Annual Symposium Recognizes Outstanding Achievement and Celebrates New Board Members

SAN ANTONIO - March 9, 2016 - PRLog -- While enjoying a respite from the wintery weather gripping most of the northeast and midwest, members of the Council of College and Military Educators (CCME) recently came together during the 2016 Annual Symposium. In addition to several professional development tracks, and discussing educational programs, initiatives and support for service members, veterans and spouses, CCME conducted its annual board elections and recognized several dedicated members for their continued contributions.

During the business meeting portion of the symposium, members heard from the candidates for secretary, vice president, and president-elect. These three positions will lead the CCME board starting in 2017. Following the election, the members voted in were:

•Lane Huber, Chief Distance Learning & Military Affairs Officer for Bismarck State College, president-elect

•Janine Wert, Director of Veteran Services, University of Massachusetts Lowell, vice president-elect.

•Kenneth McRae, Director of the G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Center for Americas Veterans, Mississippi State University, secretary-elect

On Tuesday, following an outstanding keynote presentation by Brigadier General Robert Miller, Director of Education and Training, Defense Health Agency, and Commandant, Medical Education and Training Campus (METC) and an update on Department of Defense Voluntary Education by Chief of DOD VolEd, Dawn Bilodeau, CCME handed out its annual awards. These were awarded by CCME President Dr. Jeff Cropsey, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, Grantham University, to recognize outstanding contributions and accomplishments of its members. This year’s recipients were:

•John Brian Service and Leadership Award – Outstanding service to the voluntary education community by a government employee – Sam Bagwell, US Marine Corp and Phil Cataquiz, US Navy

•William E. Kennedy Award – Outstanding dedication and leadership in the delivery of quality programs to military installations and/or individuals – Jim Yeonopolus, Central Texas College

•Barry Cobb Government Organization Award – Recognizes the outstanding contributions that government entities make to military education – Coast Guard Institute

•CCME Institution Award – Presented to a higher education institution in recognition of its significant contributions to the cause of military education – Troy University

•President’s Awards – Recognizes significant contributions from any sector that has advanced the cause of military education – Organizational Award: Naval Education and Training Professional Development and Technology Center (NETPDTC). Individual Award: Laurine Anderson, Joint Services Transcript Manager, Navy Education Technical Manager, and Navy Education and Training Command (NETC) Education Branch Supervisor.

After outstanding presentations by Sergeant Major of the Army Daniel Dailey and the Honorable Curtis Coy, Deputy Undersecretary for Economic Development of the Veterans Administration on Thursday, a change in leadership occurred as the new CCME board leaders officially stepped into their positions. In addition to the aforementioned elected positions, the board leadership for 2016 are:

•Francisco (Franc) Lopez, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships for the Military Higher Education Resource Center, president

•James (Jim) Cronin, Vice President, Office of Military Partnerships for University of Maryland University College, vice president.

•Janice Neil, Regional Director of Western Military Campuses, Webster University, secretary

Congratulations to the new CCME board members, and this year’s award recipients. Next year’s annual symposium will be held in Atlanta, GA, March 6-9, 2017. To learn more about CCME, please visit http://ccmeonline.org.