Universal Technical Institute Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Committed to workforce development, Universal Technical Institute delivers specialized post-secondary education for automotive, diesel, and marine technicians while maintaining rigorous standards for manufacturer-specific training programs across the United States.

Leadership Roles at Universal Technical Institute

  • Chief Executive Officer - Jerome Grant
  • Chief Financial Officer - Bruce Schuman
  • Chief Operating Officer - Todd Hitchcock
  • Campus President - Darrin Brust
  • President, Campus , TX (Austin) - Julie Mueller
  • Campus President - Patrick Bennett
  • Campus President - Robert Paganini
  • Campus President - Migdalia Vazquez
  • Campus President - Tess Dubois-Carey
  • 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 strategic vision for the organization. Grant manages the expansion of post-secondary education programs, ensuring alignment with evolving industry demands for skilled automotive and diesel technicians. By coordinating with the Board, the Chief Executive Officer drives long-term growth initiatives and maintains the company's reputation for excellence in technical training. This leadership role involves evaluating market trends to optimize the portfolio of diploma and degree offerings. Jerome Grant monitors the effectiveness of manufacturer-specific partnerships to guarantee that curriculum remains relevant to modern repair standards. Through consistent focus on student outcomes and operational efficiency, the Chief Executive Officer secures the company's position as a leader in vocational education. Grant fosters a culture of innovation, ensuring that all educational facilities meet the highest standards of technical instruction and professional development for students nationwide.
    Jerome Grant

    Bruce Schuman - Chief Financial Officer

    Bruce Schuman, the Chief Financial Officer at Universal Technical Institute, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the organization. Schuman oversees financial reporting, budgeting, and investor relations to ensure transparency and sustainable growth. By analyzing revenue streams from various diploma and degree programs, the Chief Financial Officer identifies opportunities for cost optimization and resource efficiency. This leadership role requires close collaboration with executive leadership to align financial planning with the company's mission of providing high-quality technical training. Bruce Schuman directs the financial infrastructure necessary to support campus operations and facility investments across the country. Through rigorous risk management and strategic forecasting, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the stability required for long-term expansion. Schuman ensures that all fiscal activities support the core objective of delivering superior education to students seeking careers as specialized technicians in the automotive, marine, and collision repair industries.
    Bruce Schuman

    Todd Hitchcock - Chief Operating Officer

    Todd Hitchcock, the Chief Operating Officer at Universal Technical Institute, executes the daily operational strategies that sustain the company's educational delivery. Hitchcock manages the integration of curriculum across all campuses, ensuring that training programs for diesel, motorcycle, and marine technicians meet industry benchmarks. By streamlining administrative processes, the Chief Operating Officer improves student engagement and operational throughput. This leadership role involves coordinating with campus leadership to maintain consistent quality standards throughout the national network. Todd Hitchcock drives the implementation of new technology and training equipment to keep the educational experience aligned with modern repair requirements. The Chief Operating Officer monitors performance metrics to identify areas for improvement in student retention and graduation rates. Through effective management of internal resources, Hitchcock supports the company's mission to provide accessible, high-quality technical education that prepares students for successful careers in the competitive automotive and industrial sectors.
    Todd Hitchcock

    Darrin Brust - Campus President

    Darrin Brust, the Campus President at Universal Technical Institute, directs the local operations and academic success of the assigned technical training facility. Brust manages the faculty and staff to ensure that students receive high-quality instruction in automotive and diesel repair. By overseeing campus-level budgets and facility maintenance, the Campus President creates an environment conducive to learning and professional growth. This leadership role involves building relationships with local industry partners to facilitate student placement and internship opportunities. Darrin Brust monitors student performance metrics to ensure that the curriculum meets the specific needs of the regional labor market. Through active engagement with the student body, the Campus President fosters a culture of excellence and career readiness. Brust ensures that all campus activities align with the broader mission of providing industry-leading technical education. The Campus President drives initiatives that improve student satisfaction and graduation outcomes, ultimately supporting the company's reputation for producing skilled technicians.

