Company History
Academic Travel Services was born in 1995 as a dream of former educators who wanted to promote affordable, educational, and fun tours for school groups. After almost 24 years, 8,000 trips, over 300,000 participants, and millions of lasting memories, Academic Travel Services is recognized as a leader in the student travel industry both in experience and integrity.
Meet our Employees
Greg Shipley, CEO and co-owner
Greg has over 35 years’ experience working with young people. For the first ten years he was a high school classroom teacher, coach, and class sponsor and for last 26 years he has worked as a group travel planner working primarily with student groups of all types. Greg is recognized as a leader in the travel industry having served for six years in leadership positions both as a Board of Director and as President of the Student and Youth Travel Association (SYTA) as well as serving on the Board of Directors of the prestigious American Bus Association (ABA). He holds professional certifications of CTP from the National Tour Association (NTA), CSTP from SYTA, and CTIS from ABA.
Lesley Shipley, President and co-owner
Lesley has over 25 years’ experience working with young people as a high school teacher and coach and then in the group travel industry. Lesley is currently co-owner of Academic Travel Services and is involved in the day-to-day operations of the company as the CFO. Everything crosses her desk at some point for scrutiny and approval.
Victoria Cummins, Consultant
As Greg and Lesley’s daughter- Victoria is someone who has literally grown up within the student travel industry. As a young mind who has already seen 25 plus years of student travel- her insights are invaluable to the team. An avid adventure seeker, coffee addict, dog lover and proud Hufflepuff – her excitement for life rubs off on everyone around her. She is part administrator, part tour escort, and the face behind the social media content for ATS. From experience, she understands that student group travel is important for young minds in order to be able to learn about the world that we live in, and knows that it helps to grow perspective and excitement for their future at a young age.
Silvia Teixido, Consultant
Silvia Teixido was born in Havana, Cuba, and immigrated to the United States in a Cessna 172 during the Freedom Flights Cuban Airlift in 1967 with only the clothes on her back and the only possession she was able to bring with her was a doll. She then began third grade in Miami knowing absolutely no English, but she thrived. Her life is a shining example of how hard work and multi-cultural familiarities can allow one to blossom and prosper. She is an example of the American Dream. She later moved to North Carolina and began working at ATS – This will be her 14th year with the company and we are so fortunate to have someone with Silvia’s life experiences and multi-tasking skills on our team at ATS. Silvia brings joy, bilingual skills, and diversity in everything she does.
Customer Testimonials
“Eddie, our tour guide was amazing, knowledgeable, yet down with kids interests.”
– La Plata High School, Stephanie Gioia-Ely
“This is the third time that Mr. Willis has been with us on our trip to Florida. We took the largest group ever with over 200 kids and chaperones. The moment I knew that Larry was with us, I relaxed. I knew that everything was well in hand. One of the greatest gifts he brings to the industry is taking the time to listen. He makes our group feel wanted and important, not just another group he has to deal with and shuffle along. He truly puts the customer first.”
– Kaukauna High School, John B. Stangel, Director of Bands
“Everything was wonderful!. Will definitely request Diego next time. He was great. The trip was perfect.”
– JH Rose High School, Russell Knight, Director of Bands
“Our students had a terrific experience! The Hughes Brothers show was awesome.”
– LaPorte High School, Geoff Carlton
“This was our first trip our program had ever taken. ATS & Ken Wooten were wonderful!. They took all the stress out of traveling.”
– East Hall High School, Whitney Rylee
“ATS provided my students with an enriching experience and lifelong memories.”
– Maritime Academy, Mercedes Walton Mason
“Our guide in Philadelphia was amazing!. She was from Centipede Tours, her name is Amy!”
– Great Oaks Academy, Karen Gregg
“Ed Hansen is amazing! He makes the trip engaged in the history around. Ken was also great to work with. Will definitely be using ATS again.”
– Westside Christian Academy, Allison McMickell
“This was our 4th trip to Disney. James & ATS have always been awesome & made everything run so smoothly (Larry was great, too!). I highly recommend ATS to everyone.”
– Denise’s Dance Academy, Denise Hawkins
“ATS was great to work with and made all of our requests for the trip to NYC happen. Everyone had a great time and learned a lot! It was a wonderful experience!”
– North Wilkes High School, Michelle Sullivan, Director
“Ken worked hard to meet all my requests!”
– Bath County High School, Melinda Hooker
“Tim was awesome! The whole trip was incomparable! I have already recommended Tim & ATS!”
– South Girard High School, Patti Landreau
“James was a great representative/tour guide and it was great to meet him and Greg.”
– Truman High School, Kim Williams
“Eddie Burke is the best! Bus driver was amazing. The bus even had outlets for phone charging! ATS handled all details beautifully! Thank you!”
– Allegheny Clarion Valley High School, Bev Kirby
“ATS was wonderful. We’ve used them twice, having used other companies before, I plan to do all future travel with ATS”
– Weyauwega-Fremont High School, Carrie Gruman-Trinkner
“Will be in touch for our next trip in 2 years. You have been wonderful to work with. Always impressed with Ed Hansen and both our bus drivers, Ted & Mike were awesome.”
– Cal Community Schools, Jane Gorder Halladay
“Our tour director was very knowledgeable and flexible to meet the needs of our group.”
– Southside Middle School, Tifani Merritt
“Another excellent trip! Thanks Ken for all your hard work. Mariann was her usual wonderful self, and our bus driver was great also. I received many nice compliments from our parents. ATS is our only choice!”
– St. Joseph Catholic School, Susan Horn
“Tim Branson is an excellent travel agent and went over and beyond to cater to our needs.”
– William Floyd High School, Barbara D’Orio, Director
“Thank you so much for our wonderful trip! James, thanks for all of your help with everything.”
– Barbara’s Studio of Dance, Barbara Yates
“Love everything! ATS is wonderful. I love working with this company.”
– Maconaquah Middle School, Jennifer Smith
“James Weaver is professional, competent, encouraging and reliable.”
– Independence Middle School, Vanessa Baird
