Dr. Michael Heberling, President of Baker College Center for Graduate Studies, has been elected President of the Council of College and Military Educators (CCME), a not-for-profit national organization dedicated to promoting and supporting quality education for service members, their families and veterans of all branches of the U.S. armed services.

As CCME President effective March 1, Heberling is responsible for the administrative duties of the organization, including oversight of all committees and planning the annual symposium. He has been a member of CCME for six years and vice president of the organization for the past year.

Heberling has been the President of Baker College Center for Graduate Studies in Flint, Michigan, since 1998. He is responsible for the operation and quality of Baker’s five graduate programs: information systems, occupational therapy, industrial/organizational psychology, MBA and Doctor of Business Administration. Prior to joining Baker College, Dr. Heberling was a senior policy and business analyst with the Anteon Corporation in Dayton, Ohio.

He earned a bachelor’s degree and Officer’s Commission at Cornell University through its Air Force ROTC program. Heberling also holds a master’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado through the GI Bill and a Ph.D. from Michigan State University through an Air Force-sponsored doctoral program.

The next CCME symposium will be held Feb. 10-13, 2014, in Savannah, Ga. There are approximately 100 colleges and universities and 1,000 individual members in CCME.

About the Council of College and Military Educators:
CCME, a not-for-profit organization, was founded 40 years ago to promote, encourage, and deliver quality education to service members and their families in all branches of the armed services. Its membership is principally composed of military educators, civilian educators, post-secondary educational institutions, and suppliers of quality education products and services. The CCME symposium is the largest annual forum in the country with an expected attendance of approximately 1,000 participants. The annual symposium facilitates the networking and interaction of the key leadership across these organizations in an environment that is focused on enhancing and optimizing voluntary education opportunities for service members and their families. For more information, visit http://www.ccmeonline.org.

Baker College Online officials announced that it has been named a military-friendly college by Military Advanced Education (MAE) in its “2013 Guide to Military-Friendly Colleges & Universities.”

“This is a great honor,” said Shawn Mann, Baker College Online director of military education programs. “Baker College Online offers many benefits to individuals with military experience, including waived application fee, reduced tuition and lifetime career services. All of our efforts are aimed at helping our members from all branches of the armed forces obtain a quality higher education degree.”

From community colleges to state universities, online universities and nationally known centers of higher learning, MAE’s “2013 Guide to Military-Friendly Colleges & Universities” provides information to potential students about institutions that go out of their way to implement military-friendly policies that support our men and women in uniform.

Among the attributes considered in evaluating this year’s institutions for inclusion in the guide are the flexibility of online learning options, the extent of transfer credits accepted by degree level, on-campus ROTC, Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges participation, on-campus active duty/veteran assistance, the support provided to the families of service members, faculty trained in veteran reintegration issues, presence on military installations, and full-time counselors trained in veteran-specific mental health concerns, to name but a few.

The complete guide to Military-Friendly Colleges and more on the stringent criteria used to determine this highly selective honor may be found at www.kmimediagroup.com/files/MAE_7-10_Final.pdf.

“Inclusion in this year’s guide is especially significant,” said Kirk Brown, publisher. “Our ongoing collaboration with education services officers (ESOs) and transition officers (TOs) over the years revealed the need for an evaluation tool that addressed an institution’s military-friendly policies in greater breadth and depth.”

Military Advanced Education serves ESOs and TOs at every U.S. military installation, along with the service members they counsel. Published 10 times yearly, MAE’s editorial coverage includes exclusive interviews with military executive leadership, educators and members of Congress; best practices; career and transition spotlights; service member, school and program profiles; and periodic special reports. Serving as a unique forum for senior military and Department of Defense leadership, KMI focuses on distinct and essential communities within the defense market.

“We are very proud to once again be named a Military Friendly School by Victory Media,” said Shawn Mann, Baker College’s director of military education programs. “We offer many benefits to individuals with military experience, including waived fees, reduced tuition and lifetime career services. They bring maturity, diversity, leadership, and life experiences to the classroom. Other students and faculty benefit from their unique perspectives.”

The 2013 Military Friendly Schools list was compiled through extensive research and a data-driven survey of more than 12,000 VA-schools nationwide. Each year schools taking the survey are held to a higher standard than the previous year via improved methodology, criteria and weightings developed with the assistance of an Academic Advisory Board (AAB) consisting of educators from schools across the country. Complete survey methodology is available at www.militaryfriendlyschools.com/Article/methodology-press-kit.

A full story and detailed list of 2013 Military Friendly Schools will be highlighted in the annual G.I. Guide to Military Friendly Schools, distributed to hundreds of thousands of active and former military personnel in October 2012.

