Universal Technical Institute Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Universal Technical Institute has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, human resources, and campus leadership.

Driven by a commitment to career readiness, Universal Technical Institute provides specialized post-secondary education, equipping students with the skills for in-demand technical careers and fostering a direct pathway to industry employment.

Leadership Roles at Universal Technical Institute

  • Chief Executive Officer - Jerome Grant
  • Chief Financial Officer - Bruce Schuman
  • Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer - Todd Hitchcock
  • Campus President - Patrick Bennett
  • Campus President - Migdalia Vazquez
  • Campus President - Robert Paganini
  • HR Coordinator & To Campus Executive Administrator & President - Brenda Ellington
  • Campus President - Tess Dubois-Carey
  • President (Universal Technical Institute division) - Tracy Lorenz
  • Senior Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer - Chyrell Miel
  • Jerome Grant - Chief Executive Officer

    Jerome Grant, the Chief Executive Officer at Universal Technical Institute, directs the overarching corporate strategy and operational execution. Grant's leadership focuses on expanding the company's reach in providing post-secondary education for automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle, and marine technicians. Overseeing all major business units, Grant ensures alignment with the company's mission to prepare students for successful careers. This executive role involves driving innovation in educational delivery and forging strategic partnerships within the technical training sector. By championing new program development and optimizing resource allocation, Jerome Grant directly impacts the company's growth and its ability to meet evolving industry demands. Ultimately, Grant secures the long-term viability and market leadership of Universal Technical Institute.
    Jerome Grant

    Bruce Schuman - Chief Financial Officer

    Bruce Schuman, the Chief Financial Officer at Universal Technical Institute, manages all financial operations and fiscal strategy. Schuman's responsibilities encompass financial planning, budgeting, and reporting, ensuring the company's fiscal health and sustainable growth. Overseeing treasury functions and investor relations, Schuman maintains strong relationships with financial stakeholders. This executive role involves rigorous analysis of financial performance and the implementation of cost-effective measures across all departments. By guiding capital allocation and managing financial risks, Bruce Schuman directly supports the company's expansion initiatives and its commitment to providing accessible technical education. Ultimately, Schuman ensures the financial stability required for Universal Technical Institute to achieve its educational objectives.
    Bruce Schuman

    Todd Hitchcock - Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer

    Todd Hitchcock, the Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer at Universal Technical Institute, oversees the day-to-day operational management of the company's educational facilities and programs. Hitchcock's leadership ensures the efficient delivery of post-secondary training for automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle, and marine technicians. Managing campus operations and student services, Hitchcock drives operational excellence across all locations. This executive role involves optimizing resource utilization and implementing best practices in educational delivery to enhance student outcomes. By directing the operational framework, Todd Hitchcock directly supports the company's mission to prepare students for successful careers in skilled trades. Ultimately, Hitchcock guarantees the smooth functioning of Universal Technical Institute's educational infrastructure.
    Todd Hitchcock

    Patrick Bennett - Campus President

    Patrick Bennett, the Campus President at Universal Technical Institute, leads the strategic direction and operational management of a specific campus location. Bennett's focus is on ensuring the delivery of high-quality technical education and fostering a supportive learning environment for students pursuing careers as automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle, and marine technicians. Overseeing campus staff and student body, Bennett drives local initiatives that align with the company's broader mission. This executive role involves managing campus resources, cultivating community partnerships, and ensuring compliance with educational standards. By championing student success and operational efficiency at the campus level, Patrick Bennett directly impacts the local student experience and the achievement of Universal Technical Institute's educational goals. Ultimately, Bennett ensures the campus operates as a center of excellence.

    Migdalia Vazquez - Campus President

    Migdalia Vazquez, the Campus President at Universal Technical Institute, directs the comprehensive operations and strategic development of a designated campus. Vazquez is committed to providing students with specialized training for careers as automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle, and marine technicians, ensuring adherence to industry standards. Managing all campus functions, including academic delivery and student support services, Vazquez cultivates a culture of achievement. This executive position requires strategic oversight of faculty, staff, and resources to maximize educational outcomes. By fostering local engagement and driving campus-specific growth, Migdalia Vazquez directly contributes to the overall success and reputation of Universal Technical Institute. Ultimately, Vazquez ensures the campus serves as a vital hub for technical skill development.

