Page A25 November 2024 EDUCATIONAL NEWS JEFFERSONVILLE,IN— Mid-America College of Funeral Service is thrilled to announce the appointment of David Hess as the new president. With an illustrious career spanning 38 years in funeral service, Hess brings a wealth of experience and a profound commitment to excellence in education and professional development. Hess has been a pivotal force at Salt Lake Community College, where he developed the curriculum and courses for the mortuary science program. His dedication ensured the program’s high standards through meticulous maintenance and assessment, guiding it successfully through the accreditation process with the American Board of Funeral Service Education. During Hess’s tenure as Associate Dean of the Division of Health Professions, he was privileged to oversee the mortuary science, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and radiologic technology programs. In this role, he spearheaded transformative academic and cultural initiatives that significantly enhanced both faculty and student success. Under Hess’s leadership, the division underwent a dramatic shift, revitalizing faculty morale and fostering a dynamic, thriving academic environment. Hess has held esteemed positions such as chair of the Senate Curriculum Committee and the Curriculum Analysis and Implementation Council, contributing significantly to several sub-committees at Salt Lake Community College. Nationally, Hess has served as vice-chair for the Committee on Accreditation, chair of the National Board Exam Liaison Committee and participated in multiple curriculum reviews with the American Board of Funeral Service Education. His contributions to the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards and tenure as past president of the University Mortuary Science Education Association underscore his leadership and dedication to the field. Hess’s career as a licensed funeral director and embalmer in Utah, Illinois, and Missouri reflects his extensive expertise. He served as a board member on the Utah Funeral Directors Association and his active involvement in community service, various clubs, and organizations, along with over 500 hours of continuing education and professional development, highlights his unwavering commitment to the profession. Recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow with Rotary International, Hess also served as deputy coroner in Alexander County, IL. WilbertEDU, where Funeral Professionals can learn and earn continuing education units at no cost! For information on the wide variety of topics and to register for any, go to wilbert.com/wilbertedu U © Custom Air Trays YOU WOULDN’T USE OUR LEAK-RESISTANT CREMATION TRAY AS A BATHTUB, BUT YOU COULD. We test ours in the lab so you don’t have to test it in the real world. 1-800-992-1925 | CustomAirTrays.com Kates-Boylston Announces Advances in Funeral Innovations Conference LINCOLN,RI— Kates-Boylston will host their inaugural Advances in Funeral Innovations conference, November 12-13, 2024, at the Crowne Plaza Shenandoah in Shenandoah, TX. This pivotal event is designed to offer funeral home owners and operators a transformative opportunity to enhance their businesses and stay ahead of the game in a dynamic industry. And by “dynamic,” it means changing every single day. Attendees will benefit from presentations and engaging discussions led by industry leaders, providing critical insights into emerging trends, cutting-edge marketing strategies, and methods to streamline operations and enrich personalized services. Whether participants aim to refine their skills or drive significant growth for their funeral home, the Advances in Funeral Innovations conference promises to equip them with actionable strategies and renewed inspiration for achieving lasting success. “Our goal is to have attendees walking out the door energized with new ideas, connected to new friends in the industry, and feeling like they’ve attained real-world insights they can immediately apply toward growth and vitality,” said Kates-Boylston publisher Sofia Goller. The list of thought leaders includes Austin Anderson of Implant Recycling; Tyler Anderson of Precoa; Barlcey Cadet of Carriage Services; Darren Crouch of Passages International Inc; Shannon Hill of Legacy Coach Sales; Welton Hong of Ring Ring Marketing; Kyle Fogarty of MemoryShare; Jon Lefrandt of Elevia; Melissa Posey Loose and Kenn Peterson of NGL; Greg Norris of Homesteaders Life Company; and Terry School of The Davis Whitehall Co. The Advances in Funeral Innovations conference serves as a prime networking opportunity, allowing participants to connect with top experts and peers, fostering valuable professional relationships. For more information or to register, visit www. events.kates-boylston.com/advances-in-funeral-innovations or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook. com/katesboylston. Mid-America College Names New President News EDUCATIONAL David Hess Hess’s academic achievements are equally impressive, with a master of science degree in education focusing on vocational education, a bachelor of science degree in small business management, and an associate of applied science degree in mortuary science and funeral service from Southern Illinois University. Mid-America is delighted to welcome Hess as their new president. His extensive experience, leadership, and dedication to education and professional development make him the perfect fit to lead their organization into the future.
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