    Julie Mueller - President, Campus , TX (Austin)

    Julie Mueller, the President, Campus , TX (Austin) at Universal Technical Institute, oversees the strategic operations and educational outcomes for the Austin facility. Mueller manages the delivery of specialized training programs, ensuring that students gain the skills necessary for careers in the automotive and collision repair industries. By coordinating with local employers, the President, Campus , TX (Austin) creates pathways for student employment and industry collaboration. This leadership role involves managing campus resources to maintain high standards of technical instruction and facility safety. Julie Mueller monitors academic performance and student retention to ensure that the campus meets its operational goals. Through effective leadership of the faculty and administrative staff, the President, Campus , TX (Austin) fosters a supportive learning environment. Mueller drives initiatives that enhance the student experience and ensure that the curriculum remains relevant to the evolving needs of the Texas market and the broader technical education sector.
    Julie Mueller

    Patrick Bennett - Campus President

    Patrick Bennett, the Campus President at Universal Technical Institute, manages the daily operations and academic integrity of the designated technical training campus. Bennett directs the faculty and support staff to ensure that students receive comprehensive training in marine and motorcycle repair. By overseeing the campus budget and facility operations, the Campus President maintains a high-quality learning environment. This leadership role involves engaging with local industry leaders to align training programs with current market demands. Patrick Bennett monitors student progress and graduation rates to ensure that the campus achieves its performance targets. Through proactive management, the Campus President addresses operational challenges and implements solutions that improve student outcomes. Bennett fosters a culture of professional development, ensuring that instructors remain current with industry standards. The Campus President contributes to the company's mission by preparing students for successful careers, ensuring that the campus remains a vital contributor to the regional technical workforce.

    Robert Paganini - Campus President

    Robert Paganini, the Campus President at Universal Technical Institute, oversees the operational and academic functions of the assigned technical training campus. Paganini manages the implementation of manufacturer-specific training programs, ensuring that students gain hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment. By directing the campus staff, the Campus President maintains high standards of instruction and student support. This leadership role involves collaborating with regional partners to enhance student placement and career development opportunities. Robert Paganini monitors key performance indicators to ensure that the campus meets its educational and financial objectives. Through effective resource management, the Campus President creates a productive environment for both students and faculty. Paganini drives initiatives that improve student retention and graduation success. The Campus President ensures that all campus activities support the company's mission of providing high-quality vocational education, ultimately preparing students for long-term success in the competitive automotive and diesel repair industries.

    Migdalia Vazquez - Campus President

    Migdalia Vazquez, the Campus President at Universal Technical Institute, directs the operational and academic activities of the designated technical training campus. Vazquez manages the faculty and administrative teams to ensure that students receive high-quality instruction in automotive and diesel technology. By overseeing campus facilities and resources, the Campus President maintains an environment that supports student learning and career preparation. This leadership role involves building partnerships with local industry stakeholders to facilitate student internships and job placement. Migdalia Vazquez monitors student performance and graduation metrics to ensure that the campus achieves its operational goals. Through effective leadership, the Campus President fosters a culture of excellence and student success. Vazquez implements strategies that improve student engagement and retention. The Campus President contributes to the company's mission by ensuring that the campus provides industry-relevant training, preparing students for successful careers as skilled technicians in the automotive and industrial sectors.

    Tess Dubois-Carey - Campus President

    Tess Dubois-Carey, the Campus President at Universal Technical Institute, manages the operational and academic success of the assigned technical training campus. Dubois-Carey directs the faculty and staff to ensure that students receive high-quality instruction in specialized technical fields. By overseeing the campus budget and facility operations, the Campus President maintains a productive learning environment. This leadership role involves engaging with local industry partners to align training programs with current market demands. Tess Dubois-Carey monitors student progress and graduation rates to ensure that the campus meets its performance targets. Through proactive management, the Campus President addresses operational challenges and implements solutions that improve student outcomes. Dubois-Carey fosters a culture of professional development, ensuring that instructors remain current with industry standards. The Campus President contributes to the company's mission by preparing students for successful careers, ensuring that the campus remains a vital contributor to the regional technical workforce.

    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 the administrative functions that support human capital management. Miel facilitates communication between the human resources department and executive leadership to ensure organizational alignment. By managing complex scheduling and documentation, the Senior Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer enables the HR team to focus on talent acquisition and employee development initiatives. This leadership role involves organizing internal processes that support the staff responsible for training the next generation of technicians. Chyrell Miel maintains the integrity of personnel records and assists in the execution of company-wide training policies. Through meticulous attention to detail, the Senior Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the human resources department operates efficiently. Miel contributes to the overall mission by supporting the workforce that delivers specialized education to students across the company's various technical training campuses.

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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 (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 (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, Chief Operating Officer, Campus President, President, Campus , TX (Austin).