Meet the leaders in education and technology committed to delivering excellent, career-focused, accessible academic programs to students here in Huntington, W.Va., and everywhere online.
Administration
Fred Fransen, Ph.D.
President
As the founder of educational nonprofit Certell, Inc., Fred Fransen has provided curricula to over 40,000 teachers who teach more than 4 million students across the country. As President of Amerion, he is dedicated to expanding access to quality education for any student who wants to find out what they’re capable of. Fred received his PhD from the University of Chicago.
Kris Bertelsen, Ph.D.
Vice President, CAO, Director of Prison Education
Kris brings a vast range of experience to Amerion. He has been an educator, therapist, program developer, trainer, and curriculum designer. He earned a PhD in Leadership Studies from the University of Central Arkansas, an MS Clinical and Mental Health Counseling from Southern Arkansas University. His passion for education led him to get an MA in Economic Education and Entrepreneurship from the University of Delaware, and a BS Social Studies Education, Economics Emphasis, from St. Cloud State University.
Edward Chicko, Ph.D.
Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
Edward brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in higher education, public safety, and organizational administration to Amerion College. As Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, he provides leadership for institutional operations, compliance, accreditation, and strategic initiatives while advancing workforce-focused education and expanding opportunities for underserved communities. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration from Liberty University and is passionate about continuous improvement, student success, and preparing graduates for meaningful careers.
Renée Ecckles-Hardy, MA, EdS.
Vice President and Dean of Students
Renée Ecckles-Hardy brings over a decade of experience in education, data management, and student support to her role as Vice President and Dean of Students at Amerion College. A licensed school psychologist, she previously served as IDEA Part B Data Manager for the West Virginia Department of Education and as a Technical Assistance Specialist with the IDEA Data Center, supporting states nationwide. She holds a dual master’s degree from Marshall University in Elementary Education and School Psychology. Renée is also an award-winning children’s book author, publishing consultant, and certified life coach, dedicated to ensuring every Amerion College student feels supported, seen, and empowered to succeed.
Board of Trustees
Dennis Trinkle, Ph.D., Chair
Dennis is Vice President of Technology and Operations with United Way of Central Indiana, as well as a professor at Ball State University. He has authored 17 books and over 50 articles, focusing on entrepreneurship, technology, leadership, teaching, learning, and history. Trinkle obtained his PhD in history from the University of Cincinnati.
Sheree Speakman, Secretary
Sheree chairs the board of councilors for the University of Southern California’s Rossier School of Education and holds positions on the Board of Directors for Perspectives Charter Schools and the Institute for Excellence in Education. She earned her MBA from the University of Chicago.
Jeremy Veatch, Treasurer
Jeremy serves as an advisory board member of the Televerde Foundation, is a strategic advisor for dotScribe, and is a board member of Another Round Another Rally. He completed his MBA at Arizona State University.
Kim Holder
Kim serves as Managing Director of the UTC Center for Economic Education at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Her research focuses on innovative teaching approaches in economics education. She completed her PhD in Economics at Universidad Francisco Marroquin.
Johnathan Holifield
Johnathan previously served as the executive director of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), delivering the largest ever federal HBCU investment of $2.5 billion. He attended West Virginia University, where he played football, and earned a law degree from the University of Cincinnati.
Adrienne Lance Lucas
Adrienne is the founder and president of Lance Lucas & Associates, a not-for-profit fundraising consulting firm. She graduated cum laude from Spelman College with a BA in economics and pursued an MBA at Harvard University. Lucas recently launched the KENO Foundation to support young entrepreneurs.
Rob Larity
Rob is the Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Cognitive Investments and a Partner and Director of Research at Off Wall Street. His multidisciplinary background includes a BA from the College of the Holy Cross with a focus on Classics, English, and Computer Science.
Andrew Morriss
Andrew is a distinguished academic with appointments in the Bush School of Government and the School of Law at Texas A&M University where he also serves as Dean and VP for Entrepreneurship & Economic Development. Morriss earned degrees from Princeton University, the University of Texas at Austin, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Texas A&M University.
Financial Aid
Most students need help paying for tuition. We’re here to help! Start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Then explore scholarships, grants, and more!