Austin J. Harris

Dr. Austin J. Harris, a pioneer of proprietary education and a greatly respected leader in the field of education over the last 55 years, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 3, 2011, at the age of 81. He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 53 years, Lois Fisher Harris, who stayed by his side throughout his illness. Family and friends surrounded Austin during his passing, which was at the Air Hill Place run by Roxy Rohrer who provided him compassionate care. He is remembered with great love by his son, Gene; daughter-in-law Kit; grandchildren Abby, Adam, and great grandchildren Olivia and Jackson; sister Dora Bush; nephew Jerry (Pam) Hawk; sisters-in-law Louanna Fisher and Margaret Harris and numerous other relatives. He was predeceased by his mother Lestia; father Deward; brothers Gordon and Arlis. Austin is a Veteran of the U.S. Army and served during the Korean Conflict. He is a 32nd Degree Mason and belongs to the Englewood Lodge #743. His first affiliation in the education field was with Miami-Jacobs College in Dayton, Ohio. He is a graduate of the college and the University of Maryland. He holds a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree and the degree of Doctorate of Education. Dr. Harris has served as a teacher, admissions director, vice-present and a college president. In the late 1970’s Dr. Harris ended his long career with Miami-Jacobs College and formed the Harris McKinney Management Corporation for the purpose of buying and establishing private vocational post-secondary education institutions. The Harris-McKinney Management Corporation was the forerunner of CareerCom Corporation which was a publicly owned corporation traded on the New York Stock Exchange and operating 89 schools in 20 states and Canada. Dr. Harris retired as Chairman of the Board and from active day-to-day participation in the company. He did, however, continue as a consultant to the company for several years, and then served many colleges throughout the country as an advisor in areas of accreditation, ombudsman and business management. In addition to his work as a consultant, Dr. Harris was a member of the Board of Trustees of four colleges that are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. The four college groups are: Southern Ohio Colleges – Chairman of the Board; Brown Mackie Colleges – member of the Board; City Colleges of Florida – member of the Board; the Palmer Group – member of the Advisory Board. His career includes past service as a member and Chairman of the Collegiate Council of the Accrediting Commission for Independent Colleges and Schools. He served two terms – ten years – as a member and chairman of the Ohio Board of School and College Registration. This was by appointment by the Governor of Ohio. He has also served the Ohio Council of Private Colleges and Schools as a Director and President. His career includes serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the Association of Independent Colleges and Schools, and he was awarded its “Outstanding Educator Award.” Following his retirement he was elected to receive the Associations “Distinguished Career Award.” His other awards throughout his career are too numerous to mention. A consummate gentleman and statesman, he was admired for his integrity, leadership, honor and accessibility. An extraordinary man with grace, charisma and kindness, he will be dearly missed by his family and legion of loyal and loving friends. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at the Girton Schmidt & Boucher Gard Funeral Home, 226 West Main Street, Eaton, OH. Burial will be in Verona Cemetery, Verona, OH. Friends will be received from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Avenue, Dayton, OH 45320. Online condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family by visiting www.gsbfuneralhome.com.