Program: Instructor, Automotive Technology
Education/Industry Certifications: Associate of Applied
Science degree, SCC; ASE Master and L1 Certification; Automatic
Transmission Rebuilder Association Certified.
Has taught at SCC since: 2003
Years of work experience outside SCC: 4
Describe your teaching
philosophy.
Education provides an opportunity
to develop the skills necessary when choosing a career path that
will allow you to enjoy your work. I would like to offer all of my
students these vital skills so that success and joyful work are
within their reach.
Why did you decide to
teach at a community college?
Southeast Community College
provided the path I started on when I pursued a job in the
automotive repair field. This type of training focuses on
skill-based training and provides a quick transition into real
working shops. Community colleges can offer a great affordability
and value toward obtaining a degree.
What can prospective
students expect when they enroll in your program?
Students will see lots of
hands-on experiences and real-world situations. These are an
important part of developing the confidence that they will need in
the workplace.
What experiences outside
of SCC do you bring to the classroom/laboratory that enhance
student learning?
I still do a lot of repair work
outside of SCC that offers me experiences with current and future
technologies. Reading and researching current technologies in the
automotive field is an activity I enjoy.
What advice do you have
for students pursuing a degree in your program?
Automotive Technology includes
many different types of systems. It can be challenging to keep up
with the amount of information that is delivered every day. Getting
involved in an activity outside of school that makes this
information useful can really help a person retain the knowledge.
Both work and hobby experiences that increase your exposure will
make you a better technician someday.
What do you enjoy most
about working with students?
One of the most rewarding parts
of repairing cars is the satisfaction that comes from solving
complicated problems. I enjoy sharing this with my students and
giving them the opportunity to experience this reward as they build
their confidence to repair vehicles independently.
That is the best part
about being an SCC faculty member?
The best part is being an
instructor at the leading community college in the Midwest.
Students in our program continue to be successful in the automotive
Industry. It is easy to enjoy being part of something that is
impacting our community and industry in such a positive way.
What has been your
proudest moment as an instructor?
Being nominated for the
Wekesser Outstanding Teacher award twice. (Note: The
Wekesser Outstanding Faculty and Staff award is presented annually
on SCC's Lincoln Campus.)
What do you like to do
when you're not teaching?
I ride motorcycles, both for fun
and in local competitions, and I enjoy camping with my wife and two
children.
What would students be surprised to know about
you?
I am a true fan to my childhood
sports teams. Growing up in Dallas, Texas, I am a lifelong fan of
the Cowboys, Mavericks and Rangers.