Sheryl Elston: President of Brown Mackie College – Merrillville
Merrillville - 07/21/2009

Biography of Sheryl Elston, President of Brown Mackie College — Merrillville

Sheryl Elston is the President of Brown Mackie College — Merrillville.  She has served in this capacity since August, 2007.  Prior to that, for three years, Sheryl served as President of Brown Mackie College — Michigan City (Indiana).

Sheryl has been involved in proprietary education for over 15 years. She served as an instructor and as Director of Admissions at The College of Court Reporting in Hobart, Indiana.  She joined Brown Mackie College — Merrillville in 1996 and served as Director of Admissions until she was promoted in 2004 to President of Brown Mackie College — Merrillville.

Sheryl is an active member of the Indiana Association of Private Career Schools.  She has also served in the capacity of an evaluator, specializing in court reporting for the Accrediting Council of Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).

Jim Bishop: President of Brown Mackie College — Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne - 07/21/2009

Biography of Jim Bishop, President of Brown Mackie College — Fort Wayne

Jim Bishop is the President of Brown Mackie College — Fort Wayne. He previously served as Dean of Academic Affairs for the college. In his role, Jim provides leadership and support to faculty and staff, and helps prepare students for the workforce.

A native of northern Indiana, Jim earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Manchester College in North Manchester, Indiana and an MBA from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio.

He has more than 12 years of experience in senior administration in higher education. Prior to joining Brown Mackie College — Fort Wayne, he served as Vice President, Extended Studies Division with Indiana Institute of Technology (Indiana Tech) and was instrumental in developing the graduate division of that university.

Jim is happily married with two young children and enjoys spending his spare time with his family; fishing, golfing and reading books are among their favorite pastimes.

Judy Holmes Biography
Salina - 06/09/2009

Biography of Judy Holmes, President of Brown Mackie  College — Salina

Judy Holmes is president of Brown Mackie College — Salina and Brown Mackie College — Kansas City in Lenexa.   Holmes earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resource Management from Friends University and later earned her Master of Business Administration in Leadership Studies from Baker College.  She is currently pursuing her Educational Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Argosy University. 

Holmes began her career at Brown Mackie College — Salina as a Financial Aid Officer and also held other positions such as Senior Financial Aid Officer, Financial Aid Coordinator, Assistant Campus Director and Campus President.  She is a member of the American Business Women’s Association and has participated with the Salina Human Resources Management Association.  She also volunteers her time at many different organizations such as the Ashby House, a community housing and service center, where she previously served as a Board member a Personnel Committee Chairperson.  Holmes has also served as guest speaker for the Lion’s Club, American Business Women’s Association, AMBUCS, and Salina Human Resources Management Association. 

Holmes has received numerous awards throughout the years, including her President Club achievement in 2004 and 2006.  She has been recognized by the American Red Cross for supporting blood collection efforts in the community, and was honored by the Girl Scouts of Central Kansas in 2007, by being named a “Woman of Achievement.” 

Louise Stienkeoway Biography
South Bend - 06/03/2009

Biography of Louise Stienkeoway, President of Brown Mackie College — South Bend

Louise Stienkeoway has been appointed President of Brown Mackie College — South Bend. In her new role, Louise will provide leadership and support to the school’s staff and faculty and continue to prepare students for the workforce.

Louise has over has over 15 years executive management experience in proprietary education. Most recently, she served as President, Everest University (formerly Florida Metropolitan University). Louise also served over three years as a Regional Vice President with Florida Metropolitan University.

Ms. Stienkeoway earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Management from Warner Southern College and Masters in Business Administration from Northwest Nazarene University.

When asked about her new role, Louise stated, “I am extremely excited about working for Brown Mackie College because of their long history of educational excellence and continued commitment to providing practical education to its students.  “Brown Mackie College — South Bend is filled with devoted students and dedicated faculty and staff.  I am honored to be a part of the present and future plans and developments at the South Bend campus.”

Tod Gibbs Biography
Akron - 04/09/2009

Biography of the President of Brown Mackie College — Akron

Tod Gibbs moved from Florida to join Brown Mackie College — Akron in September 2008. He brings more than 22 years of experience, having served in every role in education, from instructor to admissions officer to COO. He has held senior management positions in higher education since 1998. With a desire to lead BMC — Akron to the next level in educational success, Gibbs takes pride in helping students follow their dreams. “I am impressed and proud of the fact that Brown Mackie College staff and faculty can offer resources to help students with most anything,” he said. He is currently working on an MBA with Central Michigan University, and also works as a personal trainer on weekends, specializing in senior citizen fitness. Hiking with his two dogs is a favorite pastime.

