Concorde Staff
Over the next few weeks, we'll be introducing you to the Campus Presidents (CPs) of Concorde. These men and women are professionals, visionaries and dream shapers.
Their leadership builds environments where faculty, staff and students alike can be the best versions of themselves.
Today, we start on the West Coast with the Market President for Garden Grove's campus and San Bernardino's campus.
Here is what Ken had to say...
Q: What's been your journey to becoming a Concorde CP?
A: My journey really started with American Express and CIT, where I sold student loans to non-traditional colleges such as Concorde Career College.
In fact, several of the Concorde campuses were my clients during my sales employment with the aforementioned companies. Following my stint in sales, I was employed at a competitor, American Career College, which is where I guess you could say I cut my teeth in our business.
After American Career College and two other vocational colleges where I was employed, I joined Concorde Career College in 2013 as the Director of Operations in San Diego. Shortly after I started, an opportunity came about at the San Bernardino campus.
I was promoted to Campus President and have since spent my last two-plus years working as the Campus President of San Bernardino and then as the Western Region Vice President of Operation and now as the Market President of Garden Grove and San Bernardino.
Q: What does being a Campus President entail?
A: Being Campus President, in my humble opinion, is one of the most exciting and rewarding positions a professional can have in our business. If a person wants to know the workings of a campus, then the role of Campus President is the role to serve in.
Being Campus President is really many things, but being able to practice good business management and then comparing your efforts to the monthly, quarterly and annual results is one of the most rewarding aspects of the position. Next, I would say is graduation; experiencing the change and celebration in our students is really what makes all the work worth doing.
Q: Why did you choose Concorde?
A: Concorde has, in my time in this business and continues to have, a great reputation in the industry. When deciding on who to work with and for, the right institution really makes all the difference.
What I enjoy on a business level is what we do at Concorde; specifically the way we scrutinize our business at all levels. I must say that Concorde has afforded me and others around me with fantastic opportunities to advance and grow professionally. It's an aspect of Concorde that I greatly value.
Q: What do you like most about your campus?
A: I currently manage two campuses in the California market. I enjoy the developing of others, challenging them and affording them (faculty and staff) the opportunities that were afforded me. Next, I would say beating our goals across the campuses.
I want my campuses to be extremely profitable, compliant, have fantastic student outcomes, be entrepreneurial (community outreach and relationships that advance our students and college) and have longevity in our associates. Lastly, I would say making a difference in the lives of those we serve, and that's our students. They are the reason we exist... period.
Q: Who has been a big influence in your life - why?
A: At Concorde, I would say Jami Frazier. I have also enjoyed my interactions with Guy Bell. Jami has a calm way of stretching you professionally, and I continue to be impressed with her knowledge of our business.
Another professional mentor is my friend, Barbara Dovenbarger, from my time I was employed at Cal State San Marcos. She mentored me in accounting, finance, hard work, compliance, organization and so much more. She is just a great person who took the time to impart her knowledge.
Outside of Concorde, my Grandmother taught me the value of hard work, ethics, and family.
Q: What's the best piece of advice you were ever given?
A: Never be late. Be respectful and humble. You don't have to be the smartest person in the room, just the most determined.
Q: Favorite TV Show, recent movie you've seen or book you've read?
A: Recent movies? Star Wars with my son. As far as books, I'm working on my Ph.D. (in Business Management), so school has my attention when it comes to books at the moment.
Q: Hidden talent, favorite hobby or little known fact?
A: I collect coins, silver mostly because they are the most affordable. The history behind coins is fascinating and fun.
Take The Next Step Towards a Brighter Future
We have a Concorde representative ready to talk about what matters most to you. Get answers about start dates, curriculum, financial aid, scholarships and more!