Baker College Online and the Baker College Center for Graduate Studies are part of Baker College, the largest private college in Michigan. Both are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The Center for Graduate Studies MBA program is also accredited by the International Assembly of Collegiate Business Education (IACBE). The Baker Online MBA program is nationally recognized by U.S. News & World Report’s usnews.com “E-Learning Online Graduate Programs: Business – Regionally Accredited Programs,” and has been ranked as one of the first established, largest and best value online MBA programs in the nation. Baker College is a not-for-profit higher education institution, serving more than 40,000 students on 12 campuses and in three satellite locations. Baker grants certificates and associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business, health sciences, education and human services, and various technical fields, as well as a doctorate of business administration. For more information, please visit the Baker College website at baker.edu.

“We attribute our steadily increasing enrollment numbers to a variety of factors, including affordability, new programs, state-of-the-art technology and current online trends,” said Dr. Julia Teahen, President, Baker College Online. “These features continue to be attractive to both returning and new students who are interested in a career-focused education.”

A total of 47,717 students throughout the Baker College system took Baker Online classes this winter quarter. This total includes:

• 6,151 students who took 100 percent of their classes online, including 5,314 undergraduate students and a total of 837 graduate students (including MBAs)
• 8,737 students who took a combination of online classes and campus-based classes
• 32,829 students who took campus-based classes that also included online coursework

A CCME member for five years, Heberling has been president of Baker College Center for Graduate Studies, Flint, Mich., since 1998. He is responsible for the operation and quality of Baker’s five graduate programs: information systems, occupational therapy, industrial/organizational psychology, MBA, and doctor of business administration. Prior to joining Baker College, Heberling was a senior policy and business analyst at Anteon Corporation, Dayton, Ohio.

He earned a bachelor’s degree and officer’s commission at Cornell University through its U.S. Air Force ROTC program. Heberling holds a master’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado through the GI Bill, and a Ph.D. from Michigan State University through an Air Force-sponsored doctoral program.

Retiring as a lieutenant colonel after 21 years of service with the Air Force, Heberling logged 1,500 hours of flying time in the B-52H Stratofortress Bomber. His last assignment was with the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. While there, he served on the faculty as a program director and department head.

CCME, celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2013, is dedicated to promoting and supporting quality education for service members, their families and veterans of the Department of Defense and the Coast Guard. Approximately 100 colleges and universities are members of CCME.

Baker College Online officials report an upward trend of new students choosing online as a continuing education option. For fall 2011 quarter, new student enrollment at Baker College Online increased by 7.3 percent compared to the same period in 2010. The College also recorded a 6.5 percent increase in new student enrollment for summer 2011 quarter compared to 2010. According to Dr. Julia Teahen, Baker College Online president, this positive direction is attributed to various factors.

“Due to a somewhat improved economy, more people are returning to the work force while at the same time pursuing a higher education in order to further their careers,” said Teahen. “These individuals are discovering that distance education is the logical choice, as it offers the flexibility to fit courses into busy schedules.”

For people who travel for a living or travel frequently for their jobs, an online education is convenient and practical.

“Online classes are accessible from any computer with an internet connection, so Baker students have the freedom to check email, look at the course curriculum, schedule a group conference and even watch missed class sessions through video recordings,” said Teahen.

An online education is also advantageous to students with disabilities and to people living in rural communities.

“Online classes can be constructed to support students with intellectual and physical disabilities, the deaf or hard-of-hearing, and the blind or vision-impaired,” said Teahen. “For students who live in rural communities, an online education removes geographical barriers.”

For Barbi Nicodemi, a new Baker College Online student who lives in a relatively rural section of Western Michigan, an online education makes the most sense.

“With the high cost of gas, attending an on-ground campus didn’t seem like a very good option for me,” said Nicodemi. “Through Baker College Online, I am able to pursue my dream of a higher education.”

Nicodemi chose Baker College Online because of her daughter’s encouragement.

“Jessi recently began taking courses through Baker’s Online program and loves it,” said Nicodemi. “Without her support and enthusiasm for Baker College Online, I would not have had the strength and the courage to start this process.”

Nicodemi is working toward an associate degree in human resources. Targeted completion date is 2014.

At Baker College Online, affordability, new programs and state-of-the-art technology also contribute to a steadily increasing new student enrollment.

“These features continue to be attractive to individuals interested in a career-focused education,” said Teahen.

A total of 52,877 students throughout the Baker College system took Baker College Online classes during fall 2011 quarter.

