COE President and CEO Dr. Kirk A. Nooks Brings Presidential Leadership in Motion Tour to San Antonio, Texas Institutions

President and CEO of the Council on Occupational Education (COE), Dr. Kirk A. Nooks, recently visited three COE-accredited institutions in San Antonio, Texas, as part of his nationwide Presidential Leadership in Motion Tour. Designed to strengthen relationships with member institutions and gain direct insight into their academic and operational practices, the tour included stops at Alamo City Barber College, Milan Institute, and Southwest School of Business and Technical Careers on December 1–2, 2025.

The Presidential Leadership in Motion Tour provides Dr. Nooks with the opportunity to engage with institutional leaders, faculty, staff, and students while observing the impact of accreditation across diverse career education environments. The San Antonio visits highlighted the dedication of COE-accredited institutions to continuous improvement, high-quality instruction, and strong student outcomes.

At Alamo City Barber College, Dr. Nooks met with leadership, instructors, and students to learn more about the institution’s hands-on approach to barbering and cosmetology education. Jamal Pratt, Chief Academic Officer of Alamo City Barber College, welcomed the opportunity for Dr. Nooks to see the campus firsthand, noting, “It was a pleasure meeting him.” The visit provided an engaging forum to showcase the faculty’s dedication and the students’ commitment to developing industry-ready skills.

Dr. Nooks then visited Milan Institute, where discussions centered on student achievement, instructional practices, and the alignment of career programs with workforce expectations. Gary Yasuda, President of Milan Institute, expressed the campus’s appreciation for the visit, stating, “COE Team, we are appreciative of Dr. Nooks’ visit to our San Antonio Milan Institute campus. Thank you for coordinating this visit.”

The tour concluded at Southwest School of Business and Technical Careers, where Dr. Nooks was welcomed by President Ahmad Dib, who also serves as a Commissioner for COE. The institution shared the following reflection on the visit:

“Southwest School of Business and Technical Careers was honored to welcome the President of the Council on Occupational Education (COE), Dr. Kirk Nooks, for an official visit on December 2, 2025. During his time on campus, President Nooks engaged with faculty, staff, and leadership to learn more about our programs, facilities, and continued commitment to high-quality career and technical education.

We are especially grateful for the thoughtful and informative presentation he delivered, which provided valuable insights into accreditation standards, continuous improvement practices, and the evolving landscape of workforce education. His clear guidance and supportive approach reaffirmed our shared mission of maintaining excellence in student outcomes and institutional performance.

Southwest School of Business and Technical Careers extends sincere appreciation to President Nooks for his time, expertise, and ongoing dedication to advancing quality in career education. His visit was both encouraging and inspiring, and we look forward to continued collaboration with the Council on Occupational Education.”

Reflecting on the San Antonio visits, Dr. Nooks emphasized that institutions across the state demonstrate a shared commitment to excellence in career and technical education, and that COE accreditation provides critical support in maintaining high standards and preparing students for meaningful careers. “Every institution I visited showcased the impact of dedicated faculty, engaged students, and strong leadership. These visits reinforce the importance of our work in accreditation and our shared mission to prepare learners for success in the workforce,” he said.

The Presidential Leadership in Motion Tour will continue into 2026, providing ongoing opportunities to engage with COE-accredited institutions nationwide and highlight their contributions to workforce development.