Ozarks Profile: Cheryl Tilley

Tell us about Vatterott College.

Vatterott College's history in Springfield dates to 1991. The programs offered are dental assistant, medical assistant, pharmacy technician, medical office assistant, information systems, CAD, computer technology and administrative applications specialist. Given cost and time needed to earn a four-year degree, more people seek career-training programs. Our focus for training is students wanting hands-on training and to start a new career or change careers. Vatterott College provides graduates every 10 weeks to the work force for area employers, and it provides medical assistant and dental assistant extern students to local health care providers.

Vatterott College is relocating to a state-of-the-art classroom and lab campus at 3850 S. Campbell this year. Vatterott College volunteers time to The Kitchen Healthcare Clinic, Ronald McDonald House, Children's Miracle Network, and food and toy drives for local families. Vatterott College provides top instructors, the latest technology and a well-designed curriculum in tune with the market's needs. Vatterott College utilizes local employers' input on advisory board to provide insight on technology, training, trends and types of employees local employers are searching for.

Specifically, what is your role?

As co-director, I am responsible for management and operations of all aspects of the company to ensure an overall growth pattern and that our students receive the best education every day. My primary focus is devoted to financial departments, registrar department, education departments and the relocation of our current campus to our new location this year.

How did you end up in this position?

After graduating from Southwest Missouri State University with a degree in business education, I started instructing courses at Vatterott College. After six years as an instructor, I received a promotion to director of education, and eventually to the current director of the school position.

What challenges do you face in your job?

Ensuring our students are getting the best education every day and our campus is maintaining quality training. Matching employers with graduates of Vatterott College, ensuring growth and popularity of our college and the programs, and becoming a full-service operation.

What do you like best about your job?

Seeing our students move ahead in life with a new career and focus for their life. Creating an atmosphere to promote academic and business excellence.

What changes do you see in your industry?

More need for funding student educational costs, accountability of colleges for their successes and articulations (transfer of credits) across the board among college institutions.

Tell about your family and spare-time interests.

Married for 13 years to Kendall, and have a son, Bryce, 3. Spare-time includes spending time with my family, attending sporting events and reading.