FLEXIBLE PROGRAMS SUIT WORKING MOM

SANTA ANA, Calif. – Riverside resident Stephanie Murphy has a busy life with a full-time job as a legal assistant and two small children. So when she was looking to finish her bachelor’s degree Argosy University/Orange County was the perfect fit.

“My advisor at Fullerton Community College had good things to say about Argosy University,” Murphy said. “So I went to the university and met with an admissions counselor. I liked what I saw. The course programs were flexible and allowed me to continue working.” Armed with an associate’s degree in liberal studies from Fullerton Community College, Murphy was able to complete a bachelor’s in psychology in about a year and half.

As a student at Argosy University, Murphy has taken online classes, evening classes and weekend classes. “Their programs allowed me to hold down a full-time job and be able to attend my son’s soccer games on Saturdays,” Murphy said. She is currently a graduate student at Argosy University working on a master’s in clinical psychology and a doctor of psychology in clinical psychology (PysD) degree.

Dr. Jeb Egbert, president of Argosy University, Orange County, said that Argosy’s mission is to help working adults complete their degrees and work towards a career in their chosen professions.

“Argosy University provides course work which is flexible but also meets high academic standards,” he said. “Our instructors are industry professionals and understand the requirements needed to succeed in their fields.” Egbert said several instructors in the psychology department also work in private practice.

Murphy plans to work in rehab with traumatic brain injuries and spinal injuries when she graduates. “I would recommend Argosy University to other students,” she said. “The professors are helpful and understand the demands of working and going to school full time. The course work can be intense at times, but that is part of getting an education. It’s been a great experience.”


Argosy University/Orange County is located at 3501 W. Sunflower Ave., Suite 100, Santa Ana. Argosy University/Orange County is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master's degree programs in psychology, business, counseling, and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor's degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate's degree programs in various health sciences fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602), (800) 621-7440, www.ncahlc.org).

Media Contacts:
Christian Flathman
Sr. Director of Communications
912.201.8114
cflathman@edmc.edu

ARGOSYOC-PR-115-MURPHY
Manny Otiko
Dameron Communications
(909) 888-0017
manny@dameroncommunications.com

ARGOSY OC HOSTS CONTINUING ED CLASS FOR THERAPISTS, SOCIAL WORKERS

SANTA ANA, Calif. – Feb. 22, 2007 -- Orange County mental health professionals have the opportunity to complete six credit hours of continuing education at a workshop hosted by Argosy University/Orange County on Friday, March 30.

The course, titled “Lessons from the Spider Page: Law and Ethics in Couples Work,” will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Argosy University/Orange County campus located at 3501 W. Sunflower Ave., Suite 110 in Santa Ana. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.

The continuing education course is named after “The Spider Page,” a popular column in The Therapist, the journal of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT). “The Spider Page” lists the cases brought before the ethical review board of the Board of Behavioral Sciences, the state regulating board for family therapists and social workers. The class counts towards the six hours of continuing education for marriage and family therapists and licensed clinical social workers as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.

“The course is targeted at marriage and family therapists, social workers and pastoral counselors,” said Dr. Melody Bacon, assistant chair of the Counseling Psychology program at Argosy University/Orange County. “The goal is to provide a review of ethical issues, professional goals, ethical standards and risk management with a special emphasis on the unique challenges involved in working with couples.”

The course is taught by Dr. Bacon, a licensed psychologist, and her husband Ronald Bacon, a marriage and family therapist. Ronald Bacon is also an adjunct instructor at Argosy University. The Bacons are in private practice in San Juan Capistrano and specialize in couples counseling.

Early registration through Tuesday, March 20, is $85. Regular registration is $110. For more information about this continuing education course, call (714) 338-6200 or e-mail ekotomori@argosy.edu.

Argosy University/Orange County is located at 3501 W. Sunflower Ave., Suite 100, Santa Ana. Argosy University/Orange County is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master's degree programs in psychology, business, counseling, and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor's degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate's degree programs in various health sciences fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602), (800) 621-7440, www.ncahlc.org).