Left, Maj. Gen. Frank Vavala, NGAUS and NGEF chairman, presents Legion de Lafayette certificate to (right) Shawn Mann, Baker College director of military education programs; Mann is wearing the medal presented during the ceremony. It is similar to the special regimental presentation medal commissioned by the Seventh Regiment for presentation to the Marquis de Lafayette in 1832.

“Our support of the Guard, especially in Michigan, is evidenced by our induction into this organization,” said Shawn Mann, Baker College director of military education programs. As Guard members are increasingly forward deployed and pressed into service for our country, Baker College remains an institution dedicated to guaranteeing that its men and women don’t need to also sacrifice their educational goals and aspirations while they serve. We are very pleased to be recognized for our efforts.”

Since its inception in 1988, the Legion de Lafayette has been awarded annually to individuals, corporations and National Guard organizations for either extraordinary service to the Historical Society of the Militia and National Guard or a minimum financial contribution of $10,000.

The Legion de Lafayette is named to commemorate the long-standing historic relationship between the distinguished French soldier, the Marquis de Lafayette, and the American Minutemen.

During a visit to New York City in 1824, members of the 27th New York Artillery, later known as the Seventh Regiment, served as an honor guard for the Marquis. He compared these militiamen to his own corps, the Garde Nationale de Paris. Honored by this courtesy, the regiment voted to change its name to National Guards, a name that caught on and spread to militia units throughout the country. By the end of the 19th century, militia units in nearly all states were designated National Guard and the name was made official by the Dick Act of 1903.

Inductees into the Legion de Lafayette are presented with a medal similar to the special regimental presentation medal commissioned by the Seventh Regiment for presentation to the Marquis de Lafayette in 1832.

The Military Programs Division of Baker College Online is hosting a grand opening open house to celebrate the completion of its Military and Student Veterans Resource Center on Friday, November 11, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., 1116 W. Bristol Road, Flint. The general public, all active duty or military veterans, regardless of theatre of combat operations or time in service, and the media are invited.

“We are pleased to offer a facility dedicated specifically to our students from all branches of military service and look forward to welcoming everyone to the newest Baker College transitional support facility on Veterans Day,” said Shawn Mann, Baker College Online military education programs director.

The agenda for November 11 is as follows:

• 1 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. – Formal welcome by Baker College Online officials
  • Dr. Julia Teahen – president, Baker College Online
  • Chuck Gurden – vice president, Baker College Online, Center for Graduate Studies and Military Admissions
• 1:30 p.m. until 4 p.m. – Waterford National Guard will showcase various military tactical vehicles and, weather permitting, will conduct various military demonstrations
• 2 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. – Meet-and-greet with Michigan State Senator John Gleason and Senator Debbie Stabenow, and representatives from Senator Carl Levin and Congressman Dale Kildee offices; state and federal proclamations presented
• 3:30 p.m. until 4 p.m. – Tours of the new facility
• 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. – Light refreshments will be served; military vehicles, including a STRYKER, Humvee, LMTV (light medium tactical vehicle) and FMTV (field medium tactical vehicle) will be on site

For more information about the open house on November 11, please contact Baker College Online military and veterans program advisor, Jeremy Glasstetter, at 1.800.469.3165.

“We are very proud to once again be named a Military Friendly School by G.I. Jobs,” said Shawn Mann, Baker College Online director of military education programs. “We offer many benefits to individuals with military experience, including waived fees, reduced tuition and lifetime career services. All of our efforts are aimed at helping our members of the armed forces from all branches of the military obtain a quality higher education degree.”

The 2012 Military Friendly Schools list was compiled through extensive research and a data-driven survey of more than 8,000 schools nationwide. Methodology, criteria and weighting for the list were developed with the assistance of an Academic Advisory Board (AAB) comprised of educators from schools across the country. A list of the board members can be found at militaryfriendlyschools.com/article/advisoryboard/.

A full story and detailed list of Military Friendly Schools will be highlighted in the annual Guide to Military Friendly Schools and on a poster, both of which will be distributed to hundreds of thousands of active and former military personnel in October 2011.

G.I. Jobs is published by Victory Media, a veteran-owned business that also publishes The Guide to Military Friendly Schools, Military Spouse and Vetrepreneur magazines, and annually rates the nation’s “Military Friendly Employers,” “Military Spouse Friendly Employers” and “Best Corporations for Veteran-Owned Businesses.”

“Baker College has a long history of providing active-duty Army and veterans with exceptional courses and programs, however the needs of the individual service branches for voluntary education opportunities has sharply risen over the past 10 years,” said Dr. Julia Teahen, president, Baker College Online. “With his impressive military-focused higher education background, Shawn was the ideal candidate to address those needs. We are thrilled that he has accepted the challenge as we continue to strengthen our partnerships with all branches of the military, and leverage our technology to better serve these highly motivated and mobile military students.”

