SUNNYVALE, Calif., June 16, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cogswell College , one of the world's leading regionally-accredited institutions offering a unique curriculum that fuses digital arts, engineering and entrepreneurship, today announced the appointment of Dr. Deborah Snyder as president and chief academic officer. Previously, she served as provost and chief academic officer. In her new role, Dr. Snyder will oversee all operations, management and a projected campus move in 2015.
In addition to directing the successful undergraduate programs in animation, game development, audio and software engineering, Snyder will oversee the launch of Cogswell's new online master's degree program , certification and immersion programs, and the Center for Microfinance and Crowdfunding.
"We are delighted that Deb Snyder has taken the helm of Cogswell College," says Charles Cook, chairman of the college's board. "Bringing a wealth of just the right experience, she will provide the leadership which will enhance Cogswell as a leading Silicon Valley institution offering innovative programs focusing on technology and entrepreneurship. We expect the college to thrive under her direction."
Previously, Dr. Snyder served as senior vice provost for academic programs at Strayer University in Washington, D.C. and was a pioneer in the adoption of online platforms in learning. She is the author of The New Traditionals and e-Marketing Basics. The New Traditionals examines adult learners —those 25 and over—who comprise the majority of enrollees in higher education. She has been published in numerous education and marketing journals and has presented at several high-profile conferences.
"I am pleased to be part of this extraordinarily innovative educational community," says Dr. Snyder. "Cogswell is an outstanding institution with a solid reputation among industry leaders for producing graduates who not only understand their craft but who can both work with and lead technical, production and venture start-up teams. "
About Cogswell College
Located in Sunnyvale, California, in the heart of the Silicon Valley, Cogswell College is a WASC accredited four-year institution of higher education with a curriculum that fuses art, engineering and entrepreneurship ( http://www.cogswell.edu/index.php ). As one of the Bay Area's premier colleges, its novel academic approach offers an integrated model that emulates the industry environment—a collaborative, project-based, learning experience that uses multidisciplinary teams to take projects from concept through the delivery pipeline.
Cogswell College alumni credentials include Call of Duty Advanced Warfare , Halo 4, Gears of War 3 and blockbuster films including Frozen , Life of Pi, Madagascar, and The Avengers . Student-created films have garnered scores of national awards ( http://www.cogswell.edu/student-work/worlds-apart.php ). Cogswell alumni have gone on to careers with industry leaders such as: Activision, DreamWorks, Disney, Electronic Arts, Pixar and Microsoft Game Studio as well as starting their own creative ventures.
Hindi Marciniak Cogswell College 408-498-5128 Kimberly Hathaway Gallagher PR 415-994-1097
