Winn Claybaugh Presents Keynote at 2025 North American Career Education Convention

Winn Claybaugh, dean and cofounder of the nationwide franchise network of Paul Mitchell cosmetology, barbering, and esthetics schools, presented an inspiring keynote address at the North American Career Education Convention. Held in Las Vegas, the 2025 event was the largest gathering of private career education professionals in North America to date, featuring record-breaking attendance and a bustling exhibit hall.

With renowned keynote speakers, expert-led concurrent sessions, and numerous opportunities to connect and network with others in the sector, the CECU convention attracts a diverse audience of leaders from across the country.

The energy in the room was electric as attendees gathered to hear Winn share his thoughts on leadership, personal and professional growth, and the power of kindness in building successful teams and organizations. His inspiring message challenged the audience to elevate their leadership, embrace a culture of giving, and drive meaningful change in career education.

With over 40 years in the beauty education industry, Winn says, “I love spending every day in a culture that is all about learning and growth. I love the fact that students have a mindset of ‘beginners luck,’ which is all about growth and discovery.”

Winn also discussed the value of for-profit educational institutions in addressing skill gaps in high-demand fields and delivering positive student outcomes in terms of completion, retention, and persistence, as noted in the April 2025 “Talent Shortages and Student Outcomes Report,” created by the CECU Research Foundation and Lightcast Professional Services, a company specializing in labor market analytics.

Compared to public and nonprofit institutions of the same level, students at two-year and less-than-two-year for-profit institutions have:

• 75 times higher odds of credential completion (within 150% time)
• 2 times higher odds of securing full-time employment after graduation

“Thank you, CECU, for helping students live their dream of pursuing a career in a trade, which will sustain them for the rest of their lives,” Winn said.

ABOUT CECU

Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU) is the national organization serving postsecondary career education schools, staff, and students. As a voluntary membership organization, CECU serves as the national voice for the for-profit higher education sector. Today, CECU counts among its membership more than 1,300 campuses across North America. The 2026 CECU Convention will take place at the Cleveland Convention Center, June 22–24, 2026. Learn more at http://career.org.

ABOUT WINN CLAYBAUGH

Winn Claybaugh is the author of Be Nice (Or Else!) and “one of the best motivational speakers in the country,” according to CNN’s Larry King, who wrote the foreword for Winn’s book. A national speaker for major corporations and a business owner for more than 40 years, Winn is the founder, co-owner, and dean of schools for hair care giant Paul Mitchell’s school division. Under Winn’s leadership and in keeping with their unique culture of giving back and building self-esteem, the 95-plus schools in the nationwide franchised network have donated countless volunteer hours and raised more than $26 million for multiple charitable organizations. Recognizing his contributions, American Salon named Winn one of the five “Industry Leaders Who Helped Revolutionize Education” and he received the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor, which recognizes individuals who have made it their mission to share their knowledge, courage, compassion, talents, and generosity with those less fortunate. For more information, visit www.winnclaybaugh.com.