MESA, Ariz. (Aug. 17, 2017) – Pima Medical Institute was pleased to host Congresswoman Virginia Foxx at its Mesa, Ariz., campus on Aug. 15 for a roundtable discussion with employers, graduates, school owners and executives. The discussion focused on the importance of career education and how schools like Pima Medical Institute are providing people with valuable, life-changing professional opportunities.
Foxx, who represents North Carolina’s 5th District, serves as Chairwoman for the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Education is what makes success possible for people of all backgrounds, she said.
“I grew up with no electricity, no running water, in Appalachia,” she said. “No one in my family finished high school, so I certainly wasn’t considering college.”
She told guests that it took her seven years to get her undergraduate degree in English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, but it was worth it. She went on to earn even more degrees, including her doctorate in education in curriculum and teaching from the University of North Carolina Greesnboro.
Before entering public service, she worked in education for many years as an instructor and in educational administration. She was first elected to the House in 2004 and won re-election in 2016.
Educational institutions of all types are important to building a productive, prosperous country, she told guests, and professional career education schools are a big part of that.
“We must change our language when it comes to education—change the attitude. Education should be for everybody. I feel very positively about private schools,” she said, adding that they help create valuable professionals who contribute to the workforce.
Pima Medical Institute President and CEO, Fred Freedman and Pima Medical Regional Director, Kristen Torres, welcomed Foxx and introduced her to guests. Several staff and faculty at the Mesa campus had the opportunity to meet Foxx as well.
“Pima Medical Institute was incredibly proud to host Congresswoman Foxx during her visit to Phoenix,” Freedman said. “She makes time from her busy schedule to meet with area colleges, students and employers. The congresswoman has a keen ability to identify challenges and relate to the needs and solutions provided by her constituents, which is critically important for the Chairwoman of the House Education and Workforce Committee.”
Media Contact
Elizabeth Baker
Public Relations Coordinator
480-610-6068
ebaker@pmi.edu
Pima Medical Institute
Pima Medical Institute is a private, accredited school dedicated to providing students classroom studies paired with real-world training at medical facilities. Established in 1972, Pima Medical Institute helps students become career ready, focusing exclusively on health care professions, including medical, dental, veterinary and nursing fields. Curriculum includes certificate, associate degree and bachelor’s degree programs, ranging from nursing, medical assistant and radiology technician to veterinary assistant and dental hygienist.
Pima Medical Institute operates 17 campuses as well as an extensive online curriculum. The medical career college has a presence in eight western states with ground locations in Albuquerque, N.M.; Tucson, Phoenix and Mesa, Ariz.; Denver and Colorado Springs, Colo.; Seattle and Renton, Wash.; Las Vegas, N.V.; Houston and El Paso, Texas; Chula Vista and San Marcos, Calif.; and Dillon, Mont. For more information and a complete list of programs offered at each campus, visit pmi.edu or call 1-888-442-5998.