Veteran campus leaders join the Corporate Education Team to support faculty and campuses across California, New Mexico, and Texas
Milan Institute today announced the appointment of Becky Ruiz and Cortney Bruns as Regional Assistant Directors of Education on the Corporate Education Team. Ruiz will support the institution’s California and New Mexico campuses, and Bruns will support campuses in Texas and New Mexico.
“Becky and Cortney both started in the classroom and grew into campus leadership right here at Milan,” said Jean Rydahl, Director of Education and a member of Milan Institute’s Executive team. “They know what it takes to support an instructor on a hard day and still hold the standard for our students. These promotions are well earned, and our campuses will feel the impact immediately.”
Becky Ruiz
Ruiz began her Milan Institute career as an Instructor at the Merced campus and, over 13 years, advanced through the roles of Program Coordinator, Dean of Education, and most recently Campus Director.
As Campus Director, she leads day-to-day operations spanning education, student services, admissions support, career services, finance, and compliance. She has become a consistent resource for other Milan Institute campuses seeking guidance on operations, retention, reporting, and leadership routines.
Ruiz is recognized across the organization for hiring, training, coaching, and mentoring instructors and emerging leaders — building genuine relationships with faculty and students while holding firm on accountability and follow-through. Her hands-on understanding of the instructor experience, built from the ground up over more than a decade, gives her a perspective few can match.
“Becky’s story is a true testament to what’s possible when talent meets opportunity at Milan,” Rydahl said. “She has spent more than a decade developing people, and she is the person other campuses call when they need guidance.”
Cortney Bruns
Bruns brings more than 15 years of experience in cosmetology, education, and campus operations to her new role. She joined Milan Institute as an Instructor at the El Paso campus before advancing to Education Leader, where she coached and mentored instructors, supervised classroom and student salon floor operations, and drove retention and student success.
Most recently, Bruns served as Campus Director, leading overall operations for two Milan Institute campuses — including the successful opening of a new COE-accredited campus and the transition and reopening of NACCAS El Paso West.
She is known for her ability to develop faculty, resolve conflict thoughtfully, and translate institutional priorities into practical, everyday campus routines.
“Cortney has led through some of our most demanding moments, including opening a new campus and reopening El Paso West,” Rydahl said. “She turns big institutional priorities into practical, everyday routines that faculty can actually follow — exactly the strength this role requires.”
Looking ahead
In their new roles, Ruiz and Bruns will bring their combined depth of experience to supporting campuses, faculty, and educational leaders throughout Milan Institute.