Mann joins Baker College Online from Coastline Community College, Fountain Valley, Calif., where he was manager, military outreach programs and off-campus activities. While there, he established seven National Testing Centers on military bases throughout the United States and created the PocketEd program, which condensed 13-hour telecourses plus full Internet-based classes onto an SDRAM card. This medium provided asynchronous, interactive college course work to deployed submariners and military personnel who may have lacked consistent Internet connectivity. Mann has approximately 15 years of higher education experience, with more than a decade of that time focusing on military students. He also has an extensive background in instructional design, marketing and web development.

A resident of Long Beach, Calif., Mann holds both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in English from the University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, Mo.

“Our steadily increasing numbers are an indication that individuals continue to see the advantages of an online education,” said Dr. Julia Teahen, president, Baker College Online. “At Baker College Online, in addition to flexibility, affordability and accessibility, we offer the types of programs that will enhance or advance a career. Case in point is our new bachelor’s degree in game software development program, which focuses on leading programming technologies. According to the Entertainment Software Association, entertainment software is one of the fastest growing industries in the U.S. economy.”

A total of 50,816 students throughout the Baker College system took Baker Online classes this fall quarter. This total includes:

• 6,181 students who took 100 percent of their classes online, including * 5,318 undergraduate students and a total of 863 MBA, MSIS, MOT and DBA students
• 8,335 students who took a combination of online classes and campus-based classes
• 36,300 students who took campus-based classes that also included online coursework, a 15.8 percent increase over fall 2009

For the past 10 years, Automation Alley has recognized an outstanding educational program that develops a skilled labor force for Southeast Michigan. Additional award criteria includes:

• An undergraduate or graduate educational program that positively impacts the industry’s skilled labor market
• An institution that identifies a mutually beneficial partnership between education and business
• An institution that shows a strong desire to engage children and adults in technology

“Recognition from a prestigious organization like Automation Alley is a testament to our continuing mission to provide rigorous, relevant and high quality programs to a global student body via e-learning technologies,” said Dr. Julia Teahen, president, Baker College Online.
Other finalists for the Educational Program of the Year award included Cisco’s Networking Academy in Southfield and Walsh College in Troy.

Baker College Online is proud to be included on G.I. Jobs 2011 list of Military Friendly Schools. The list honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities, and trade schools which are doing the most to embrace America’s service members and veterans as students.

Baker Online has long served as a resource for military personnel and their families. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and a longtime partner with GoArmyEd program and other branches of the military, Baker Online is experienced in meeting the particular needs of military students:

• Baker Online is SOC, DANTES, and VA approved.
• We grant credit for prior college-level work and past work experience.
• Earn a certificate, associate, bachelor, master’s, or doctoral degree.
• Training in the high-demand fields of business, health, and IS.
• We partner with GoArmyEd.com and other military branches.

“This list is especially important now because the Post-9/11 GI Bill has given veterans virtually unlimited financial means to go to school,” said Rich McCormack, G.I. Jobs publisher. “Veterans can now enroll in any school, provided they’re academically qualified. So schools are clamoring for them like never before. Veterans need a trusted friend to help them decide where to get educated. The Military Friendly Schools list is that trusted friend.”

Derek Blumke, president of Student Veterans of America and a member of the list’s Academic Advisory Board, agrees. “The Military Friendly Schools list is the gold standard in letting veterans know which schools will offer them the greatest opportunity, flexibility and overall experience. It’s especially important now with so many schools competing for military students.”

To learn more about Baker Online and how we can help you achieve your goals, a href=“http://bakercollegeonline.com/info/”>contact us today.



A total of 40,205 students throughout the Baker College system took Baker Online classes this spring quarter. This total includes: 


• 5,810 students who took 100 percent of their classes online, including 4,957 undergraduate students and 853 graduate students.
• 8,370 students who took a combination of online classes and campus-based classes.
• 26,025 students who took campus-based classes that also included online coursework, a 28 percent increase over spring 2009.

“Our enrollment numbers are indicative that Baker College Online students continue to enjoy the convenience, flexibility and affordability of an education at an accredited career college,” said Dr. Julia Teahen, president, Baker College Online. “Moreover, Baker students are able to work around their busy schedules and earn degrees that will help them build toward the future.”

A total of 45,391 students throughout the Baker College system took Baker Online classes this winter quarter. This total includes:

• 6,149 students who took 100 percent of their classes online, including 5,241 undergraduate students and a total of 908 graduate students
• 8,573 students who took a combination of online classes and campus-based classes

30,669 students who took campus-based classes that also included online coursework, a 57.9 percent increase over winter 2009.