(ARLINGTON, TX) JUNE 2, 2026 — Ancora Education, a nationwide industry leader in education, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Marya Withers as Senior Vice President of Academics and Career Services. In this role, Dr. Withers will lead the organization’s academic strategy and career services operations, overseeing initiatives designed to elevate educational quality, strengthen student support, and drive positive outcomes for students across Ancora’s network.
Ancora Education is a leading national provider of essential trades education through its 18 on-site campuses across the country. With locations across the United States, Ancora’s network of schools, workforce training solutions, online professional development courses, and high school completion program offer students and employers a diverse range of vocational education programs. Ancora’s instructors are industry-experienced skilled tradespeople, and the programs are designed incorporating hands-on training with an emphasis on passing certifications and achieving direct pathways into fields with open jobs.
“We are thrilled to have Dr. Withers’ extraordinary depth of experience in academic leadership as a part of our organization,” said John Barnes, President & CEO of Ancora Education. “Her commitment to student success and her proven ability to advance student outcomes will be crucial for Ancora’s ability to develop the country’s critical skilled trades workforce.”
Dr. Withers brings more than two decades of experience to the role. A dedicated advocate for the career school sector, Dr. Withers has focused her life’s work on elevating educational quality and expanding the scope of student services that drive lasting impact. Additionally, she is recognized as a sought-after speaker, providing expertise in school safety, cultures of care, faculty development, and student outcomes.
“I’m honored to join an organization that truly believes in the importance of student success and workforce education,” said Withers. “My interest is to set the conditions for both staff and students to reach their full potential.” Dr. Withers’ journey to leadership was shaped by a variety of roles; tutor, academic advisor, instructor, grant writer, coach, and admissions recruiter, which she built upon as she advanced to positions such as Academic Dean, National Director of Education, Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Vice President of Academic Affairs.
Originally from Syracuse, NY, Dr. Withers went to New Jersey on a Division I Basketball Scholarship, playing for Seton Hall University (SHU) in the Big East Conference. While at SHU, she was honored as a GTE Academic All-American and earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She earned her Doctorate in Education from National University.
About Ancora®
Ancora, a proud member of the Lindenwood Education System, is a leading workforce solutions provider addressing America’s labor gaps through innovative and technology-driven educational programs. Ancora operates in four divisions: Ancora Academy®, Ancora Education®, Ancora High School®, and Ancora Training®. Ancora Academy offers online courses for personal or professional development to individual learners. Ancora High School, accredited by Cognia®, provides adult learners the opportunity to complete a high school diploma in a highly flexible, self-paced, completely online format. Ancora Education offers technical education training programs specializing in healthcare, IT, business, transportation, and skilled trades through five private, post-secondary brands with 18 campus locations across the nation. Brands include: Arizona Automotive Institute® (AAI), Berks Technical Institute® (BTI), Miller-Motte® College (MMC), Miller-Motte Driving Institute® (MMDI), and South Texas Vocational Technical Institute™ (STVT®). Ancora Training offers workforce solutions, like CDL and other customizable training solutions, for corporate, community college, and government agency partners. Accelerate your goals at ancora.com.