    Robert Paganini - Campus President

    Robert Paganini, the Campus President at Universal Technical Institute, spearheads the strategic vision and operational execution for a key campus location. Paganini's leadership is dedicated to delivering specialized post-secondary education, preparing students for successful careers as automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle, and marine technicians. Overseeing campus administration, faculty, and student affairs, Paganini ensures a high standard of academic and vocational training. This executive role involves managing campus budgets, implementing strategic growth plans, and fostering a positive educational environment. By driving campus-specific performance and student retention, Robert Paganini directly enhances the value proposition of Universal Technical Institute. Ultimately, Paganini ensures the campus meets and exceeds its educational and operational objectives.

    Brenda Ellington - HR Coordinator & To Campus Executive Administrator & President

    Brenda Ellington, the HR Coordinator & To Campus Executive Administrator & President at Universal Technical Institute, provides dual support across human resources coordination and executive administration for a campus president. Ellington facilitates essential HR functions, including recruitment support and employee onboarding, while also managing administrative tasks critical to campus leadership operations. Supporting the campus president's strategic initiatives, Ellington ensures efficient workflow and effective communication within the campus environment. This role involves coordinating schedules, managing correspondence, and assisting with HR-related documentation to maintain operational continuity. By bridging HR support with executive administrative functions, Brenda Ellington directly contributes to the effective management of both personnel and campus operations at Universal Technical Institute. Ultimately, Ellington ensures the seamless execution of administrative and HR support.
    Brenda Ellington

    Tess Dubois-Carey - Campus President

    Tess Dubois-Carey, the Campus President at Universal Technical Institute, leads the comprehensive management and strategic development of a specific campus. Dubois-Carey is dedicated to advancing the company's mission of providing specialized training for automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle, and marine technician careers. Overseeing all campus operations, including academic programs, student services, and administrative functions, Dubois-Carey ensures a high-quality educational experience. This executive position involves fostering a positive and productive learning environment, managing campus resources effectively, and driving enrollment growth. By championing student success and operational efficiency, Tess Dubois-Carey directly contributes to the achievement of Universal Technical Institute's educational objectives and its reputation for excellence. Ultimately, Dubois-Carey ensures the campus operates at peak performance.

    Tracy Lorenz - President (Universal Technical Institute division)

    Tracy Lorenz, the President (Universal Technical Institute division) at Universal Technical Institute, directs the strategic vision and operational oversight for the entire Universal Technical Institute division. Lorenz's leadership focuses on advancing the company's core mission of providing specialized post-secondary education for careers as automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle, and marine technicians. Overseeing all divisional operations, including curriculum development, student outcomes, and market expansion, Lorenz ensures consistent quality and growth. This executive role involves setting divisional goals, managing key performance indicators, and fostering innovation in technical training methodologies. By driving the strategic direction of the division, Tracy Lorenz directly impacts Universal Technical Institute's market position and its ability to serve a growing student population. Ultimately, Lorenz ensures the division achieves its long-term strategic and financial objectives.

    Chyrell Miel - Senior Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer

    Chyrell Miel, the Senior Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer at Universal Technical Institute, provides critical administrative and strategic support to the HR leadership. Miel facilitates the smooth functioning of human resources operations, ensuring efficient management of employee relations and talent acquisition processes. Supporting key HR initiatives, Miel assists in the development and implementation of programs that enhance employee engagement and professional development. This role involves coordinating executive-level communications and managing complex scheduling to optimize the HR department's effectiveness. By ensuring seamless administrative support, Chyrell Miel directly contributes to the effective management of Universal Technical Institute's workforce. Ultimately, Miel upholds the operational efficiency of the human resources function.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Universal Technical Institute Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Universal Technical Institute?
    Universal Technical Institute is led by Jerome Grant (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Bruce Schuman (Chief Financial Officer) and Todd Hitchcock (Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Universal Technical Institute’s executive team?
    The executive team of Universal Technical Institute includes leaders such as Jerome Grant (Chief Executive Officer), Bruce Schuman (Chief Financial Officer), Todd Hitchcock (Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Universal Technical Institute have?
    Universal Technical Institute has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Universal Technical Institute’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Universal Technical Institute includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Campus President, Campus President.