Brandman University Strengthens Military Education Focus with New Senior Leadership Position to Drive Programs Serving Military Students

IRVINE, Calif., June 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Brandman University, a fully accredited adult education university within the Chapman University System, today announced that Gary Woods has joined the University's senior leadership team as vice chancellor, military and veterans programs, demonstrating the University's deep and long-standing commitment to provide high-quality and affordable education opportunities to members of the nation's armed forces.

In this leadership role, Woods will be responsible for developing and providing programs that meet the education and training needs of military personnel, veterans and their spouses. With nearly 40 years experience serving in leadership positions for military voluntary education programs, he has worked on college campuses and Marine, Navy, Army and Air Force installations throughout the world, including serving as the director of educational opportunities for the Department of Defense.

"Since our inception 50-plus years ago, we have been committed to providing high-quality education opportunities to our men and women in uniform," said Brandman University Chancellor Gary Brahm. "Gary has a profound understanding of the education and training needs of military personnel, veterans and their spouses, which will benefit our military students. He is the right leader to expand our military program offerings and drive on-base relationships to expand our presence."

Prior to joining Brandman University, Woods served as senior policy advisor in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness and as a senior advisor to the deputy under secretary of defense for military community and family policy. Previously, he had served as the director of Department of Defense (DOD) Educational Opportunities, as well as chief of DOD Continuing Education.

Woods' accomplishments while in those positions earned him the Secretary of Defense Medal for Meritorious Civilian Service, which cited him for his outstanding vision, dedication, leadership and commitment, which improved education opportunities for military personnel and their families worldwide. Specifically, his accomplishments included overseeing efforts to establish the first forward-deployed education center in 40 years, resulting in graduations in Iraq and Afghanistan. He also expanded coverage of the department's tuition assistance program and oversaw a panel of government and academic leaders that developed standards for delivery of distance learning programs across all branches of service.

"My goal is to help lead Brandman University in becoming the example for excellence in education for our nation's service men and women," said Woods. "Brandman University has a strong heritage in military education, as evidenced by it being named as a Military Friendly School by GI Jobs Magazine for two years running, as well as by Military.com. That legacy is combined with Brandman's progressive approach to creating curriculum that best meets the needs of working adult students, including those serving our nation in uniform. Our military know-how, combined with high-quality curriculum built around in-demand degree offerings, delivers a strong, visionary alternative to other military-oriented institutions."

Woods' appointment is Brandman University's latest step to ensure its high level of service and programs for military students. The University, previously known as Chapman University College until 2009, actually originated with Chapman University's effort to meet the education needs of military personnel when it established the Residence Education Center Program at El Toro Marine Air Station in Orange County, California, in 1958. The program soon expanded to other military facilities as well as community-based campuses.

Earlier this year, Brandman University also announced with that David A. Janes, a retired rear admiral in the United States Navy, would assume leadership of the Brandman University Board of Regents. During his military service, 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 Advisory Board for Employer Relations.

About Brandman University

Brandman University, a non-profit adult education university formerly known as 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