Rick Murphree Biography
Boise - 04/09/2009

Biography of Rick Murphree, President of Brown Mackie College — Boise

Rick Murphree was appointed as President of Brown Mackie College — Boise in August 2008. In his role, Rick provides leadership and support to the school's staff and faculty and prepares students for the workforce.

Mr. Murphree has over five years of executive management experience in proprietary education. He served as Director of Operations for Santa Barbara Business College in Santa Barbara, CA.  At the college he managed campus directors who supervised faculty and staff.
He also spent ten years in the U.S. Army, serving as a Chief Operations Officer. 

Mr. Murphree earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and M.B.A. in Business Administration, from the University of LaVerne in Ventura, CA.

When asked about his role, Rick stated, "I am extremely excited about working for Brown Mackie College-Boise because of their long history of educational excellence and continued commitment to providing practical education to its students.  "Brown Mackie College — Boise is filled with devoted students and dedicated faculty and staff.  I am honored to be a part of the present and future plans and developments at the Boise campus."

Kareem Odukale: Biography
Moline - 02/20/2009

Biography of Kareem Odukale, President of Brown Mackie College – Moline  

Kareem Odukale was raised in South Minneapolis, Minnesota by his mother and his sister.  From a young age his mother stressed the importance of solid education.

Kareem did not disappoint his mother. He has been in higher education for ten years. He has been President of Brown Mackie College – Moline since August 2008. He previously served as Executive Director for Southeastern Career Institute located in Midland, Texas; and Associate Campus Director and Campus Director for Rasmussen College located in Eagan, Minnesota. According to Kareem, “The sky is the limit for Brown Mackie College in the Quad Cities.  With Associate degree, certificate, and diploma program offerings, the community will be served well with the graduates that we produce.”

Wayne C. Korpics: Biography
Findlay - 02/19/2009

Biography of Wayne C. Korpics, President of Brown Mackie College – Findlay

Wayne C. Korpics is President of Brown Mackie College  Findlay. In this role, he is responsible for building strategic relationships with local businesses, and education, civic and community organizations; ensuring the school creates a thriving educational environment for Brown Mackie College – Findlay students.

Korpics has more than 12 years experience in higher education. Prior to joining Brown Mackie College – Findlay in May of 2005, as its president, he served in multiple roles with The Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago,  including Director of Residence Life, Director of Facilities, and Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Accreditation.

Korpics earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, Illinois, and a Master of Art degree in Sociology from Roosevelt University in Chicago, Illinois. He is a member of the Findlay’s Rotary Club, active with Greater Findlay Inc., Findlay’s Chamber of Commerce, and has served on multiple boards of community organizations. Korpics has served as a resource for articles covering k-12 education and the impact on communities, as well as community development within residence life programs on small college campuses.

Korpics was born in Chicago, Illinois and was raised in Northwest Illinois. He currently resides in Findlay, Ohio with his wife and three children.

Peter Perkowski Biography
North Canton - 02/12/2009

Biography of Peter Perkowski, President of Brown Mackie - North Canton

In his role as president of Brown Mackie College- North Canton, Peter J. Perkowski is responsible for the success of the college’s mission.  This includes ensuring Brown Mackie College – North Canton contributes to the economic growth and social well-being of the metropolitan areas it serves, by providing the community with graduates who possess the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in existing and emerging occupations.  He is also responsible for ensuring that the college develops in its students the desire for lifelong learning and continued education.

President Perkowski has over 12 years with Brown Mackie College – North Canton, and over 20 years experience in private career education.  His experience includes serving as the Campus Director of Bohecker College, and as Director of Admissions with National Institute of Technology- NEC, both colleges are located in Northeast Ohio.  He has served as President and Past President of Northeast Ohio Chapter of Private Colleges and Schools (NEOCPCS).  Perkowski also has participated in a myriad of workshops and training seminars sponsored though the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools (OSBCCS), Ohio Association of Career Colleges and Schools (OACCS), Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), and the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT).

Perkowski earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Kent State University in Kent, Ohio.  He has volunteered with chambers of commerce, local charitable organizations, and community development agencies.

Susan Naples: Biography
Kansas City - 02/12/2009

Biography of Susan G. Naples, President of Brown Mackie College – Kansas City  

Susan G. Naples is President of Brown Mackie College – Kansas City in Lenexa, Kansas. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics from Rosemont College and Master of Arts in Adult Education from Widener University. She is currently pursuing her doctorate degree in Higher Education Administration and Leadership from Capella University.

