CHARLES TOWN, W.Va., Jan. 31, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- American Public Education Inc. -- parent company of distance learning provider American Public University System (www.apus.edu) -- has named Harry T. Wilkins as its chief financial officer and executive vice president.
Wilkins served on the Board of Directors for American Public Education, Inc. and the Board of Trustees for American Public University System for the last 3 years. A certified public accountant with more than 28 years experience in financial consulting, he served nearly 10 years as chief financial officer and chief operating officer for Strayer Education -- parent company of Strayer University. During Wilkins' tenure, the company completed its initial public offering and increased its market capitalization from $5 million to $840 million.
"Our University System -- which includes American Military University -- has grown significantly over this past year as we achieved regional accreditation and acceptance into the Federal Student Aid program," says Wallace E. Boston Jr., president and chief executive officer.
"We began educating 18 students 14 years ago and serve more than 20,000 today. Harry's knowledge of our institution, distance learning and his financial expertise will help us continue to leverage new opportunities and effectively manage the growth," adds Boston.
Wilkins is a founding partner of the accounting firm Wilkins, Little & Matthews. The firm specializes in consulting for higher education clients. Wilkins was also director of Wooden & Benson, an accounting firm that audits education companies, and a senior consultant with Deloitte & Touche (then Deloitte Haskins & Sells). There, he assisted clients in raising venture capital and public offerings of securities. He is also a former board member of Concorde Career Colleges.
Wilkins has given numerous speeches on the post-secondary education industry at both national and international conferences. He earned his bachelor's degree in accounting and his master's in professional accountancy at Loyola College.
Company background
American Public Education Inc., with operations that began in 1991, is the parent company of American Public University System. The University System includes American Military University (AMU). The distance learning institution provides relevant and affordable distance learning in more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs -- taught by professors who are experienced in the real-world subjects they teach. AMU prepares students for careers in homeland security, intelligence, national security, criminal justice, emergency management, business and more.
AMU is hosting "Homeland Security: The Ripple Effect," Feb. 6-7 at the National Press Club, Washington, D.C. (www.apus.edu/disaster). Go to www.inhomelandsecurity.com for discussions on the topic.
Russell Public Relations
Carolyn Russell
316.932.9000
news@russellpr.com