Golf Academy of America (GAA) Appoints Mike Largent as New President

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Aug. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Golf Academy of America (GAA), the largest and longest-running two-year golf career college in the world, announced today that Mike Largent was recently named as its new president. Previous GAA president Chris Hunkler retired, but will continue to assist the organization as a consultant. Largent began his new duties on July 22, 2011. GAA is part of the Birmingham, Ala.-based Education Corporation of America (ECA) whose educational properties include GAA, Ecotech Institute, Virginia College and Culinard, the Culinary Institute of Virginia College.

Largent will be responsible for GAA's four campuses nationwide located in Myrtle Beach, S.C., Orlando, Fla., Phoenix, Ariz., and San Diego, Calif. and the more than 1,000 students who are enrolled in the 16-month golf career training program. He will also oversee the 45 PGA professionals and four PGA master professionals, the largest collection of PGA certified faculty and staff of any career golf college in the country.

"We are delighted that Mike (Largent) has agreed to accept this position with Golf Academy of America," said Tom Moore, president and chief executive officer of Education Corporation of America. "Chris Hunkler and his team have continued to grow and innovate our golf programs at all of our campuses. Our goal is to assure our graduates that they are prepared to meet the needs of employers in the golf industry and Mike's skills and background will continue to provide that leadership seamlessly."

Largent joined ECA in 2007 as campus president of Virginia College in Birmingham, Ala. and now serves as the regional vice-president of the system's other three campus locations in Huntsville, Ala., Chattanooga, Tenn., and Austin, Texas. He has also provided leadership for the successful launch of Ecotech Institute in Denver, Colo., the nation's first career college dedicated to the rapidly growing fields of renewable energy and sustainability.

Largent earned his B.A. in economics from Vanderbilt University and his M.B.A. in marketing from Indiana University.

GAA is a golf course management school that prepares graduates for a wide array of golf career opportunities by offering a comprehensive curriculum of golf instruction and business management.  The 16-month program balances classroom studies, practical experience and a comprehensive understanding of both the game and the business of golf.

For more information about Golf Academy of America, go to www.GolfAcademy.edu, or call (800) 342-7342.

SOURCE Golf Academy of America