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Virginia College News

As the company continues to expand and grow its operations, Birmingham, Alabama-based Education Corporation of America (ECA) has announced the creation of two operating regions and several key executive promotions. The company operates post-secondary education facilities in markets across the country, including Virginia College campuses in ten cities, Culinard, the Culinary Institute of Virginia College in Birmingham, Alabama, Virginia College Online, offering classes via the Internet, and The Golf Academy schools in San Diego, Phoenix, Myrtle Beach, and Orlando.


ECA CEO Tom Moore says, "Already in 2008, our overall student population has surpassed 10,000. We successfully launched a new Virginia College campus in Montgomery, Alabama, and another new campus in Greenville, South Carolina, is currently exceeding our expectations as they enroll for an October class start. We will also soon announce several more campuses in new markets. Our online school just reached the 4,000-student mark, and we are evaluating locations for a possible new Golf Academy campus. With this success comes the need for some structural changes within our company. I am pleased that most of the people involved will come by promotion from within."

Moore says the Virginia College on-ground campuses will be divided into two operating regions. Mike Largent, who is currently the campus president for Virginia College in Birmingham, Alabama, will be promoted to Region I Regional Manager. He will oversee Virginia College campuses in Birmingham, Chattanooga, Huntsville, Montgomery, and Greenville, as well as Culinard and school affiliated retail operations, including Culinard Special Events, Culinard Café, and the school's therapeutic massage and cosmetology centers. Largent will continue his duties at the Birmingham campus, including overseeing the school's move into new facilities at the Palisades Center, until his replacement is named.


David Podesta, who is currently campus president at Virginia College in Jackson, Mississippi, is being promoted to Region II Director. Podesta will oversee campuses in Jackson, Austin, Biloxi, Mobile and Pensacola. Another campus proposed for 2009 in Jacksonville, Florida, will also be a part of Region II.


"In addition to these changes, the quality of the education we provide to our students and the graduates we train for employers creates the need for a new headquarters-based 'academic team,'" says Moore.


As part of that effort, Dr. Dick Dormuth has joined ECA as Senior Vice-President--Academic Affairs, overseeing all aspects of student education, and compliance as well as curriculum and instructor development for all ECA schools. Dr. Dormuth was most recently responsible for all academic matters at the twelve colleges of Forefront Education, Inc. Prior to that, he served as vice-president of education at Kaplan University, working with 76 campuses across 22 states. He holds a doctorate in education administration from Temple University.



Additionally two current employees have been promoted into new roles as senior vice-presidents of academic development. Shirley Wilkinson will hold that position for Region I and Virginia College Online while Judy Lima will work with Region II and the Golf Academy schools.


"This is an exciting time for Education Corporation of America," Moore says. "We have a great team and tremendous momentum as we continue to give our students the skills they need to be successful in the fastest growing career fields, and as we continue to supply our employer customers with a well-prepared workforce."