PresidentNooks

President and CEO of the Council on Occupational Education. Workforce Education Credential Advocate & Collaborator.

[Council on Occupational Education @CouncilonOccEd]

Finishing Trades Institute Upper Midwest welcomed President Dr. Kirk A. Nooks as part of the Presidential Leadership in Motion Tour, where he observed students training firsthand in drywall finishing, glazing, and commercial painting.

[Council on Occupational Education @CouncilonOccEd]

Summit Academy OIC welcomed Dr. Nooks during the Presidential Leadership in Motion Tour. The visit included live demonstrations and hands-on training sessions highlighting how structured, career-focused education is preparing students for real workforce pathways.

[Council on Occupational Education @CouncilonOccEd]

On behalf of the Council on Occupational Education, thank you for joining us for the 2026 Spring Accreditation Institute. As we continue our mission to be “the standard of education that works,” we thank you for the work you do each and every day.

[PresidentNooks @PresidentNooks]

The 30 minute countdown. We have landed in Utah and we are ready for the Spring Accreditation Institute. Record Attendance. #COESAI2026

[Council on Occupational Education @CouncilonOccEd]

Dr. Kirk A. Nooks served as a panelist at the Washington Briefing Advocacy Day during the Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU) Conference on March 24, 2026, in Washington, D.C., held at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco.

[Council on Occupational Education @CouncilonOccEd]

Dr. Kirk A. Nooks continues the COE Presidential Leadership in Motion Tour with a visit to Pinnacle Tech College in Las Cruces, New Mexico, highlighting the impact of career-focused education in action.

[Council on Occupational Education @CouncilonOccEd]

Dr. Kirk A. Nooks, President and CEO of the Council on Occupational Education, delivered the keynote address at Eastern Virginia Career College’s Spring Commencement in Fredericksburg, Virginia, honoring the graduating classes of 2025 and 2026.

[PresidentNooks @PresidentNooks]

Looks like I need to catch up on my posts :-). Great visit to South Carolina.

[Council on Occupational Education @CouncilonOccEd]

The Presidential Leadership in Motion Tour continued its national momentum on February 12 with Dr. Nooks’ visit to Southeastern Health and Wellness Institute in Columbia, marking his first tour stop in South Carolina.

[PresidentNooks @PresidentNooks]

Welcome Commissioner Perez!

[Council on Occupational Education @CouncilonOccEd]

Commissioner Vanessa Perez, President of Make Utah in Pleasant Grove, UT, took her oath of office during the Commission’s March meeting on Thursday, March 5, held in Atlanta, Georgia, officially beginning her service as a Commissioner.

[Council on Occupational Education @CouncilonOccEd]

Save the Date: Spring Accreditation Institute April 29-30, 2026.

Registration Opens February 2, 2026.

[PresidentNooks @PresidentNooks]

Commissioner Dib was a great host - along with the faculty, staff, and students of Southwest School of Business and Technical Careers. They even taught me about the benefits of clover candy. Who knew?

[Council on Occupational Education @CouncilonOccEd]

Dr. Nooks continued his Texas tour with a visit to Southwest School of Business and Technical Careers in San Antonio, where he was welcomed by President Ahmad Dib, a valued COE Commissioner, which made this stop particularly special.

[PresidentNooks @PresidentNooks]

San Antonio has several COE accredited institutions. The opportunity to learn about our institutions, their programs, and their students is just one of the highlights of our work.

[Council on Occupational Education @CouncilonOccEd]

Dr. Nooks made his second stop in San Antonio, Texas at Milan Institute. The visit included hands-on program demonstrations, student interactions, and discussions, reflecting the institute’s commitment to career and technical education and student success.

[PresidentNooks @PresidentNooks]

We had a wonderful time connecting with members from across the nation and around the globe.

[Council on Occupational Education @CouncilonOccEd]

On behalf of the Council on Occupational Education, thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2025 Annual Meeting in Austin, Texas, November 11–13. Your enthusiasm, engagement, and unwavering commitment to excellence made this year’s gathering truly unforgettable.

[PresidentNooks @PresidentNooks]

Aww shucks. Thanks to the outstanding team who makes COE one of the Best Places to Work! I enjoy working with each of you.

[Council on Occupational Education @CouncilonOccEd]

A small token of appreciation for a leader who makes a powerful positive impact every day on the lives of many. Happy National Boss’s Day to Dr. Kirk A. Nooks!
Your vision, consistency, and commitment to excellence inspire us all. We’re beyond grateful to be led by you.

[Council on Occupational Education @CouncilonOccEd]

Dr. Kirk A. Nooks recently served as a featured panelist at the 41st Annual CAPPS Conference as well as the Higher Ed Seminar. He contributed to national conversations on accreditation, rural education, and the future of workforce-focused institutions.

[PresidentNooks @PresidentNooks]

As I heard from one of the members on the Board “just because someone made a mistake, it does not make them a mistake.”

[Council on Occupational Education @CouncilonOccEd]

Dr. Nooks’ Presidential Leadership in Motion Tour made its next stop in Alabama, visiting J.F. Ingram State Technical College in Deatsville on September 25th. Dr. Nooks witnessed how ISTC is opening doors and creating pathways for brighter futures.
#LeadershipInMotion #COE

[PresidentNooks @PresidentNooks]

Brick by brick and bridge by bridge the US Army Corps of Engineers have to be trained. Can you guess where it happens?

[Council on Occupational Education @CouncilonOccEd]

Dr. Nooks’ Presidential Leadership in Motion Tour made its second stop in Alabama at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers located in Huntsville. Dr. Nooks connected with faculty, staff, and students and learned how the U.S Army Corps of Engineers is driving innovation and solutions.

[Council on Occupational Education @CouncilonOccEd]

COE President & CEO Dr. Nooks visited DSDT College Inc. and Dymond Designs Beauty School for a day full of creativity, talent, and inspiration! ✨💇‍♀️

[Council on Occupational Education @CouncilonOccEd]

We're thrilled to be named one of Atlanta Business Chronicle's Best Places to Work 2025 ✨! This honor is thanks to our incredible team-your passion, collaboration, and commitment make COE a great place to work and help us serve our member institutions with excellence every day!

[Council on Occupational Education @CouncilonOccEd]

COE President's Leadership in Motion Tour made a stop at Pro Way Hair School in Dekalb County, Georgia on August 13th. Dr. Nooks, connected with students, faculty, and staff - even joining in the fun taking professional headshots along with the students !