Aviation Institute of Maintenance
Centura College
Tidewater Tech
Centura College Allied Health & Trades
About
“ACT”
We help adult students gain the skills and attitudes necessary for a meaningful entry-level career position. We strive to be responsive to the needs of our students, as well as businesses, industries, and government. We are committed to high academic standards in all curricular offerings, and we are dedicated to providing the services that support our students’ efforts to succeed.
Building Careers, Changing Lives: A Legacy of Excellence
Founded in 1969 by Gerald Yagen, our nationwide network of 20 career and technical schools—including Aviation Institute of Maintenance, Centura College, and Tidewater Tech—has empowered over 60,000 graduates with industry-driven skills and education. Whether you’re a military member, a parent, or pursuing a new direction, our hands-on programs prepare you for stable, high-growth careers.
Through partnerships with leading industries, airlines, and government agencies, we create a talent pipeline that drives innovation and supports communities across the nation. We’re more than educators; we’re partners in success.
Press + In the News Press Releases, Wall Street Journal recent article, etc.
Aviation Institute of Maintenance Receives Jet Engine Donation from FedEx
FREMONT, Calif. (May 14, 2024) – Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) is pleased to announce the generous donation of a CF6-6 jet
Aviation Institute of Maintenance Students Earn Top Score on Aerospace Maintenance Competition
CHICAGO (April 17, 2024) – Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) is proud to announce the outstanding achievement of its students in the
American Airlines awards scholarships to the next generation of aviation maintenance professionals
CHICAGO — American Airlines continues to help students find their path from the classroom to the hangar through recent scholarship awards. The
1969
In 1969, Gerald Yagen founded Employment Services, Inc. (ESI), which served as an employment agency that assisted military personnel transitioning into civilian work in technical and skilled trades.
1980
1980s, ESI focused its attention on workforce development training programs and eventually became an accredited institution of higher education, which has evolved into a network of career and technical colleges and schools with over 60,000 graduates since its inception.
2024
In 2024, our school group was acquired by Cotulla Aviation, LP.
Campus Information
At Estuidar University, we prepare you to launch your career by providing a supportive, creative, and professional environment from which to learn practical skills, build a network of industry contacts.
Our Leadership
Mr. Gibson oversees all accounting and finance functions across 19 campuses and the Home Office, including budgeting, student payment systems, payroll, regulatory reporting, purchasing, and internal controls
- Sciences
Ms. Thomas oversees the organization’s institutional planning, processes, and effectiveness.
- Management
Mr. Parker, who goes by Charlie, oversees advertising, branding, and student enrollment within the organization.
- Economics
Dr. Lanouette oversees the administrative policies and procedures that support organizational efficiency and resilience throughout the company
- Sciences
Dr. English oversees all operations for 19 campuses across the United States and the Home Office in Virginia Beach.
- Business & Administration
Dr. English oversees all operations for 19 campuses across the United States and the Home Office in Virginia Beach.
- Business & Administration
Contacts:
Dr. Joel A. English
Dr. Alexander, current Mayor of Norfolk, Virginia, oversees the organization’s community and political outreach strategy. Dr. Alexander brings an extensive resume as a business executive and state legislator, with over two decades of practical work and scholarly pursuits in leadership, politics, and public service.
Dr. Alexander joined the organization as Chancellor in 2020. He began his career as an International Relations teacher at Tidewater Community College and now leads the third largest city in Virginia with a population of over 240,000 and a budget of $1.7 billion. Drawing from his experience as a political and business leader, he collaborates with City Council and federal and state agencies to accomplish economic development, workforce solution, and public policy goals.
A native of Norfolk and president of Metropolitan Funeral Service, Alexander earned his A.A.S. from John Tyler Community College, has a B.A. in Political Studies from Old Dominion University, and an M.A. in Diplomacy from Norwich University. He also holds a Ph.D. in Leadership and Change from Antioch University.
Contacts:
Dr. Kenneth Alexander
Chancellor
Contacts:
Dr. Joel A. English
President
Ms. Thomas oversees the organization’s institutional planning, processes, and effectiveness. She provides training and oversight for four Regional Directors and their campuses, ensuring optimal student experience and compliance with accrediting and regulatory bodies. She is a former Commissioner for the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and has served as a Team Leader, conducting peer reviews of other school systems under ACCSC accreditation.
Mrs. Thomas joined the organization in 2004 as a School Director, and served as Regional Director before she was promoted to Vice President of Campus Operations in 2020. Prior to her time at the organization, she served as Executive Director of Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, where she oversaw day-to-day operations for care of 400+ children over four locations, and a staff of 100.
Thomas, who hails from Pennsylvania, earned her B.S. and M.S. in Education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Slippery Rock University, respectively.
