ASCENSION COLLEGE HISTORY

Mrs. Peggy Fields saw the need for a proprietary school in Gonzales where adults could obtain an education to prepare them for the professional world of the 90's. She purchased Ascension Computer Institute from Chester Diez in December, 1988 and moved the school to the present location at 320 E. Ascension Street, Gonzales, Louisiana, in January 1989. The school was licensed by the Louisiana Department of Education in June 1989.

The Louisiana Department of Education approved the change of the school's name to Ascension College, which became effective January 1, 1990. The school became incorporated in October 1990 as Ascension College, Incorporated.

Ascension College became a candidate for Accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commision on Occupational Education Institutions in December 1990. The college became accredited in June, 1991. The school was reaccredited with the Council on Occupational Education in 1997.

The school first occupied 4,700 square feet in a building complex owned by Mr. and Mrs. James C. Fields. The property is strategically located between Airline Highway and Burnside Avenue in Gonzales and is easily accessible from Interstate 10. In April, 1992, Administrative offices moved into another section of the building which added 3800 square feet of occupied space to the school. Additional space of approximately 10,000 square feet was added in January 1993 for medical classrooms and labs.

The first students began classes in March, 1989 with the Data Entry Specialist Program. In 1989, the Receptionist, Business Software Applications Specialist Program, and the Medical Office Specialist were added to the curriculum.

Classes in five diploma programs, Computer Office Specialist, Dental Assistant, Legal Office Specialist, Medical Assistant and Medical Office Specialist are currently offered. There are no classes offered at night.

In May 1995, Ms. Midge Jacobson, President of the school purchased the remaining shares of stock from Mrs. Fields and became the sole stockholder of Ascension College.

In 1996, the United States Department of Education approved Ascension College as a "Quality Assurance" school - the only school, college, or university holding this distinction in the state of Louisiana.

In January of 1999, the school was purchased by Pinnacle Education, Inc., Dennis Kerr, President.