Carlsbad, Calif. – April 15, 2008 – The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) today announced that Susan B. Johnson, GIA’s director of Education Administration, has been elected to a full term as a school commissioner for the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT).  Johnson will serve as one of 13 ACCSCT commissioners through June 30, 2012.

Last year, Johnson was elected to fill a one-year partial term and was the first GIA staff member to serve on the ACCSCT’s governing board.  Her second election to the board will cover a full-term.

President of GIA, Donna Baker said, “We are proud of Susan’s re-election to such a reputable organization like ACCSCT who shares our same commitment and dedication to achieving the highest standards of education. We are confident Susan will continue to fulfill her role with merit.” 

Johnson is a member of the organization’s education leadership team and plays a key role in operating its global educational business, which serves 16,000 students annually. Throughout her tenure at GIA, she has served as a faculty member, managed the extension division (now lab classes), directed alumni development and filled the role of dean of students.  In addition, Johnson has been intimately involved with GIA’s accreditation, compliance, and licensure endeavors. She is also a member of the Association for Career and Technical Education and the Women’s Jewelry Association.

Chairman of ACCSCT’s Commission Dr. Gery Hochanadel said, “On behalf of the ACCSCT board, we are pleased with Susan’s re-election as she brings strong expertise and a high level of integrity to help foster our mission of excellence in education.”  

Formed in 1967, ACCSCT is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency.  The ACCSCT serves more than 200,000 students across the U.S. and provides accreditation of private, post-secondary, non-degree-granting institutions as well as degree-granting institutions, including those offering associate, baccalaureate and master’s degrees that are predominantly for occupational, trade, and technical careers.

GIA is one of more than 800 institutions holding ACCSCT accreditation, and has been recognized by ACCSCT as a 2006/2007 school of distinction.