Deal names Brenau's Hinton to state higher education board

ATLANTA - Gov. Nathan Deal this week installed Brenau Vice President for Financial Services Toby Hinton as a member of the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (GNPEC).<br /> <br /> Georgia lawmakers established the commission in 1990 to regulate private colleges and universities, both nonprofit institutions like Brenau as well as for-profit entities involved in higher education. The commission strives to make certain that the institutions are educationally sound and financially secure.<br /> <br /> For example, before any degree-granting or non-degree-granting institution can operate, advertise or claim that it plans to operate higher education in the state, it must first receive a certificate of authorization from the GNPEC. The state agency monitors institutions to assure the public that the institutions' academic programs meet minimum standards and that the programs provide graduates with appropriate job skills.<br /> <br /> Hinton, who is from Suwanee, joins the board as its member representing the 7th Congressional District. Others sworn in at the same ceremony included Clinton Hobbs, vice president for enrollment management at Young Harris College as an at-large member.