Pam Mendenhall Carter, Chair
Ms. Mendenhall earned her B.S. in Housing and Interior Design from the University of Houston. She brings with her more than 25 years’ experience with The Art Institutes, serving both in the classroom and the boardroom. Ms. Mendenhall has maintained an independent design consultancy for the past 30 years focusing on health care, high-end residential and hospitality design. In addition, she has been an active participant in the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) at the state and national levels, serving as president of the Georgia chapter and appointed as member of the National Education and Training Advisory Council. Ms. Mendenhall was appointed trustee in 2005 and currently serves as chair.

Robert Estrada
Mr. Estrada completed his JD degree at the University of Texas at Austin. After a stint as a television reporter, he worked in federal service for the Department of Housing and Urban Development followed by a position assisting US Senator John Tower (Texas) as State Director. In 1989 he served in the Bush administration during the Presidential transition coordinating appointments made by the President in several areas. Since 1990 he has been Chairman and CEO of Estrada, Hinojosa & Company, Inc., an investment banking business concentrating in the areas of federal, state and local public debt financing and financial advisory services to government entities. He also serves on the Board of Direction of the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board. He was appointed trustee in 1998.

Vijay Shah
Mr. Shah earned his B.S. in Chemistry from Gujarat (India) University and his M.B.A. from the University of Dallas. Shah became a member of the Senior Management Team at The Art Institutes in 2002. He is responsible for the overall leadership of the admissions and recruitment operations for the company. He brings with him over 25 years of experience in sales growth, new business development, strategic planning, and project management in an educational environment. Mr. Shah was appointed trustee in 2003.

Harryette Ehrhardt
Dr. Ehrhardt completed her M.A. at Southern Methodist University (SMU) and her Doctorate in Education at the University of Houston. She has taught for over 20 years at both the primary school and university levels; she was Assistant Professor of Education at SMU for six years. She has also been extremely involved in civic and public service activities; her current vitae list 15 service organizations from which she has an affiliation. From 1996-2002 she served in the Texas legislature representing House District 107. Dr. Ehrhardt was appointed trustee in 1998.

Dennis Fantaski
Dr. Fantaski earned his Ph.D. in Curriculum and Supervision and his M.Ed. in Foundations of Education from the University of Pittsburgh. He served as Group Vice President of Education Management Corporation. Dr. Fantaski is a member of the Board of Directors of the EDMC Education Foundation and is also a member of the Board of Trustees of The Art Institute of Portland, The Art Institute of Seattle, The Art Institute of Phoenix, and The Art Institute of Colorado. He was formerly the President of The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, and his background includes more than 18 years’ experience in banking administration. Dr. Fantaski was appointed trustee in 2005.

Dr. Howard Smith
Dr. Smith earned his Ed.D. and his M.Ed. from the University of Missouri. His career in education spans almost 50 years, including more than 35 years at the University of North Texas in Denton, where he served in various capacities including Chancellor Ad Interim, President Ad Interim, Vice-President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College of Education. He was named Dean Emeritus in 1997. Throughout his career, Dr. Smith has been and remains extremely involved in education activities and professional organizations, and continues to serve as an educational consultant. He is widely published and has received numerous honors. Dr. Smith was appointed trustee in 2005.

Simon J. Lumley
In January 2006 Simon Lumley was named president of The Art Institute of Dallas, owned by parent company Education Management Corporation [Nasdaq: EDMC]. In this role he is responsible for fostering and overseeing the school. This involves solidifying strategic relationships with the local business, education, civic and arts communities; ensuring that the school meets EDMC’s and the industry’s rigorous standards; and creating a thriving educational environment for The Art Institute of Dallas’ students.

Immediately prior to his current position, Mr. Lumley served as State Vice President and Director of the University of Phoenix’s Indiana campuses. “I am honored to have been chosen as the new president of The Art Institute of Dallas,” says Lumley. “Since my early years as a college student studying to my current role and responsibilities, I have witnessed the successful transitional developments of the proprietary college system. I hold the highest regard for students, faculty and staff at The Art Institute of Dallas as well as the area employers and communities the College serves. The Art Institute of Dallas has an important and exciting future, and I look forward to continuing the College’s vision as an educational leader and an essential resource,” he adds.

Lumley has extensive experience with all aspects of campus management with special emphasis on enrollment efficiency and retention. Prior to his most recent position with the University of Phoenix, he has held numerous strategic and general management positions with the university, including vice president and director for the West Michigan campus, director of enrollment for the metro Detroit campuses, enrollment manager for the online campus and director of enrollment for the Maryland and Louisiana campuses.

Lumley’s academic credentials include a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix and a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a management emphasis from the University of Nebraska.