Program: Precision Machining and Automation Technology
Education/Industry
Certifications: Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology (1992), Associate of Applied Science degree in Machining and Automation (1994).
Has Taught at SCC Since: February 2009
Years of Work Experience Outside SCC: 15 in industry.
Describe your teaching philosophy.
If you treat your students with adult-level respect, then you are justified in expecting adult-level behavior from them. You should require more of yourself as a teacher and mentor than you require from your students.
Why did you decide to teach at a community college?
I chose to teach at SCC because I enjoyed being in the SCC environment as a student, and helping others is something I have always enjoyed. It seemed like a natural fit for me.
What can prospective students expect when they enroll in your program?
Prospective students can expect to be taught and trained on up-to-date industry equipment and techniques. Students can also expect to be challenged every day by the very capable staff in our program. The graduates from Precision Machining and Automation are sought after all over the United States.
What experiences outside of SCC do you bring to the classroom/laboratory that enhance student learning?
Many past experiences from 15 years in industry really go a long way in being able to help students understand why they need to learn the things we teach.
What advice do you have for students pursuing a degree in your program?
Don’t worry about possessing specific skills applicable to the trade before coming here. SCC can give you all you need if you are simply prepared to learn.
What do you enjoy most about working with students?
I enjoy introducing them to new things, and watching the nervous apprehension transform into confident proficiency is always rewarding.
What is the best part about being an SCC faculty member?
Being a faculty member at SCC Milford has a lot of rewards. Teaching alongside of so many like-minded individuals is enjoyable, and the day-to-day interaction with students is fun.
What has been your proudest moment as an instructor?
When a student tells you “Thanks for teaching me, I never imagined I could have learned this much about anything.”
What do you like to do when you're not teaching?
I enjoy hunting and fishing in my spare time. Summer trips to the lake with my wife and kids are always a good time.
What would students be surprised to know about you?
Most students are surprised to learn that I never really took any shop classes in high school. The small rural school I attended growing up never had much more than woodshop, which I didn’t care to do. All of my technical education and learning came from my education at SCC and my years of experience in industry.
Is there anything you’d like to add?
Be the person you are because at your very core that’s the person you want to be, not because you feel it will get you something. If you can master that, what you receive will far exceed what you attempt to get by other means. The other will almost always fail you in the end.