Naples began her career as Academic Advisor for Delaware County Community College.  She later served as President of TechSkills, National Director of Education for The Chubb Institute and Corporate Academic Specialist with Concorde Career Colleges, Inc.

Naples was also an active member with Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT), and Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET) as a peer reviewer. In addition, she is a member and active participant of the Lenexa (KS) Chamber of Commerce.

Eric Rudie: Biography
Michigan City - 02/11/2009

Biography of Eric Rudie, President, Brown Mackie College – Michigan City

Eric Rudie is the Campus President of Brown Mackie College Michigan City.  His responsibilities include directing and supporting the educational efforts of the college’s dedicated staff and faculty; creating and promoting an effective educational environment; and building strong relationships with local businesses and civic leaders. The goal is to continue to maintain the high standards of the Brown Mackie College system of schools in regulatory compliance, accreditation and fiscal responsibility.

Rudie has over 23 years of experience in private postsecondary education.  Prior to coming to Brown Mackie College – Michigan City, he served as the Corporate Director of Compliance for Summit Career College in Colton, CA.  He also served as the Executive Director and Corporate Director of Operations for Summit Career College over his 18-year tenure, responsible for managing every aspect of the college’s operations as it grew from seven students to over 1,200.  He also served as the Assistant Director of Canterbury Career Schools, in Colton, CA.

As a private consultant, Rudie has shared his professional knowledge and experience with a variety of colleges and universities in the areas of educational management, curricular development, and regulatory compliance and accreditation.

Eric earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Drama from the University of California, Irvine and has served on a various boards and accrediting agency teams as an Education Specialist, Team Chair and Management Specialist.

Born and raised in Southern California, Eric enjoys golf, reading, and gourmet cooking. He resides in La Porte with his wife.

Holly Helscher: Biography
Tucson - 02/11/2009

Biography of Holly Helscher, President of Brown Mackie College – Tucson

Holly Helscher is president of Brown Mackie College – Tucson. In this role, she is responsible for ensuring that a quality education is offered to Tucson students that results in their ability to pursue career opportunities that meet with the student’s definition of success.

Helscher has a decade of experience in private career education, beginning with Brown Mackie College – Cincinnati as an adjunct instructor. She was promoted to Dean of Academic Affairs before becoming its Campus Director. She was appointed President of Brown Mackie College – Louisville in 2005, and has been President of Brown Mackie College – Tucson since 2007. 

Prior to joining Brown Mackie College, she served nearly eight years in an executive director role in the assisted and skilled living industry in Cincinnati, Ohio.  In that position, she was responsible for the day-to-day operations of a residential living facility.  While in Cincinnati, Helscher also served as director of operations for an emergency shelter for homeless women and children. She says her unforgettable experience there played a strong factor in her decision to change careers and enter the education industry. 

She was also very involved in Women Writing for (a) Change, active as a writer and a producer for the organization’s radio broadcast.   Helscher believes very much in the ethics and integrity taught by neighborhood sporting organizations and has served her community as an ice hockey coach and as a soccer coach.  She was also the president of the Wyoming (Ohio) Soccer Association for many years.

Helscher earned a Master of Arts in Community Counseling and a Bachelor of Science in English Literature from the University of Cincinnati. She is active in the community, working to build relationships that will allow Brown Mackie College – Tucson to become a college of choice when employers seek out new graduates for employment opportunities. She is most notability a member of the Chief’s Steering Committee of the Tucson Police Department. 

Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Helscher currently resides in Tucson, Arizona.

Debra Thibodeaux, President, Brown Mackie College — Phoenix
Phoenix - 02/02/2009

Biography of Debra Thibodeaux, President of Brown Mackie  College — Phoenix

Debra Thibodeaux has more than 20 years of executive leadership experience in the higher education industry, with more than five years in the Phoenix marketplace.

She is an accomplished professional who provides vision and strategy with a determined passion for fulfilling that vision and implementing the strategy expeditiously. She sees her role as a valued partner, recognizing that her customer is her student, her faculty and staff, and her community.

Thibodeaux, a Gilbert, Ariz., resident, joined Brown Mackie College — Phoenix from Kaplan Higher Education in Phoenix where she was executive director. She began her career as a financial aid director and has held positions ranging from admissions director to vice president of operations to president of institutions.

She holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Great Plains Bible College in Great Plains, S.D.