Media Contacts:

Christian Flathman
Sr. Director of Communications
912.201.8114
cflathman@edmc.edu

Manny Otiko
Dameron Communications
(909) 888-0017
manny@dameroncommunications.com

EXECUTIVE SAYS DOCTORAL DEGREE COMPLIMENTS BUSINESS SKILLS

SANTA ANA, Calif. – Most students work and go to school at the same time these days. However those jobs usually do not involve helping run a multi-million dollar company. But that is what Nabil Ajineh does. He is vice president and chief information officer for Farouk Systems USA, Inc. a Houston, Texas based company that produces high-quality hair care and spa products and he is also working on a doctoral degree in Business Administration from Argosy University/Orange County.

Farouk Systems is a sponsor of the Miss USA 2007 competition and supplies the hair care products for the cast of the ABC show “Ugly Betty.” The company also supplies cosmetics to large stores such as J.C. Penney, Super Cuts and Sally Beauty Supply.
“Farouk Systems manufactures and distributes the world greatest professional hair products in more than 60 countries using advanced American technology,” Ajineh said.

As chief information officer, Ajineh designs and oversees the computer programs which track shipping, purchase and electronic transactions. He says his degree program at Argosy University compliments his business work. Ajineh says the critical thinking skills he uses to solve problems in the business world are also used in his degree program.

“In order to stay competitive in today’s global economy, businesses must overcome challenges such as supply chain management, customer relationship management, demand planning and resource management,” he said. “Only a doctorate of business administration can help develop the critical thinking skills necessary to face these and other challenges.”

Juggling a doctoral degree program and working for a major corporation is demanding, but not impossible, Ajineh said. “I realize I made a commitment towards an academic achievement and I am committed to achieving that,” he said. “Sometimes it gets difficult, but I never drop the ball on my academic work.”

Ajineh choose Argosy University because the degree program was relevant to his career field and also because of the university’s flexible course offerings. Ajineh used to work for the University of Houston, and continues to take courses at Argosy University/Orange County while living in Houston. He takes most of his courses online, and flies out to Southern California to take courses when needed.

“Online courses provide convenience and flexibility giving me time to focus on my career,” he said. “On campus courses provide the real college experience and allow interaction with professors and students.”

Ajineh said Argosy’s flexible programs allow him to enjoy campus life, without sacrificing his career or family life. “Nabil is a great example of the type of student Argosy University serves – working adults who need degrees to advance in their careers,” said Dr. Jeb Egbert, campus president.
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Argosy University/Orange County is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master's degree programs in psychology, business, counseling, and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor's degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate's degree programs in various health sciences fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602), (800) 621-7440, www.ncahlc.org).

Media Contacts:
Christian Flathman
Sr. Director of Communications
912.201.8114
cflathman@edmc.edu

ARGOC-PR-115.2-MURPHY
Manny Otiko
Dameron Communications
(909) 888-0017
manny@dameroncommunications.com

