Center for Excellence in Higher Education Recognizes 2013 Graduates

SALT LAKE CITY, July 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Center for Excellence in Higher Education (CEHE) which operates Stevens-Henager College, CollegeAmerica, Independence University and California College San Diego, announced the graduation of 2,827 students during the past fiscal year.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130710/LA44730)

The schools awarded 2,020 associate degrees, 712 bachelor's degrees and 95 master's degrees from 21 campuses in Utah, Idaho, Arizona, California, Colorado and Wyoming. The most sought after programs were medical specialties, respiratory therapy and business management.

"Our graduates have worked hard pursuing their degrees while balancing education with families, jobs and other responsibilities. We're very proud of their accomplishments," said Eric Juhlin, CEHE chief executive officer. "We're committed to working with dedicated students that need some level of flexibility as they work through our programs, which are designed to provide real-world knowledge and skills while preparing them for satisfying careers."

One of the ways students can get that flexibility in education is through Independence University, a completely online education program, which held its first graduation celebrating the accomplishments of 568 students from all over the country. The university awarded 322 associate degrees, 195 bachelor's degrees and 51 master's degrees at the ceremony held in Salt Lake City in June.

While this was Independence University's first graduation ceremony, more than 1,270 students have graduated from the online programs since 2009. The growing program currently has 2,700 students enrolled.

One of the online graduates was 93-year-old Clyde Wagnon, the son of an Oklahoma preacher and farmer, who as a young boy went to school in a horse-drawn buggy. After retiring 25 years ago from a career in sales, he received his Masters of Business Administration degree completely online.

"Earning my MBA online made the most sense for my lifestyle," Wagnon said. "Now that I have my degree, I look forward to beginning a new career path." Wagnon spoke at the commencement and encouraged the graduates to never stop learning.

CEHE and its system of colleges offer associate, bachelor's and master's degrees in healthcare, business, information technology and graphic arts. For more information about CEHE and its system of colleges visit www.cehe.org or call 801-312-0078.

About the Center for Excellence in Higher Education
The Center for Excellence in Higher Education (CEHE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving and promoting higher education. Originally established in 2006 by a group of philanthropists, the goal of CEHE was to educate the public about the state of higher education and help donors promote excellence in higher education. In 2012, CEHE merged with CollegeAmerica Services Inc., the parent company of Stevens-Henager College, CollegeAmerica, Independence University and California College San Diego, and the group was restructured as a 501(c)(3) educational organization. Offering both undergraduate and graduate degree programs in healthcare, business, graphic arts and computer science, CEHE and its system of colleges are committed to preparing professionals for meaningful careers and an increased sense of satisfaction as it continues to pursue excellence in higher education. For more information, visit www.cehe.org.

SOURCE Center for Excellence in Higher Education