Success Spotlights

Meet Orlando CP Bill Ford

Concorde Staff

Concorde Staff

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Updated September 29, 2016. The information contained in this blog is current and accurate as of this date.
health care career college

He might live and work in the same area as Disney World, but there's certainly nothing Mickey Mouse about the job Bill Ford does as Campus President (CP) of the Concorde Career Institute - Orlando campus. As CP, Ford presides over a health care career college of approximately 300 students and 25 faculty members that provides a quality education with hands-on training and individualized support in a short amount of time, so that students can get out in the workplace and launch or continue their careers.

Ford became CP in Orlando in January 2015 and brings more than 20 years of experience as an administrator, in both academics and athletics, in secondary and post-secondary education. He's spent nearly his entire life in school in one capacity or another and enjoys nothing more than helping young people educate themselves and reach their life's goals.

But, there's more to Bill than just his life working at a health care career college. Let's get to know him a little more and hear about his philosophy of always giving your best, his love of zombies and deep background in sports administration and coaching.

WHAT'S BEEN YOUR JOURNEY TO BECOMING A CONCORDE CP?

After spending 20-plus years as an administrator, principal, athletic director and teacher in secondary education, I jumped over to post-secondary education in the role of an Academic Dean, Director of Operations and now Campus President. I guess you could say I am a life-long learner and educator. I have often used the line at a graduation ceremony that I have never left school since going to kindergarten.

WHAT'S BEEN THE BEST PART ABOUT BEING A CAMPUS PRESIDENT?

As in all of my experiences in the educational field, I always enjoy the interaction with students and experiencing their success. At the end of the day, there is really nothing better than watching someone grow, learn, have fun and feel good about themselves.

WHAT IS IT THAT MAKES THE ORLANDO CAMPUS STAND OUT FOR ITS STUDENTS?

The Orlando campus is special because of the associates that work with our students daily. Each and every associate at the Orlando campus lives and breathes our core values, but there is something to be said about having several doctors serving as deans, program directors and adjuncts or licensed counselors working as a director with our students. We are very blessed to have the talent pool that we have to influence the health care professionals of the future.

WHAT'S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU EVER WERE GIVEN?

My father said it is not always about winning on the scoreboard or getting an 'A' in a course. The real question is, "Did you do your best?" If you did, then you should be proud of that accomplishment. But, until they tear all the scoreboards down or stop having report cards, you better win or get an 'A!'

WHAT'S A FAVORITE TV SHOW, RECENT MOVIE YOU'VE SEEN OR BOOK YOU'VE READ?

I have to admit after binge watching four seasons of The Walking Dead, I am now hooked and cannot wait for Season 7.

WHAT IS A HIDDEN TALENT, FAVORITE HOBBY OR LITTLE-KNOWN FACT PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU?

My little-known fact is that I am really into sports and spent the first 20 years of my career coaching in high school. Now, I get to still enjoy coaching while I am watching my three sons, William, 11, Stephen, 10, and Benjamin, 7, all play baseball every weekend. Of course, my wife, Rosie, is the real head coach on this team keeping all of us Ford Boys under control.

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!

  1. Program length may be subject to change dependent on transfer credits and course load. Please refer to current course catalog for more information. Concorde does not guarantee admittance, graduation, subsequent employment or salary amount.

  2. Professional certification is not a requirement for graduation, may not be a requirement for employment nor does it guarantee employment.

  3. Financial aid is available to those who qualify but may not be available for all programs. Concorde does not guarantee financial aid or scholarship awards or amounts.

  4. Clinical hour requirements and delivery may vary by campus location and may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee clinical site assignments based upon student preference or geographic convenience; nor do clinical experiences guarantee graduation, post-clinical employment or salary outcomes.

  5. Registration and certification requirements for taking and passing these examinations are not controlled by Concorde, but by outside agencies, and are subject to change by the agency without notice. Therefore, Concorde cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take these exams, at all or at any specific time, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.

  6. Externships are a non-paid in-person learning experience, whose length and location may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee externship placement, graduation, post-externship employment or salary outcomes.