Ashworth College Welcomes Dr. Christine Jax as New Chief Academic Officer

NORCROSS, GA. – Ashworth College is proud to announce the addition of Dr. Christine Jax as new Chief Academic Officer. Jax, who holds a doctorate in education policy and administration, was officially introduced to staff members at the online school’s Norcross, Ga., headquarters during an all-hands meeting in November.

Jax brings a tremendous amount of experience to her new position. A recognized leader in education, her knowledge of academic operations, accreditation and program development for students of all ages and backgrounds is expected to strengthen the school's presence as an online college.

“I’m proud to be part of an institution of higher education that is committed to providing students with a flexible and affordable quality education,” Jax said of her new position. “It’s exciting to join a school where students receive relevant knowledge and skills that prepare them to immediately and successfully step into their careers.”

“Employers are placing more demands on colleges to prepare students for the real world,” she continued, turning her focus to the types of programs that have made and, she expects, will continue to make Ashworth College very successful. “This school has been providing students with affordable career-focused education for thirty years. In the coming years, more people will need to consider targeted certificates and credentials. Even those who have degrees already will see how much value specialized training can have in helping them achieve their career goals.”

Ashworth College president and CEO Rob Klapper said of Jax’s addition to the team, “Christine’s wealth of experience and passion for education opens an exciting chapter for us and I expect our students will benefit greatly under her leadership.”

Jax is a Minnesota native who began her career as founder of the Learning Center for Homeless Families, an elementary school, outreach, advocacy and resource agency located in her home state. After five years with the program, she was awarded a Bush Foundation grant to study at-risk high school students and complete her doctorate. She also completed a year-long Education Research Fellowship at the Institute on Metropolitan Opportunity at the University of Minnesota School of Law and represented the university on the Minneapolis Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. In 1999, Jax began her four-year tenure as Commissioner of Education and CEO of the Department of Education for the State of Minnesota. In 2003, she moved on to Capella University where, as a doctoral faculty member, she shared her focus on educational leadership, processes, organization and adult learning and also developed new programs as Chair of Academic Innovation and Program Development.

Jax earned her doctorate in education policy and administration from University of Minnesota, Master of Arts in public administration from Hamline University and Bachelor of Arts in child psychology from University of Minnesota. She has shared her expertise in education on CNN, ABC News and Discovery, and in interviews with Time Magazine, The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Education Week and more.

About Ashworth College

Ashworth College is a nationally-accredited online institution that provides flexible and affordable education to students located around the world. Areas of study include more than 125 career-focused programs in the high-demand fields of healthcare, technology, business, creative services, education, legal studies and trades. Since its founding 30 years ago, more than 300,000 students have graduated from Ashworth College with diplomas, professional certificates, associate, and bachelor’s degrees. In a 2016 survey by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, 95 percent of graduates said they were satisfied with their studies and would recommend Ashworth College to a friend. For more information, visit www.ashworthcollege.edu.

Ashworth College is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Media Contact:
Amy Dixon
Ashworth College
(770) 729-8400
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