Meet San Antonio Campus President Eddie Kreiner

Today, we continue in our series of Concorde Career College Campus President (CP) spotlights.

It's our desire that through exploring the lives of these men and women, you'll find a bit of inspiration, pick up a favorite quote or two and be able to call them out on their hidden talents when you see them around campus.

Most of all, we hope that you pick up on the passion and collective spirit they share for bettering the lives of each person who steps onto their campuses and becomes part of the Concorde family.

For our latest installment, let's head south, to our Concorde San Antonio, Texas campus to "chat" with President Eddie Kreiner.

What's been your journey to becoming a Concorde CP?

Before coming to Concorde in August 2011, I worked at Galen College of Nursing for two years. Prior to that, I served in the United States Air Force for 27 years, where I had the privilege of working in many different roles that directly contribute to my current role as CP.

I've served as a Chief Financial Officer, an Assistant University Professor, International Affairs Officer, Regional Director of Financial Services, Director of Human Resources, and Public Health Manager.

Why Concorde?

I chose Concorde for many reasons, but mainly because it was clearly evident when I first interviewed with Colleen McDermott that Concorde is 100 percent focused on preparing students for the career path they have chosen.

Most of her questions and her responses to my questions were wrapped around the same premise of how we can best assist students to be successful and to ensure they gain the necessary skills needed to be successful on the job.

Who has been a big influence in your life and why?

I could easily name several influential associates I currently work with but will defer to someone outside of Concorde. Unquestionably, my wife, Cindy, has been extremely influential in my life and is responsible for any professional and personal accomplishments I've been afforded.

Some 25 years ago, I vividly remember applying for Officer Training School and not being accepted. Distraught, I wanted to give up, but she encouraged me to keep pursuing my dreams. Thanks to a gentle kick in the pants, some encouraging words, and her wise counsel, I completed my MBA, re-applied and was later selected.

She continues to inspire me to this day as she continually sharpens her skill set and is a steadfast proponent of lifelong education.

What's the best piece of advice you were ever given?

To be persistent and never give up on your dreams. I'm reminded of a gentleman:

He failed in Business in '31.
He was defeated for State Legislator in '32.
He tried another Business in '33. It failed.
His fiance died in '35.
He had a nervous breakdown in '36.
In '43 he ran for Congress and was defeated.
He tried again in '48 and was defeated again.
He tried running for the Senate in '55. He lost.
The next year he ran for Vice President and lost.
In '59 he ran for the Senate again and was defeated.
In 1860, the man who signed his name A. Lincoln
was elected the 16^th President of the United States.

The difference between history's boldest accomplishments and it's most staggering failures is often, simply, the diligent will to persevere.

What's one of your favorite TV shows?

My current favorite show is "The Middle." Back in the day, my favorite show was "Seinfeld."

How about a hidden talent, favorite hobby or little-known fact about you?

One of my hidden talents is being able to juggle. Like I often say, my immense skill at juggling, along with a nickel, will buy me a whole piece of gum. I'm not that good!

My favorite hobby is skiing...not water, but snow skiing. I know... not a huge choice of Ski Mountains in hot, South Texas.