Brandman University Announces New Chairman of the Board of Regents

IRVINE, Calif., March 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Brandman University, a fully accredited adult university within the Chapman University System, today announced David A. Janes will replace Jerry Cwiertnia as chairman of its Board of Regents.  Janes, a retired Rear Admiral in the United States Navy and CEO of Janes Capital Partners, a private investment firm in Orange County, has assumed immediate leadership of the Board of Regents of the 50-year-old adult education institution.

"We are grateful for the service and leadership Jerry Cwiertnia has provided to Brandman University," said Chancellor Gary Brahm.  "He lent considerable wisdom and provided important leadership during a critical period, as the university transitioned its identity from Chapman University College to Brandman University.  It is now our challenge to build on what he has done to enhance the identity and reputation of Brandman University. We are fortunate to have someone with such high-caliber leadership skills as Dave Janes to guide the university toward becoming the premier institution for the growing adult student population in the western United States."

In addition to leading Janes Capital Partners, Janes was appointed by the Secretary of Defense as the national chairman of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, an agency whose mission is to gain and maintain support from all public and private employers for the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve.  In addition, he serves as the chairman of the Department of Defense (DOD) Advisory Board for Employer Relations.  Janes retired from the United States Navy in 1994, having served in the Navy Reserve for 36 years.  His military career included service as commander of the Naval Reserve Readiness Command Southwest and Chairman of the DOD Reserve Forces Policy Board Committees on Readiness and Mobilization.

"David brings to Brandman an extraordinary military resume," Chancellor Brahm continued.  "Since its inception, Brandman University has remained committed to providing higher education opportunities to service men and women.  David's experience and expertise will be incredible assets as we look to strengthen that legacy."

In addition to Janes' military service, he is also involved in civic and charitable endeavors, which include serving as Chairman of the Board of Counselors for the Argyros School of Business and Economics and as Chairman of the Orange County Council of Boy Scouts.  He also served as Chairman of the Newport Beach, Calif. Committee to develop a 25-year vision for the city.

"I am looking forward to helping Brandman University fulfill its mission of becoming the example for excellence in adult education," said Janes.  "It's an honor to follow in Jerry's footsteps, and I'm fortunate to be working with the talented and dedicated people that make up Brandman's staff, faculty and Board of Regents."  Janes will also continue to serve on Chapman University's Board of Trustees, as required by Brandman University Board bylaws to ensure alignment of mission and academic standards among both institutions.  Janes is currently the Vice-Chairman of the Chapman University Board of Trustees.

About Brandman University

Brandman University, formerly Chapman University College, is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and focuses on meeting the unique needs of the more than 10,000 working students it serves both online and through 25 campuses in California and Washington. Brandman University is part of the Chapman University system and is known for providing students with more than 200 degrees, credentials, certificates and professional development programs. www.brandman.edu.

About Chapman University

Founded in 1861, Chapman University (www.chapman.edu) is one of California's oldest, most prestigious private universities and is home to over 4,000 undergraduate students and 1,500 graduate students at its home campus in Orange, California.

SOURCE Brandman University