COE President and CEO Dr. Kirk A. Nooks Continues Presidential Leadership in Motion Tour with South Carolina Visits

Dr. Kirk A. Nooks, President and CEO of the Council on Occupational Education (COE), continued the Presidential Leadership in Motion Tour with two stops in South Carolina, February 12‑13, highlighting the value of accreditation, workforce-aligned training, and institutional excellence.

 

On February 12, Dr. Nooks visited Southeastern Health and Wellness Institute in Columbia, marking his first engagement in the state. The visit included a campus tour, hands-on program demonstrations, and in-depth discussions with faculty, staff, and students that underscored instructional quality and a shared commitment to preparing learners for the workforce.

 

“Southeastern Health and Wellness Institute was truly honored to host Dr. Nooks, President of the Council on Occupational Education, on our campus,” said Courtney Sykes, Chief Administrative Officer of Southeastern Health and Wellness Institute and a member of the COE Council Appeal Panel. “His visit reinforces our deep commitment to excellence in post-secondary education and to maintaining the highest standards in occupational training.”

 

Sykes noted that accreditation is more than a formality. “It is a rigorous, ongoing process requiring measurable student achievement, financial stability, qualified faculty, workforce-aligned curriculum, ethical admissions practices, transparent policies, and a culture of continuous improvement grounded in data and evaluation,” she said.

 

“For our students, accreditation represents opportunity and protection,” Sykes added. “It ensures eligibility for federal financial aid, recognition of credentials, employer confidence in training quality, accountability, academic integrity, and oversight that safeguards their investment in education.”

 

“For institutions, compliance ensures sustainability, credibility, and long-term impact,” Sykes said. “At Southeastern Health and Wellness Institute, we believe compliance is not about checking boxes. It is about protecting students, strengthening programs, and elevating the standard of career education.”

 

On February 13, Dr. Nooks concluded the South Carolina leg of his tour with a visit to the National Center for Credibility Assessment (NCCA), located in Fort Jackson, South Carolina. The event featured a campus tour and dialogue with institutional leadership and students focused on the value of accreditation in federal training programs. “The National Center for Credibility Assessment is proud to be accredited by the Council on Occupational Education,” said Amy Kiefer, Director of NCCA. “COE provides NCCA with opportunities to continuously evaluate and ensure premier training for the federal government.”

 

Reflecting on both visits, Dr. Nooks emphasized the importance of institutional commitment to quality and continuous improvement. “My visits to Southeastern Health and Wellness Institute and the National Center for Credibility Assessment reaffirmed the transformative power of career and technical education,” Nooks said. “Both institutions exemplify what accreditation is designed to support — intentional leadership, measurable outcomes and a steadfast commitment to preparing students and professionals to meet workforce and federal training demands. It is inspiring to see accreditation in action through their dedication to continuous improvement and instructional excellence.”

 

The Presidential Leadership in Motion Tour continues to spotlight the impact of quality career and technical education and the Agency’s role in supporting institutions as they meet rigorous standards and serve learners and employers in a dynamic workforce environment.