Why did you decide to stay on and work at Columbus Tech?

I love the environment at Columbus Tech. I also want to give back to the community. Being able to give our students the skills they need to become productive members of society and provide for their families gives me joy and fulfillment. I hope I am able to continue to work for Columbus Technical College until I retire, fulfilling the needs of our community and giving our students the tools they need to be successful in life.

What has been the favorite of your class projects so far?

The stainless steel handrails we fabricated for the outside stage of the Wright building was one of my favorites because of the amount of money we saved the school. However, I would have to say my most favorite was the rehabilitation training van we built for the Hughston Hospital. The van helps patients readjust to getting in and out of a vehicle.

How much work went into restoring the bronze stag vandals stole from the entrance to The Preserve in October 2009?

It took about 160 hours to repair the deer. All four legs were bent and broken off. The base was broken in half and bent badly, and one side of the rack was broken in half. We welded, straightened and sanded everything back to its original shape. We did some research to find out how to match the color and found a company that had some spray patina that matched perfectly. We also made a stainless steel base to weld to the bottom, and installed the deer in its original home off Green Island Drive. It took a while to complete because of the extensive damage. However, it was worth it because of the knowledge the students and I took away from the project. Also a nice donation was made for the good work we performed.

Which employers today need workers with the skills you teach?

Any type of metal construction company, mechanical trades, shipyards, fabrication shops, any company that has metal parts that may break or may need parts made, are in need of qualified welders. Some of the companies in the Columbus area that contribute to our program by donating metal or materials and/or hiring our graduates include Industrial Metal Fabricators, Cottons Custom Metals, EJ Knight Scrap Metal Co., Kysor Warren, Pipe Valves and Fittings, Pitts Trailers and Granger.

What is the Columbus area's best-kept secret?

The fishing in Lake Oliver up by Goat Rock dam is good in mid-spring.