PEOPLE OF ALL AGES, RACES, AND BACKGROUNDS WANT JOBS

(San Bernardino, CA) The Inland Empire Diversity Career & Job Fair brings together about 40 businesses and hundreds of job seekers.
2007 events include: High Desert Diversity Career and Job Fair in Victorville Wednesday-March 14, 2007 at the Ambassador Hotel in Victorville and Wednesday-September 19, 2007 at the San Bernardino Airport. The Inland Empire Diversity Career and Job Fair is in San Bernardino –Wednesday-April 4, 2007 at The San Bernardino Airport and Wednesday-September 5, 2007 at The San Bernardino Airport.
Past employers searching for capable area talent include San Bernardino County, Union Pacific Railroad, Colton Unified, Chaffey Joint Union and Rialto Unified school districts, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, Temps Plus, Inc. the United States Army, the United States Navy, the University of Phoenix, 909models.com and more.
But, who are the attendees? Who are the people looking to work in the Inland Empire instead of slugging their way to Orange or Los Angeles County?
From past fairs, organizers know that among teens, one-third are Hispanic, one-third are African American and one-fourth are white. About half are searching for career changes, another 23 percent are already working part time and at least 16 percent are scouting for their first job. More than half, 54 percent, are female with the rest, obviously, male.
Numbers change, however, with people in their 20s. Males will comprise 55 percent and females the remaining 45 percent. Around 40 percent are working full time, 25 percent are part timers, 9 percent are looking to switch positions and as many as 45 percent are currently unemployed.
Attendees in their 30s and 40s have a slightly different makeup, with approximately one-third each African American, Hispanic and white. Up to 60 percent are looking to change jobs, 25 percent are employed part time while only 15 percent are working full time. About 70 percent are female and the rest are male.
Among older job seekers, those from 50-70, the figures are radically different. That is, half are white, a quarter are African American and just 8 percent are Hispanic. As many as 60 percent of the seniors are employed part time, just 20 percent are working full time and 15 percent are unemployed but looking to change that situation through the Diversity Job Fair. Males make up 63 percent and females the remaining 37 percent .
What’s it all mean? To organizers it’s simple: People of all ages, races, and backgrounds want jobs. And the Inland Empire Career Diversity & Job Fair is there to help. The producer, Carl Dameron of Dameron Communications, puts it this way: “Our goal is to put together those who want work and those who want workers. Too often, employers assume minorities won’t fit in or won’t be interested in their companies. Nothing could be further from the truth.
“The hundreds of people coming to our previous Job Fairs each year are proof of that. Remember, the unemployment rate for Blacks and Hispanics is three times greater than for whites, and the Job Fairs can remedy that on the spot.”
The Inland Empire Diversity Career & Job fair is sponsored by: San Bernardino County, the Inland Empire and Victor Valley African American Chambers of Commerce, 99.9 KOLA Radio, X-103.9, NAUA, 909Models.com, Hispanic Connect, The Black Voice News, Precinct Reporter, WestSide Story and El Chicano, plus Dameron Communications.
For details, call Dameron Communications at (909) 888-0017.

ARGOSY UNIVERSITY IS ON A MISSION TO TRAIN MORE BLACK, LATINO MENTAL HEALTH WORKERS

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – As a clinical psychologist and mental health worker with San Bernardino and Riverside counties, Dr. Benjamin Barnes saw first hand some of the psychological problems affecting Blacks and Latinos in the Inland Empire. “I saw a lot of cases of schizophrenia, depression and chemical dependency, or people with dual diagnosis (more than one illness),” he said.

Barnes has worked as both a college professor and a mental health provider. He became interested in the healthcare field after going through extensive physical rehabilitation from a car accident. Currently a professor at Argosy University/Inland Empire, Barnes said while working as a county mental health worker he became aware of the lack of African American and Latino psychologists.

“There were very few African American therapists,” he said. “Even now less than 15 to 10 percent of the therapists in San Bernardino County are African American. And we don’t have many bilingual therapists.”

An African American, Barnes is one of the ethnically diverse faculty members at Argosy University/Inland Empire who are dedicated to increasing the number of local Black and Latino mental health workers. Wendy Vasquez-Osborn, interim campus director, said the university’s Spring Quarter enrollment statistics show that more than half of the student population is Black and Latino.

Vasquez-Osborn said that Argosy University’s blended programs, which offer online, evening and weekend courses, are attractive to Black and Latino students in the Inland Empire who are often working full-time jobs. “Many students entered the workforce right after high school or had to raise families, and now they need a degree to move to the next level,” she said. “Our programs fit the needs of working adults.”

Barnes said many of Argosy University/Inland Empire’s faculty members have extensive backgrounds working with the Black and Latino communities and have spent many years working on the front lines of the mental health field.

