The mission of The College Authority, LLC.
To serve college-bound students and families by demystifying the process of searching for a proper college “fit”, and by providing outstanding support during the application and aid processes. We’re dedicated to providing the best coaching, tools, and information to our clients. We interact with our clients in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust.
Our extensive research takes you behind the scenes and allows you to make more informed decisions. Our process allows for flexibility to meet the myriad of familial and student needs.
The College Authority Team
|
|
Bryan Ward is the founder and principal of The College Authority, LLC. located in Austin, Texas. He is a noted college planning specialist with more than a decade of experience. He has been invited to speak nationally on issues surrounding educational consulting business practices. Bryan has been quoted in both local and national publications, including Newsweek, U.S. News and World Report, and holds the CCPS designation. Bryan mentors certified financial planners, CPAs, educational consultants, attorneys, and other professional advisors nationwide in the execution of higher education business practices. He attended Sterling College in Kansas where he was a scholarship basketball player. |
|
Jim McKinney is a consulting partner with The College Authority, LLC. and a Certified College Planning Specialist (CCPS) recognized by The National Institute of Certified College Planners. With over fifteen years of experience as a business owner and over six years of experience in the College Planning Industry, Jim brings a unique understanding of the needs of today’s students and their parents in the college planning process . As a public speaker to schools, service clubs, libraries and churches, Jim helps to educate families and students in the extensive undertaking associated with the College Planning process. A native Texan, Jim is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. |
|
|
|
Mike Davila is a 1994 graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. After graduation, he served on active duty as a surface warfare officer for 6.5 years. His tours of duty included time aboard a guided missile cruiser, an aircraft carrier, and a final tour of duty on faculty at Annapolis teaching Naval Strategy and Tactics. He left active duty in 2000, and is currently a partner in the Austin-based educational consulting firm, The College Authority, LLC. He is a member of the Higher Education Consultants of America (HECA), National Association of College Admissions Counselors (NACAC), and is an associate member of the Independent Educational Consultants of America (IECA). He is a board member of the national 501(c)3 organization, The National Collegiate Advocacy Group based in New York. He is also currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Education at the University of Texas at Austin, specializing in College and University Student Personnel Administration. He was inducted into Kappa Delta Pi, the international honor society in education, in 2007. He has been invited to speak at national conferences, seminars, and web events regarding his study focus, enrollment management in higher education. Mike balances by practicing Shaolin Do Kung Fu, playing bass in a Austin-based Blues band Stephen Hendricks and the Sidekicks, and most of all enjoys time with his wife and 2 children. |
Donna Chard is an assistant to the executive staff of the College Authority, as well as communications officer, software support and liaison to TCA representatives across the country. Donna’s expertise lies in the areas of customer service & finance, derived from over 25 years in the mortgage banking industry. She is also the mother of an academically & socially savvy 16 year old and will be the first TCA employee to “practice what we preach” with a 2010 high school graduate. Donna is a transplanted Texan and a graduate of Texas A&M University in Galveston. |
|
|
|
Cindy Motl is an assistant to the executive staff of the College Authority, as well as director of marketing and seminar coordination both locally and nationwide. Cindy is also the liaison to our clients and their scheduling needs. Cindy’s expertise lies in customer service and organization with over 25 years in the banking and financial services industry. Cindy is the mother of two grown children and a grandmother. Cindy is a native Texan originally from Galveston and attended Galveston Community College. |
