Program: John Deere Tech
Education/Industry
Certifications: Associate of Applied Science degree, SCC, in John Deere Tech; Master
Tech Certification, Hydraulics, AMS, Electrical, A/C; Service Advisor
Certified, Power Systems certified.
Has
taught at SCC since: February 2000
Years
of work experience outside SCC: Worked at a Deere dealership in southeast
Nebraska for nine years.
Describe your teaching philosophy.
Build a strong foundation in basic principles and train the students to teach themselves using those principles. Everything we do relates back to basics in some way. Expanding on those basics leads to understanding.
Why did you decide to teach at a community college?
I enjoy being able assist others in learning and felt that taking a teaching position was the next step in my career. I love to share my experiences and pass along the lessons I have learned to prepare my students for a promising future.
What can prospective students expect when they enroll in your program?
Students can expect an intense and fast-paced learning environment. Lectures reinforce lab activities. We have lots of practical training aides and new equipment to get hands-on experience.
What experiences outside of SCC do you bring to the classroom/laboratory that enhance student learning?
Outside of SCC I am still involved on the family farm. Operating and repairing current equipment allows me to share experiences of actual failures and repair procedures. I believe this adds credibility to the subjects I am teaching and allows a real-life connection to the students through common experiences. I believe it also allows me to stress to them the importance of proper diagnosis and getting the repairs right the first time, along with customer and dealer expectations.
What advice do you have for students pursuing a degree in your program?
I would advise students to challenge themselves in high school to reach their maximum potential and prepare themselves for college. Study skills, comprehension and attitude play the largest roles in being successful in the program. Students need to be able to take notes and dedicate themselves to do their best.
What do you enjoy most about working with students?
I enjoy the interaction with the students and the sense of accomplishment that comes from seeing them grasp the concepts and apply them. It amazes me just how much students mature in 21 months.
What is the best part about being an SCC faculty member?
As an SCC faculty member, I feel like I belong to a team that has a common goal of providing the best technical training possible.
What has been your proudest moment as an instructor?
My proudest moments as an instructor are when students come back and share their experiences of success with me.
What do you like to do when you're not teaching?
When not teaching I am usually tinkering in my shop or working on some personal project at home.
What would students be surprised to know about you?
Students are usually surprised to find out I have five daughters and two step-sons.