healthcare programs such as Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, and Pharmacy Tech, and offers an array of culinary programs at various campuses. As a testament to our dedication towards accreditation, in 2013 Platt College-Oklahoma City was named as a School of Excellence by ACCSC. In my capacity as President, I am responsible for providing oversight of day to day campus operations, as well as strategic planning and acquisitions. Recently, I lead Platt College's efforts in

the successful acquisition of Southwest Florida College, a multi-campus systems accredited by ACICS I have over 30 years of experience in career education and am intimately familiar with state licensing, programmatic accreditation, and national accreditation. Throughout my career I have been fortunate to serve in several leadership roles in support of ACCSC's mission, including Commissioner, Team Leader and Appeals Panel Member and in 1995, I was selected as the ACCSC Team Leader of the Year. I have also previously served as the Chairman of the Conference Committee for the Council of Recognized National Accrediting Agencies and have been involved with various committees for the Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities (APSCU/CCA) and the Oklahoma Private School Association. I feel this is an ideal time to contribute my efforts in order to assist and support ACCSC as it endeavors to provide high standards and an accountability framework for its accredited member institutions. I also believe ACCSC is the most respected accrediting commission in the eyes of the Department of Education and other oversight agencies because of the quality of the standards and the integrity of the organization as a whole. My motivation is simple, to contribute my experience to ACCSC in an effort to ensure ACCSC-accredited schools are quality organizations that meet or exceed our rigorous standards and provide meaningful opportunities for students. Please click here for resume

  DEBORAH R. MAGRUDER, CPA    1625 HIBISCUS AVENUE    WINTER PARK, FLORIDA  32789 

 

PROFILE 

Certified Public Accountant with over 20 years experience in higher education accounting and compliance.  Hands on 

Executive that fosters an accounting environment that places service to students, staff and the Board of Directors as 

the top priority.  Ascertains needs and envisions innovative solutions to new challenges and follows through with due 

diligence, development, direction and deployment.   

 

 

 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 

January 2000 to Present 

Chief Financial Officer, Full Sail University 

  Oversee the University’s Business Office, Human Resource Department and Compliance Department. 

Work closely with the Executive Committee for strategic planning and budget management. 

Direct the accounting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, purchasing, human resource and compliance 

and regulatory processes and policies of the University. 

Maintain and update the financial model for the University. 

Responsible for the development of the university’s financial plan, including revenue and expenditure 

planning, cash flow planning and management, debt management, annual budget development and current 

operating and capital expenditure budget management, and presentation of the budget to the board of 

directors. 

Manage the University’s legal and audit responsibilities. 

Coordinate the annual fiscal financial statement audits and annual tax return compilations.   

Oversee all corporate insurance and employee benefit programs of the University. 

Monitor the compliance with state, federal and accrediting standards and regulations. 

 

January 1996 to January 2000 

Controller, Full Sail University 

Responsible for accurate trial balance and financial statement reports.  Worked extensively on the accounts 

receivable functions, cash reports and customer service along with implementing controls to ensure 

compliance with regulatory requirements. 

 

 

June 1992 – January 1996 

Senior Staff Accountant, Randolph, Swain, Tallent & Whitehead, LLP (formerly, Todd, Coleman & Company, P.A.) 

Performed financial statement audits at cooperatives and various companies in agriculture, retail and not‐for‐

profit industries.  Compiled the tax returns for Partnerships, Corporations and Individuals. 

 

 

DEBORAH R. MAGRUDER, CPA    1625 HIBISCUS AVENUE    WINTER PARK, FLORIDA  32789                   PAGE  TWO 

 

 

August 1991 – June 1992 

Staff Accountant, Full Sail University (formerly Full Sail Real World Education) 

  Responsible for all asset accounts of the trial balance.  Supervised the accounts receivable office and functions. 

 

 

December 1989 – August 1991 

Bursar, Full Sail University (formerly Full Sail Real World Education) 

Managed the accounts receivable and customer service functions of the University’s Business Office.  

Responsible for all student accounts including tuition payments, Title IV receipts, student withdrawal 

calculations and student refunds. 

