Universal Technical Institute Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Committed to excellence in vocational training, Universal Technical Institute empowers students through specialized automotive, diesel, and marine technical education programs that bridge the gap between classroom learning and high-demand industry careers.

Leadership Roles at Universal Technical Institute

  • Chief Financial Officer - Bruce Schuman
  • Chief Operating Officer - Todd Hitchcock
  • Division President - Kevin Prehn
  • Campus President - Timothy Dauber
  • President, Salt Lake City Campus - John Balderree
  • Campus President - Darrin Brust
  • Campus President - Migdalia Vazquez
  • President (Universal Technical Institute division) - Tracy Lorenz
  • Campus President - Roger Gomez
  • Senior Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer - Chyrell Miel
  • Bruce Schuman - Chief Financial Officer

    Bruce Schuman, the Chief Financial Officer at Universal Technical Institute, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial planning of the organization. Overseeing capital investments and budgetary controls, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the company maintains the necessary resources to support advanced technical training facilities and manufacturer-specific programs. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to guide strategic growth and shareholder value. By monitoring revenue streams from diverse diploma and degree offerings, Bruce Schuman directly impacts the financial stability of the institution. Additionally, Schuman collaborates with the executive team to align fiscal policies with the broader mission of providing high-quality vocational education. Through rigorous financial oversight and risk management, the Chief Financial Officer secures the capital required for facility upgrades and curriculum development, ultimately strengthening the market position of the company within the competitive landscape of post-secondary technical training.
    Bruce Schuman

    Todd Hitchcock - Chief Operating Officer

    Todd Hitchcock, the Chief Operating Officer at Universal Technical Institute, directs all internal business processes and operational workflows. Overseeing the execution of educational delivery models, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that technical training programs meet rigorous industry standards across all national locations. This leadership role involves optimizing resource allocation to support student success in automotive and diesel repair fields. By streamlining administrative functions, Todd Hitchcock directly impacts the scalability of the company's post-secondary training initiatives. Furthermore, Hitchcock coordinates with academic leadership to maintain high graduation rates and strong employment outcomes for graduates. Through the implementation of efficient operational strategies, the Chief Operating Officer drives consistent performance across the entire organization, ensuring that the company remains a leader in vocational education while meeting the evolving needs of the modern workforce.
    Todd Hitchcock

    Kevin Prehn - Division President

    Kevin Prehn, the Division President at Universal Technical Institute, oversees the strategic direction and performance of specific educational divisions. Directing the implementation of curriculum standards and student support services, the Division President ensures that training programs remain relevant to the needs of the automotive and marine industries. This leadership role involves managing regional operations to maintain consistent quality across multiple campuses. By fostering partnerships with industry manufacturers, Kevin Prehn directly impacts the relevance and effectiveness of the technical training provided. Additionally, Prehn coordinates with campus leadership to drive enrollment growth and student retention. Through the application of data-driven management techniques, the Division President optimizes the educational experience for thousands of students. Ultimately, Prehn strengthens the reputation of the company by ensuring that every program within the division meets the highest standards of technical excellence and professional preparation.

    Timothy Dauber - Campus President

    Timothy Dauber, the Campus President at Universal Technical Institute, manages the daily operations and academic environment of a specific campus location. Overseeing faculty performance and student engagement, the Campus President ensures that the facility provides a high-quality learning experience for students pursuing careers in collision repair and diesel technology. This leadership role involves maintaining strong relationships with local industry partners to facilitate internship and job placement opportunities. By fostering a culture of excellence and accountability, Timothy Dauber directly impacts student success and campus growth. Furthermore, Dauber monitors operational metrics to ensure that the campus meets all regulatory and educational standards. Through effective leadership and community engagement, the Campus President drives the mission of the company at the local level, ensuring that students receive the practical skills and professional training necessary to excel in the competitive technical labor market.

