SULLIVAN UNIVERSITY’S CHRIS ERNST ELECTED PRESIDENT OF KENTUCKY ASSOCIATION OF CAREER SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES (KACCS)

LOUISVILLE – Chris Ernst, Senior Vice President for Administration at Sullivan University, has been elected president of the Kentucky Association of Career Colleges and Schools (KACCS).

Ernst, a Louisville native and Sullivan University graduate, officially began his tenure as president during the Aug. 9 KACCS annual conference, which was held at Sullivan University in Louisville. He follows past presidents Cindy Landry of ATA College and Jan Gordon, also of Sullivan University.

“I have served in higher education for 25 years starting at a very young age, so I have grown up working alongside several present and past board members and past presidents of KACCS,” Ernst said. “I have seen the passion and intensity they have poured into higher education and how hard they have worked on collaboration between the schools. I take this honor very seriously because I know how important our institutions are to the students we serve and business and industry across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.”

As KACCS president, Ernst will manage the business and affairs of the organization while reporting to the KACCS Board of Directors and membership.

“As the new acting President, I would like to continue our goals to educate people about our member institutions and how vital they are in filling the skills gap in Kentucky,” he said. ” KACCS school’s offerings range from short-term, hands-on, intensive career-focused programs to associate, baccalaureate, masters and doctoral degree programs. The career and profession-oriented mission of our schools is ideal for those wanting to quickly and thoroughly prepare for a career, or for those already working who want to change careers or advance in a current role.”

Earning his Master of Business Administration from Sullivan University in 2003, Ernst graduated Suma Cum Laude with the President’s Cup. He was inducted as a member of Sigma Beta Delta, an international honor society for students in business, management, and administration. He also received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management from Sullivan University.

Dr. Jay D. Marr, President/CEO of Sullivan University. has worked with Ernst for his entire 23 year tenure at Sullivan.

“The success of an organization is often directly related to the quality, service and heart of its people,” Dr. Marr said. “Having watched Mr. Ernst grow through progressively responsible roles over the last two decades I am confident KACCS has made a wise decision in electing Mr. Ernst to guide the organization over the next several years.”

KACCS is committed to creating and maintaining quality in the private, career education sector for the people of the Commonwealth. The Association strives to build a state-wide membership capable of speaking with one voice to increase public interest in and understanding of the proper place and value of private, career education in Kentucky.

KACCS works cooperatively with local, state and federal authorities, public school officials, businesses in commerce and industry to maintain high standards and sound policies for all trade, technical, business and other career-related education training.

About KACCS

The Kentucky Association of Career Colleges and Schools is a voluntary association of private, career colleges and schools in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. These colleges and schools work cooperatively to ensure a quality career education for students throughout the Commonwealth.