ONTARIO, Calif. — Success Education Colleges (SEC) proudly hosted its 2025 Professional Development Conference (PDC) on Friday, December 5, at the Ontario Convention Center. The annual conference welcomed more than 600 faculty, staff, and leaders from across the SEC system for a day focused on professional growth, collaboration, and recognition. The full conference program and schedule are available in the event materials.
“We were honored to gather so many dedicated Team Members for this year’s Professional Development Conference,” said SEC President Mitchell Fuerst. “This event reflects our continued investment in the people who make our mission possible and our commitment to providing meaningful opportunities for learning, connection, and celebration.”
The conference featured dynamic keynote and general session speakers, including India Y. Tips, Executive Director of the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), and Shaun Tomson, World Champion Surfer and internationally recognized leadership speaker. Their presentations offered inspiration and insight into leadership, resilience, and excellence in education.
Attendees participated in 21 Learning Labs covering a wide range of professional development topics. These sessions allowed Team Members to tailor their conference experience to their individual roles and interests while gaining practical tools to support student success and institutional excellence.
In addition to educational programming, the conference highlighted SEC’s commitment to service and recognition. The Fuerst Family Foundation presented a $50,000 donation to Emanate Health, supporting the purchase of a Giraffe Bed to help care for premature infants in the community. The event also included awards presentations recognizing Team Members and campuses, including Pacesetter Awards, First Circle inductees, and Campus of Distinction Awards.
Continuing a cherished tradition, members of the Fuerst family presented SECret Santa awards to Team Members in need, underscoring SEC’s culture of compassion and care.
The conference concluded with a festive celebration, featuring snowblowers and an artificial snowball fight, bringing the day to a joyful close and reinforcing the sense of community shared by SEC Team Members.
“As we continue to experience Quality Growth and evolve, moments like this remind us of the extraordinary people behind our students’ success,” Fuerst added. “Their dedication, passion, and heart for our students and communities are what truly set SEC apart.”
About Success Education Colleges
A leader in allied health education, Success Education Colleges (SEC) has been committed to training individuals to enter and advance in the health care field since 1966. SEC is a system of postsecondary colleges that includes North-West College, Glendale Career College, Nevada Career Institute, and the Marsha Fuerst School of Nursing. Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) in California and the Commission on Postsecondary Education (CPE) in Nevada, SEC offers a supportive educational environment for those ready to start a health care career.
For more information about Success Education Colleges, please visit www.success.edu