Dr. David Sellen, a professor in the College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, is involved in several local community groups including the American Red Cross, the United Way, Interfaith Council of Churches, Habitat for Humanity and the Foothills Family Shelter, a local homeless shelter. Sellen also works with law enforcement agencies in Critical Incident Debriefing, assisting victims recover from violent acts.

Barnes said the psychology profession is still predominately white and female, and this may cause problems for people of color who are looking for a mental health provider. “It puts up a cultural barrier, some minorities may believe that the therapists are not sensitive to their cultural needs,” he said.

He added that there is also a lack of awareness about mental health issues in the Black/Latino communities. Barnes said most Black and Latino college students go into the computer and business fields and shy away from psychology, because of the fear they may not get a job after graduating.

“They stay away from psychology because there is still a stigma about it in the Black/Latino community,” he said “That is the reason why Blacks and Latinos people often don’t use mental health services.” He also said that the Black and Latino community maybe unaware of the signs of mental health problems because they are accustomed to dealing with other stressful issues such as racism and unemployment. “Our definition of mental health stressors are different from the mainstream,” he said.

Barnes is currently in a master’s degree in psychopharmacology at Alliant University, and has master’s and doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology from Fielding Graduate University. He teaches courses in Clinical Psychology at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels at Argosy University. Barnes also teaches at San Bernardino Valley College.

He said he is pleased to see the ethnic diversity in his classes at Argosy. “Argosy University has many programs making it visible in local high schools and colleges,” Barnes said. “The solution to boosting the number of Black and Latino psychologists is by reaching out to those communities through face to face marketing in non-traditional places such as community recreation centers, shopping malls, churches, sports clubs and public events.”

“Argosy University is going out and meeting people in their communities and neighborhood,” Barnes said. “We go out of our way to show we are wiling to help in anyway.” Barnes also stated that Argosy University is targeting potential psychologists earlier through associate and bachelor degree programs, which are attractive to high school students, and by talking to individuals in the health, business and education professions who want to move to the next level of their career.

For more information about Argosy University/Inland Empire, call (909) 915-3800 or go to http://www.argosyu.edu/inlandempire.


Argosy University/Inland Empire is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master's degree programs in psychology, business, counseling, and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor’s degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate's degree programs in various health sciences fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, 1-800-621-7440), (www.ncahlc.org).

Media Contacts:
Christian Flathman
Sr. Director of Communications
912.201.8114
cflathman@edmc.edu

ARG-PR-123-COLOR
Manny Otiko
Dameron Communications
(909) 888-0017
manny@dameroncommunications.com

Commencement Speaker Says University Degrees Open Doors

SANTA ANA, Calif. – Dr. Edward Hernandez Jr., keynote speaker at Argosy University’s commencement ceremonies congratulated graduates for completing university programs that would enhance their professional lives. “Earning a university degree will open doors for you in the working world,” Hernandez said.

The commencement ceremony, held at the Hilton in Costa Mesa on Friday, May 18, celebrated more than 150 graduates from the Inland Empire, Santa Monica and Orange County campuses. The event attracted more than 500 people. Argosy University awarded degrees in business, education and psychology at the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels.

Argosy University/Inland Empire graduated seven students with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology and education. The university opened its Inland Empire location in May 2006. Wendy Vasquez-Osborn, interim campus president, said “Today marks a historical event for both the Inland Empire campus and its graduates. Today we honor our first graduating class of 2007.”

Hernandez is chancellor of the Rancho Santiago Community College District, which serves more than 58,000 students at colleges throughout central Orange County.
In his speech, titled “Your Education – Your Future – Your Success,” Hernandez said college graduates face a bright and exciting future.


For information about Argosy University/Inland Empire call (909) 915-3800.



Argosy University’s Inland Empire campus is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master's degree programs in clinical and counseling psychology, business and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor's degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate's degree programs in various health sciences fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, (800) 621-7440, www.ncahlc.org).


Media Contacts:
Christian Flathman
Sr. Director of Communications
912.201.8114