Akens Named President of Western Career College
SACRAMENTO, California -- Oct. 15, 2007 -- Jeff Akens, a 14-year member of the Western Career College executive team, will lead the eight-campus, Northern California private college system, as its new president.
Akens’ promotion was announced by the U.S. Education Corporation Board of Directors and the Western Career College Governing Board. Western Career College is a division of U.S. Education Corporation.
Akens joined Western Career College in 1993 as a career services coordinator and subsequently served as director of career services, campus executive director of three campuses, and regional manager in the Pacific Northwest for Western’s sister division, Apollo College. More recently, he oversaw the successful expansion of the college’s Central Valley campuses, and was responsible for the initiation of many of Western Career College’s school-wide projects.
“Western Career College maintains a tradition of growing talent and promoting leaders from within. Jeff’s career advancement is an example of the rewards this approach brings to an organization. We believe he will build upon Western’s recent successes, and deliver results for the continued success of our students,” said U.S. Education President and CEO George Montgomery.
Akens is a 1983 graduate of California State University, Sacramento, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration, management and government. He is also a graduate of the Career College Association’s Leadership Institute.
“I’m excited and honored for this opportunity, especially coming at a time when Western Career College enters into one of the most dynamic chapters in its history. I look forward to providing our students, faculty and staff with the power and opportunity to grow and develop, while connecting employers with the skilled professionals that they need to thrive and expand,” Akens said.
Akens replaces Greg Nathanson, who will focus on oversight and long-term planning for the college from his continuing position on its Governing Board. During his tenure, Nathanson guided Western Career College through a period of strategic growth in its campuses and course offerings, tripling its size in the last five years.
“We thank Greg for his many years of excellent service and leadership and look forward to continued association with him through his strategic role on the Governing Board,” said U.S. Education Chairman and founder, William Clohan.
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).
###
