The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) recognized the Lisle campus of Universal Technical Institute (UTI: NYSE) with two prestigious awards last week: Education Manager, Justin Doerries, was named its top educator for the year, with the “Commitment to Education Award,” and the campus was again named a “School of Excellence,” the most prestigious institutional achievement awarded by the organization.
“We measure ourselves by the success of our graduates and it is wonderful to receive recognition from our accreditor that our campuses feature high-performing, student-centric programming,” said Kim McWaters, UTI President and CEO. “Our Lisle campus has repeatedly demonstrated an outstanding dedication to their students, and we are proud that once again, they are receiving national recognition for their leadership and devotion to making a difference in the lives of their students.”
ACCSC is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the designated accrediting body for more than 650 post-secondary, trade and technical schools that serve over 150,000 students nationwide in a variety of vocational programs each year. In 2019 just 17 ACCSC-accredited institutions across the country are being honored by ACCSC as “Schools of Excellence.”
UTI-Lisle Education Manager, Justin Doerries, received the “Commitment to Education Award” in recognition of his personal dedication to innovative, unique and effective educational programs that help students attain individual success, along with his community outreach to inspire a new generation of students to pursue rewarding careers in the skilled trades.
“It is the professional honor of a lifetime to receive the Commitment to Education Award and I share this recognition with my team, campus and the entire UTI organization for supporting a comprehensive, student-centric educational environment that embraces change, innovation and fun,” said Justin Doerries, a Chicagoland native who is an alumnus of UTI. “Each and every day we are focused on fulfilling our mission of changing our students’ lives by providing them the education, confidence and tools to be successful in their careers.”
Doerries was nominated for the award by the leadership of the UTI-Lisle campus for his revitalization of the electronics courses he oversees; implementation of an expanded student-led peer tutoring program; advocacy for students to continue their education through manufacturer-specific advanced training programs; and outreach in the community to inspire a new generation of technicians.
“I have worked closely with Justin and can attest that he is a rare and special person who focuses on making a difference in the lives of everyone he meets and deserves this recognition,” said Julie Mueller, Lisle campus president. “He is passionate about helping students learn and grow into their careers, while fostering confidence in themselves so they feel prepared for the challenges of the workforce and life. He earned this award by his actions and dedication to students and the entire campus.”
This is not the first time UTI-Lisle has been recognized by its outside accreditor. In 2016, UTI-Lisle received ACCSC’s “Excellence in Student Services Award,” its top campus honor awarded to just one school across the country and in 2014, the Lisle campus received the “School of Excellence” designation.
“ACCSC is incredibly proud of the work being done by UTI-Lisle to offer innovative educational programs that that enhance student success in the workforce,” said Christopher Lambert, Associate Executive Director of ACCSC. “There is a clear record of the campus’ unwavering commitment to the student experience, it’s truly a commendable educational culture focused on student achievement.”
The awards were presented last week to Doerries and Mueller at ACCSC’s Professional Development Conference in Reston, Virginia.
About ACCSC:
Since 1967, the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) has been recognized by the United States Department of Education as a reliable authority on educational quality. ACCSC is committed to supporting and enhancing the student educational experience at accredited member institutions, facilitating meaningful workforce development opportunities, and bridging the growing skills gap in the United States. More information on ACCSC is available online at www.accsc.org, @ACCSCAccredits, and facebook.com/accscaccreditation.
Learn more about the 2019 Schools of Excellence by clicking here.
