About ACCET

Founded in 1974, the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET) has been continuously recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a reliable authority on educational quality since 1978. ACCET strives to identify, evaluate, and enhance the delivery of continuing education and training through an independent peer-evaluation process. With a global reach, ACCET’s expansive scope is designed to support a diverse array of non-traditional post-secondary educational providers, including: 

  • Intensive English Pro­grams (IEPs)  
  • Postsecondary Career/Vocational Colleges 
  • Trade and Professional Associations  
  • Corporate Training Departments  
  • Religious  and Ethical Societies 
  • Public Affairs and Cultural Societies 
  • Social Science, Volun­teer, and Personal/Professional Develop­ment Organizations

Nominating Committee Announcement

October 9, 2025 Dear Colleagues, We’re pleased to inform you that the Nominating Committee met on October 7, 2025, to review the nominations submitted for the open Institutional Commissioner (Academic Representative, Vocational) position. Nine highly-qualified candidates were presented—each with strong credentials and a clear commitment to quality education. The committee conducted a thoughtful and thorough evaluation of each nominee’s background and experience. After much deliberation, the Nominating Committee is pleased to recommend Dr. Randolph Haywood Jr., for the Institutional Commissioner (Academic Representative, Vocational) position. Dr. Haywood serves as Vice President of Nursing and Program Administrator at Universal Training Institute in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, where he leads academic planning, instructor supervision, and institutional compliance in support of accreditation and student success. With over 30 years of experience in nursing and education, he will bring critical Allied Health expertise to the Commission at a time of growing interest in ACCET accreditation from healthcare and nursing institutions. In accordance with Section 8.2.1 of the ACCET Bylaws, which requires nominees to be shared with the membership at least 60 days before the Annual Business Meeting, we are formally notifying you of this recommendation. The election will take place during the virtual Annual Business Meeting on Monday, December 8, 2025. Please note that additional nominations may be submitted outside of the Nominating Committee process. These must be supported in writing by 10% of the ACCET membership and sent to the ACCET Executive Director no later than November 4, 2025. If any additional nominations are received, an updated list of candidates will be circulated to the membership no later than 30 days before the meeting Should you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me at rhelfer@accet.org. We sincerely appreciate your ongoing support and look forward to your participation in the election process. Sincerely, Res Helfer, Executive Director   About the Nominating Committee The Nominating Committee plays an important role in ACCET’s governance by identifying qualified nominees to fill upcoming Commission vacancies. The committee includes the Commission Chair, Vice Chair, and Past Chair, along with two non-Commission members from ACCET-accredited institutions: Mr. Peter Mikhail, Commission Chair Ms. Megan Kobzej, Commission Vice Chair Dr. Donnell Bayot, Commission Past Chair Ms. Crystl Zimmer, Member Institution, Director of Operations at The Protocol School of Washington Mr. Edward Rabinovich, Member Institution, Director of Compliance at Manhattan School of Computer Technology Mr. Res Helfer, Executive Director (non-voting, ex officio) We thank the committee for their time, insight, and service to the ACCET community.