Contacts:
Patricia Thomas
Vice President of Campus Operations
Mr. Parker, who goes by Charlie, oversees advertising, branding, and student enrollment within the organization. He focuses his talents on expense management, inquiry acquisition, and production forecasting, while guiding campus-level admissions staff, an internal marketing agency, and two external advertising firms. He brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education marketing and enrollment management to the organization.
Mr. Parker joined the organization in 2020. Prior to his tenure, he honed his extensive experience in turnaround management situations with various school systems, leveraging his time management and organizational skills to act as an efficient production manager. In addition to working in higher education, he has been active in public service. Parker has served on planning commissions and city councils. Additionally, he ran for a state senate seat in 2010, narrowly losing to the incumbent.
Originally from Washington, D.C., Parker holds a B.S. in Political Science with a Pre-Law focus from Weber State University.
Contacts:
Charles Parker
Vice President of Marketing & Enrollment
Dr. Lanouette oversees the administrative policies and procedures that support organizational efficiency and resilience throughout the company. He leads cross-functional teams, like Education, Informational Technology and Human Resources, in strategic planning, personnel management and risk mitigation. He recognized as a Master Presenter by the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development, and has spoken on student motivation, instructional excellence, leadership, and lesson plan development across the country to myriad educational and administrative audiences.
Dr. Lanouette joined the team in 2018 as a Regional Director and was promoted to Vice President of Administration in late 2020. Previously, Dr. Lanouette worked for, or as an educational consultant with, a variety of post-secondary school systems. Most notably, he spent twenty-seven years at Remington College, holding positions from faculty member to Chief Academic Officer.
Raised in Connecticut, Lanouette completed his undergraduate studies at the Florida Institute of Technology where he earned a B.S. in Oceanographic Technology. He also holds an M.S. and Ph.D. in Instructional Design, both from the University of South Alabama.
Contacts:
Dr. Mike Lanouette
Vice President of Administration
Mr. Gibson oversees all accounting and finance functions across 19 campuses and the Home Office, including budgeting, student payment systems, payroll, regulatory reporting, purchasing, and internal controls. He is an accomplished finance and accounting executive with over 25 years of leadership experience as a Controller and CFO in multiple industries including higher education, publishing, media, hospitality, and manufacturing.
Mr. Gibson joined the organization in 2021 as the Director of Finance and Accounting and was promoted to Vice President of Finance in 2022. Prior to his tenure, Mr. Gibson worked in Controller and CFO roles in several industries, including publishing, media, manufacturing, and education. He holds the CPA designation from the State of New York and is a Certified Professional Coach.
Born in Buffalo, New York and raised in New Jersey, Gibson earned a B.S. in Accounting, and later, his MBA from Rutgers University.
Contacts:
Russell Gibson
Vice President of Finance
Dr. Alexander, current Mayor of Norfolk, Virginia, oversees the organization’s community and political outreach strategy. Dr. Alexander brings an extensive resume as a business executive and state legislator, with over two decades of practical work and scholarly pursuits in leadership, politics, and public service.
Dr. Alexander joined the organization as Chancellor in 2020. He began his career as an International Relations teacher at Tidewater Community College and now leads the third largest city in Virginia with a population of over 240,000 and a budget of $1.7 billion. Drawing from his experience as a political and business leader, he collaborates with City Council and federal and state agencies to accomplish economic development, workforce solution, and public policy goals.
A native of Norfolk and president of Metropolitan Funeral Service, Alexander earned his A.A.S. from John Tyler Community College, has a B.A. in Political Studies from Old Dominion University, and an M.A. in Diplomacy from Norwich University. He also holds a Ph.D. in Leadership and Change from Antioch University.
Contacts:
Dr. Kenneth Alexander
Chancellor
Partner With Us
Our network of collaborations extends beyond traditional boundaries, partnering with employers to offer industry-recognized credentialing and training, addressing real-world challenges.
How to Apply
- You Apply
Tell us a little about yourself and we’ll help with the rest. Our convenient online application tool only takes 10 minutes to complete.
- We Connect
After you submit your application, an admissions representative will contact you and will help you to complete the process.
- You Get Ready
Once you’ve completed your application and connected with an admissions representative, you’re ready to create your schedule.
Scholarship Programs
At Estuidar University, we prepare you to launch your career by providing a supportive, creative, and professional environment from which to learn practical skills and build a network of industry contacts.
Student
Life
Our students create a vibrant and inclusive community
The Campus
Experience
At Estuidar University, we prepare you to launch your career by providing a supportive, creative, and professional environment from which to learn practical skills, build a network of industry contacts, and gain real-world experience. You’ll have the opportunity to generate innovative design and business solutions.
Join Our Team
Our competitive benefit package includes Comprehensive Health Coverage, 401K, Paid Holidays, Vacation Package, PTO, Employee Assistance Program and an Education Assistance Program to include Tuition Reimbursement and Tuition Discounts.