    John Balderree - President, Salt Lake City Campus

    John Balderree, the President, Salt Lake City Campus at Universal Technical Institute, directs the administrative and academic operations of the Salt Lake City facility. Overseeing the delivery of specialized technical training, the President, Salt Lake City Campus ensures that the curriculum aligns with the specific demands of the regional automotive and motorcycle repair markets. This leadership role involves managing campus resources and staff to provide a supportive environment for student development. By cultivating connections with local employers, John Balderree directly impacts the career readiness of graduates. Additionally, Balderree implements strategies to enhance student recruitment and retention within the region. Through consistent focus on operational excellence and educational quality, the President, Salt Lake City Campus supports the broader goals of the company, ensuring that the Salt Lake City location remains a premier destination for students seeking high-quality vocational education and professional certification.
    John Balderree

    Darrin Brust - Campus President

    Darrin Brust, the Campus President at Universal Technical Institute, manages the comprehensive operations of a designated campus, focusing on the delivery of high-quality technical education. Overseeing the integration of manufacturer-specific training programs, the Campus President ensures that students gain hands-on experience with the latest industry technology. This leadership role involves managing the campus budget, facility maintenance, and faculty development to maintain high educational standards. By driving initiatives that improve student outcomes and career placement, Darrin Brust directly impacts the success of the campus. Furthermore, Brust collaborates with regional leadership to align campus activities with the overall strategic objectives of the company. Through proactive management and a commitment to student-centered learning, the Campus President fosters an environment where technical skills are honed and professional careers are launched, contributing significantly to the company's reputation for excellence in vocational training.

    Migdalia Vazquez - Campus President

    Migdalia Vazquez, the Campus President at Universal Technical Institute, directs the operational and academic functions of a specific campus location. Overseeing the implementation of student support services and career development programs, the Campus President ensures that the educational experience prepares students for immediate entry into the workforce. This leadership role involves managing campus staff and resources to maintain a safe and productive learning environment. By building partnerships with local industry leaders, Migdalia Vazquez directly impacts the effectiveness of the training programs offered at the campus. Additionally, Vazquez monitors key performance indicators to ensure that the campus meets enrollment and graduation targets. Through dedicated leadership and a focus on student achievement, the Campus President advances the mission of the company, ensuring that the campus remains a vital contributor to the regional economy by producing highly skilled technical professionals.

    Tracy Lorenz - President (Universal Technical Institute division)

    Tracy Lorenz, the President (Universal Technical Institute division) at Universal Technical Institute, oversees the strategic growth and operational success of the core division. Directing the development of new diploma and degree programs, the President (Universal Technical Institute division) ensures that the division remains at the forefront of technical education. This leadership role involves coordinating with other executives to align divisional goals with the company's long-term vision. By analyzing market demand for skilled technicians, Tracy Lorenz directly impacts the expansion of the division's educational offerings. Furthermore, Lorenz manages the performance of various departments to ensure that the division achieves its financial and academic objectives. Through visionary leadership and a focus on innovation, the President (Universal Technical Institute division) drives the division's ability to adapt to changing industry requirements, ultimately strengthening the company's position as a leader in post-secondary vocational training.

    Roger Gomez - Campus President

    Roger Gomez, the Campus President at Universal Technical Institute, manages the daily operations and strategic initiatives of a specific campus. Overseeing the quality of instruction and the maintenance of technical training equipment, the Campus President ensures that students receive a comprehensive education in their chosen fields. This leadership role involves managing campus personnel and fostering a positive environment for both students and faculty. By engaging with local industry partners to identify emerging skill requirements, Roger Gomez directly impacts the relevance of the campus curriculum. Additionally, Gomez implements strategies to improve student retention and graduation rates. Through effective management and a commitment to excellence, the Campus President supports the overall mission of the company, ensuring that the campus provides the necessary training and professional development to prepare students for successful careers in the automotive and technical industries.

    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, coordinates administrative functions and strategic communication for the human resources department. Overseeing the scheduling and documentation of critical personnel initiatives, the Senior Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that talent management processes align with the company's educational mission. This leadership role involves facilitating interactions between the human resources department and other executive functions to support organizational culture and employee development. By managing complex workflows and information flow, Chyrell Miel directly impacts the efficiency of the human resources team. Furthermore, Miel assists in the preparation of reports regarding workforce planning and staff retention strategies. Through meticulous attention to detail and proactive support, the Senior Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer enables the leadership team to focus on building a high-performing workforce capable of delivering exceptional technical education.

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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 Bruce Schuman (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Todd Hitchcock (Chief Operating Officer) and Kevin Prehn (Division President).
    Who is part of Universal Technical Institute’s executive team?
    The executive team of Universal Technical Institute includes leaders such as Bruce Schuman (Chief Financial Officer), Todd Hitchcock (Chief Operating Officer), Kevin Prehn (Division President) 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 Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Division President, Campus President, President, Salt Lake City Campus.