Western Career College Makes Three Internal Promotions to Lead Campuses in Stockton, Emeryville and San Leandro
SACRAMENTO, California -- Aug. 23, 2007 -- Three Western Career College administrators promoted internally will advance to leadership positions as executive directors and deans at the Emeryville, San Leandro and Stockton campuses.
The three are Paul Dancy in Emeryville, Denise Engler in San Leandro and Michelle Kreuzer in Stockton. Each brings a unique combination of academic and professional career experience to their new positions.
“I congratulate Paul, Denise and Michelle on their new positions. Their career experience and proven track records for making a positive difference is an invaluable asset for Western Career College students, faculty and staff. Being able to promote internally also demonstrates our desire for strong educational outcomes to be used as a basis for career advancement. The fact that these are all internal promotions can be used as a testimony to our commitment to support employees and our existing educational process,” said Jeff Akens, Director of Operations, who himself has worked his way up through the ranks at Western Career College.
Dancy began his career with Western Career College on a part-time basis at the Emeryville campus in July 2006 and was soon promoted to a full-time position in the Medical Assistant Department. He then advanced to program director and was appointed the dean of education last May before accepting his current position.
“My overall goal is to go beyond training students for today’s environment and thoroughly prepare them for the direction our industry is headed toward in the future,” Dancy said.
Dancy received his doctor’s degree in chiropractic practice from Life West Chiropractic School in Hayward and is co-owner of the Back to Life Center in Oakland with his wife. He is an active member in the San Leandro community and serves on the Executive Council of the San Leandro Chamber of Commerce. He also is chairman of the African American Business Council and the Oakland Methodist Foundation.
Engler began her career with Western Career College in October 2006 as the dean of education at the San Leandro campus. She was recently recognized by Western Career College for her outstanding work and received the Leader of the Quarter award.
“The caliber of educators and administrators at Western Career College’s San Leandro campus is exceptional and creates an ideal atmosphere for student learning and success,” Engler said. “The experience for all is one of scholarship, growth and fun.”
Prior to joining Western Career College, Engler taught English at a variety of locations, including a technical community college in Blountville, Tennessee. She has also taught at Diablo Valley College and Los Medanos College, both of which are located in the San Francisco Bay area.
Engler received her bachelor’s degree in English and minored in religious studies at Santa Clara University. She later earned her master’s degree in English from Arizona State University and is also certified as a tutor by the College Reading and Learning Association. She is an active member of the community who rides in rodeos and is involved in the United Irish Cultural Center in San Francisco as a member and a volunteer.
“I am honored and excited to be a part of such a dynamic organization,” Kreuzer said. “Our team exudes talent, drive and compassion, which is a combination that makes great things possible.”
Kreuzer began her career with Western Career College at the Stockton campus in 2006 when she was hired as a general education instructor. In March 2006, she was promoted to dean of education and in June 2007 served as an interim executive director.
Before joining Western Career College, Kreuzer worked at National University as an academic counselor and as a corporate trainer. Kreuzer is a licensed pilot and published author. In March 2003, she received the Presidential Players Award from National University and in June 2004 was inducted into Sigma Beta Delta Honors Society.
She received her bachelor’s degree from National University, where she later earned her master’s degree in business administration and graduated with honors.
About Western Career College
Western Career College is a leading provider of educational programs in Northern California that lead to careers in the fields such as nursing, dental hygiene, dental assisting, medical assisting, pharmacy technology, ultrasound technology, veterinary technology, criminal justice and graphic communications. There are currently 18 educational programs taught at eight campus locations in Sacramento, Citrus Heights, Stockton, San Leandro, Emeryville, Antioch, San Jose and Pleasant Hill, educating over 4000 students annually. Western Career College is a privately capitalized higher education institution that is regionally accredited by The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC-WASC).
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