BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – As a direct result of rapid growth and planned expansion and to better serve the needs of its students, Golf Academy of America has announced a restructuring of the admissions departments at its four campuses. The major change is the creation of the position of director of admissions at each school location.
Golf Academy of America President Chris Hunkler says, “As we continue to grow and attract more and more inquiries from potential students, we see the need to add experienced admissions professionals to directly oversee this department. This assures that those interested in our programs will get answers to their questions and can make informed decisions about their futures.”
Hunkler announced the following Director of Admissions appointments: Karen York at the Myrtle Beach campus, Angel Nguyen at Orlando, and Stephen Guthrie at San Diego. Additionally, Mark Shabaker, formerly an Admissions Associate at the Golf Academy’s Phoenix campus, has been promoted to director of admissions there. Each director will work directly with his or her campus president and with Golf Academy of America’s National Director of Admissions Pat Foster.
“We are proud of the success and services being offered by our current admissions staff, and with these additions and the promotion, we will strengthen our ability to serve the needs of our growing student body,” Hunkler says.
Karen York previously worked as an admissions associate at Virginia College in Pensacola. Like Golf Academy of America, Virginia College is owned by Education Corporation of America. Prior to that, York served as a high school presenter at The Art Institute school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She holds a bachelors degree from the University of West Florida.
Before accepting the position with Golf Academy of America, Angel Nguyen was director of admissions at American Intercontinental University in Houston, Texas. Nguyen also previously owned a produce company in the Orlando, Florida, area, and taught school in Orlando and Seoul, South Korea. Nguyen earned the masters of business administration from the University of Phoenix and a bachelors degree from the University of Central Florida.
Stephen Guthrie was most recently executive director of admissions and marketing at Coleman College in San Diego, California. Prior to that, he worked as director of graduate admissions at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego and as enrollment manager, faculty member, and training manager at the University of Phoenix in San Diego and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Guthrie holds a masters degree from the University of Phoenix and a bachelor degree from San Diego State University.
Mark Shabaker joined the Phoenix campus of Golf Academy of America earlier this year after a one-year assignment with Hardcore Christian Radio, a new broadcast facility in the Phoenix market. He was previously performance manager of a major telephone call center and general manager of Magique Golf International, and served as tournament director for Junior Golf Association of Arizona. Shabaker holds a bachelor degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix and an associate degree from Golf Academy of America in Phoenix.
Golf Academy of America (formerly San Diego Golf Academy) is the oldest and largest two-year golf college in the world. Golf Academy of America’s 16-month program balances classroom studies, practical experience and comprehensive understanding of both the game and the business of golf. Campuses are located in San Diego, Phoenix, Myrtle Beach and Orlando. For more information, call 800.342.7342 or visit www.golfacademy.edu. The schools are owned and operated by Education Corporation of America, headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. Visit www.ecacolleges.com for more information.
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