As a result of the recent request for applicants to fill vacant seats on the NAE Board of Directors, the Board welcomed four new members at its December meeting:

Olu Akinyele

Olu Akinyele taught math at Cheyenne High School for five years and has served as Math Instruction and Mathematics Depart­ment Chair for the Department of Adult Education, Clark County School District, since August 2005. Challenged by the tremendous growth in southern Nevada during much of the past decade, the Nigerian native is especially proud of his participation in the development and implementation of an adult education math curriculum that has produced an increase in the completion rate for the state math proficiency exam. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Idaho State University and a master’s in accounting from UNLV, where he also completed the Graduate Teacher Licensure Program.

“I am a firm believer in the old adage ‘it is never too late to learn,’” said Olu. I joined the board because I see it as an opportunity to serve with other adult educators in building on the achievements of this last decade and channeling a course for the future that will benefit every stakeholder.”

Vivian Vasquez Fully, Ed.D.

Vivian Vasquez Fully, Ed.D. currently teaches in and serves as Science Chair for the Adult Education Department for the Clark County School District. She holds a B.F.A. in art and design from the University of Texas, M.Ed.’s in counseling and in curriculum and instruction/creative arts, and a doctorate in educational/organizational leadership from Nova Southeastern University. She has developed a Training Manual based on her dissertation, Development of a Training Program in Teacher-Mediated Class Meetings.

Vivian applied for Board membership because “ I am interested in becoming involved with educational issues that would benefit adult educators and students. I believe that my total experiences — in business as well as education — can benefit the organization as a whole.”

Kim Forney with son Michael

Kim Forney shown at left with son Michael, has worked with JOIN and the Humboldt County School District for more than nine years, the last four with the adult education program. She serves juvenile and adult offenders, as well as adults ranging widely in age and life experiences. She holds a B.A. in elementary education from Great Basin College and a master’s degree in secondary education from Grand Canyon University.

“Now that I have completed my M.A. I am ready to put back into education all the wonderful experiences I have gained through my educational journey. I enjoy the challenges of adult education and working with the wonderful organizations that serve this alternative group of educators.”

What depth and breadth these three new members bring to NAE’s Board of Directors! Much thanks to them for taking a leadership role in the organization!

Heath Horvat

Heath Horvat began his career as an elementary teacher for the Clark County School District in 1996; last August he became coordinator of the English Language Learner Program, overseeing 42 CCSD schools. He also teaches adult ESL and GED classes for the College of Southern Nevada and science education in the Bachelor’s of Elementary Education program at Nova Southeastern University. He holds master’s degrees in educational leadership from Nova and in education with a focus on technology and instruction from Western Governors University.

The Pennsylvania native enjoys swimming and music, but what really touches his soul is when he feels he’s made a difference. “When I see a former student and hear a ‘Thank you, Mr. Horvat, for teaching me English,’ I know that I have helped to make that student’s life better. By serving on this Board, I hope to help even more of the adult learners in our community.”

Our corporate by-laws are now available online. You can download a copy from the About NAE Page.