 

 

 

EDUCATION 

Certified Public Accountant, State of Florida, License 29050 

 

Stetson University, DeLand, Florida 

  Graduated from Stetson University in 1989, BBA in Accounting 

  Completed fifth year in accounting 1991 

 

 

 

PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS 

Member of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA), the Winter Park Florida Hospital Women’s 

Advisory Board, the Financial Executives International (FEI), the National Association of College and University Business 

Officers (NACUBO), the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA).  Currently a member of the ACCSC Financial 

Review Committee.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valerie Thomas-Njie 1550 Woodbine Street Pittsburgh, PA 15201

(412) 784-8518 ● (412) 402-9779 vnjie@mcg-btc.org

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS I have over thirty five years of education and management experience and am creative, analytical, encouraging, detail oriented and deeply sensitive to the needs of others. ADMINISTRATIVE AND ORGANIZATION SKILLS Responsible for complete oversight of a licensed, accredited career training institution for adults. Oversee programmatic operations and budgets; ensure accreditation, state and federal compliance; and maintain detailed reports for public and private funders. Possess technical expertise in proposal development and review, contract negotiations, program design, implementation; and evaluation. Skilled in event planning, fundraising and community organizing. Select and supervise program directors, faculty and staff; coordinate staff development, and conduct performance evaluations. Act as a team leader for ACCSC, a national accrediting commission, to determine adherence to standards for applicant or renewal schools in areas of governance, management, finances, student services, facilities and outcomes. INTERPERSONAL, TRAINING AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Work with industry to design training programs that result in employment opportunities. Experience in areas of job training, public relations, recruitment, screening, orientation, interviewing, counseling, mediation, grievance resolution, and job placement. Instruct students of various ages from pre-school to adults. Completed research project to determine rate of success and failure, attitudes, and characteristics of clients placed on jobs. Conducted research on the effectiveness of various computerized and educational approaches to teaching adult literacy students (accepted by Eric Clearinghouse).

EXPERIENCE

Executive Director/Senior Vice-President 2008 - Present Vice President of Operations 1999 – 2008 Director/IBM Information Sciences Program 1984 – 1999 Director/Literacy Program 1987 - 1999 Senior Counselor 1981 – 1984 Bidwell Training Center, Inc. Pittsburgh, PA 15233 Substitute Teacher 1979 – 1981 Steel Valley School District Munhall, PA Educational Consultant 1979 – 1980 Hughes Associates Pittsburgh, PA

Educational Social Worker 1977 – 1978 Peace Corps Department of Social Welfare Banjul,The Gambia West Africa Education Specialist 1975 – 1977 Massachusetts State Department of Education Boston, Massachusetts PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

• Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, Team Leader (2001 - present),

Member of Standing Appeals Panel (2007 - present) • Pennsylvania Association for Adult and Continuing Education (PAACE) • Pennsylvania Association of Private School Administrators • American Society for Training & Development • Cambridge Who’s Who – Executive & Professional Women • Leadership Pittsburgh XIV

COMMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

• City Charter High School – Founding Board Member • Duquesne University Spiritan Division Advisory Board • University of Pittsburgh Alumni Association Board • University of Pittsburgh African American Alumni Council – Pittsburgh Affiliate President • Health Futures Careers Advisory Board • Veterans Leadership Program Advisory Board • Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.- Keeper of Properties and Photographer • National Council of Negro & Professional Women • New Horizons Theater Volunteer • Urban League of Pittsburgh • NAACP • Harmony Club of Homestead

AWARDS

2010 NAACP Achievement thru Excellence Award 2009 ACCSC Volunteer of the Year Award 2009 Pitt African American Alumni Council Leadership & Community Service Award 2009 WQED TV/Duquesne Light African American Leadership Award for Education Named 50 Women of Distinction by New Pittsburgh Courier - 2003 & 2006 2012 ACCSC School of Excellence

EDUCATION

12/71 B.S., Elementary Education, University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 12/73 M.S. Management, Human Resource Development, University of Utah Salt Lake City, Utah