Tom Stotts—2022 Outstanding Alumni

Tom excelled as a student at Tri-Rivers. And, he continues to excel and go above and beyond in any position he holds or any organization he represents… He is truly a servant leader.

After graduating in 1996 from our Diversified Business/Marketing program, he continued his education at Marion Technical College earning an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice from the Marion Law Enforcement Academy in 2000. Then in 2010 he earned his Bachelors of Science in Public Safety Management from Franklin University.

Tom started his government career in 2000 as a dispatcher with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, then he went to work for the Marion County Common Pleas Court as a probation officer/pre-sentence investigator. Shortly, after completing the police academy, he worked for 7 years at the Mt. Gilead Police Department as an auxiliary officer then later as a part-time officer while concurrently working for the court.

He always keeps busy! He’s never doing just one thing… In 2012 he became the Chief Probation Officer at the Marion Municipal Court— that’s where he is currently employed.

In 2013, Tom worked with Marion County Adult Probation, Marion County Prosecutors Office, and Marion Law Director’s Office to create Marion’s first Diversion Program that served both felony and misdemeanor cases.  Marion County Adult Probation Department wrote the grant, the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office maintained the grant and Marion Municipal Court furnished the office and office supplies for the position. While the collaborative position doesn’t exist today, the diversion program at Marion Municipal Court is flourishing with great success.

In 2019, Tom worked with ADAMH Board to hire the very first case manager for the court. This position assisted those who are addicted to opioids by expediting them into treatment…as opposed to sitting in jail.  He is always thinking about how to help people recover and regain their lives.

Tom is an exceptional individual, we are so  proud of his accomplishments! In 2020 MarionMade featured the probation department as a department that improves lives of clients and the community. Tom is all about improving lives…

In 2020, Tom was elected the President of the Ohio Chief Probation Officers Association for the years 2021 and 2022. Prior to serving as president, he served on the board as treasurer, secretary, and vice president.

His contributions to our community were recognized in 2019 when he was inducted into Marion Tech’s Alumni Hall of Fame. He was also MTC’s keynote speaker at their 2020 graduation. And he also serves on MTC’s Foundation Board of Directors.

…He also has served on the Marion Matters Board and is currently their treasurer.

Tom is truly a servant leader. He focuses on the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong. Tom’s goal is to serve the greater good. He is an Outstanding Tri-Rivers Alumni because of his professionalism, his caring ways, his high energy and his love of people. Tom, you are AMAZING Alumni. Congratulations!

Introduction by Ellen Messenger

 

Austin Charles—2022 Outstanding Alumni

 

Michelle Rawlins introduced Austin Charles, who joined the celebration via Zoom.

 

Introduction by Michelle Rawlins 

Austin Charles is a member of the United States Navy where he has been a Sailor for the last 9 ½ years. He is a 2012 Cardington Lincoln High School graduate and a Tri-Rivers Health Care Professions graduate. After graduation, he entered the United States Navy where he served as an Aircrew Survival Equipmentman / Parachute Rigger (PR) First Class Petty Officer. Austin has been stationed aboard the USS George Washington (CVN-73) / USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) out of Yokosuka, Japan, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 120 (VAW-120) / Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 15 (HM-15) out of Norfolk, Virginia, and is currently an A-School Instructor in Pensacola, Florida where he is training Sailors who have just completed boot camp.  

Austin was in the first class to be enrolled in the Tri-Rivers Transition sophomore program where he explored some of the trades offered at that time. He participated in classes such as Cosmetology, Graphic Design, and Healthcare Professions.  He chose to pursue the Health Care Professions area of study his junior and senior years in hopes to become a Physical trainer. 

Using the Skills he gained from Tri-Rivers Healthcare Professions, Austin Charles was able to transform them into what he does today where he currently helps instruct over 1000 sailors a year.  

He completed an Associate of Arts in 2017 in general studies and received a Bachelor of Arts in Intelligence Studies in Terrorism in 2021. Austin is currently working on his Masters in Homeland Security and Disaster Management from American Military University. Accepted into 2 internships with the navy, he will postpone them due to his military service. He has also completed several journeymen programs the Navy has to offer including: ALSS Technician (8000 hrs.), Canvas Worker (2000 hrs.), Upholster (2000hrs), and Computer Operator (2000 hrs.).  

Austin is an amazing Sailor. He always wants to participate and help wherever he can.  Some of the many awards and achievements he has earned include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021), Sailor of the Year (2016, 2017), and Sailor of the Quarter (2018 Q1, 2021 Q3).  He was also selected as one of twelve Active PR`s ranging from E-5 / E-9 where he was the only E-5 that was hand selected to help revamp a training program which would shape future sailors in the PR Rating. 

Austin exemplifies the Tri-Rivers slogan of “A school where you are ALLOWED to, INSPIRED, and EXPECTED to BE AMAZING!”

Austin’s Grandpa, Roger Linder, accepts Austin’s Outstanding Alumni Award. Austin joined the celebration via Zoom.

 

Doug Shawver—Tri-Rivers Outstanding Alumni 2020-2021

Doug Shawver graduated from Tri-Rivers’ Building Trades program in 1990. He is now a general Carpenter Foreman with the George J Igel Company in Columbus.

While working for George Igel, he received the 2011 BX Craftsmanship Award for the cast-in-place concrete stairs added to the north and south sides of Cunz Hall at The Ohio State University. He has also earned countless training certificates during his career.

He is also president of the Board of Public Affairs in LaRue and volunteer on many projects in and around LaRue.

Doug is so talented and a true Tri-Rivers’ success story. He comes highly recommended! His skill is respected and sought after in his field.

He is also a great supporter of Tri-Rivers in general and has been a supporter of the Construction Trades Academy since the beginning.

Doug always says that Tri-Rivers changed his life forever in a good positive way.  He said, “If it wasn’t for Tri-Rivers, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Gwyn (Trihaft) McKinniss—Outstanding Alumni 2020-2021

Gwyn Trihaft McKinniss, who graduated in 1979, is so deserving of a Tri-Rivers Outstanding Alumni Award.

She has been a legal secretary for 30 years performing all aspects of Law Office Administration, including bookkeeping, accounting, document preparation, tax preparation, case management, client consultation and confidentiality.

She has been the Administrative Assistant for Marion County Family Court for four years and the Fiscal Officer since 2013.

Gwyn manages a budget which exceeds $3 million dollars for a multi-jurisdiction court, including a juvenile detention center. She is responsible for supervising all payroll, withholding, expenditure and benefits management for employees including maintenance of confidential personnel files.

She supervises fiscal employees and conducts evaluations and coordinates all aspects of court finances with county departments, including the Marion County Commissioners, Auditor and Treasurer. She also oversees court income and expenditures and manages grant, reclaim and general funds for court activities.

We thank Judge Fragale for nominating Gwen. She is amazing! We are so proud of her success!

 

Pictured above with Judge Fragale and Tammi Cowell.

Julia Doty—Outstanding Alumni 2020-2021

We always hope that our Tri-Rivers graduates not only succeed in their career fields, but also become contributing members of their communities. Julia Doty, who was nominated by Terri Mantey for an Outstanding Alumni Award, is deserving of this honor. She is an active member of the community both professionally and personally.

Julia has used the skills she learned at Tri-Rivers to not only enhance her family life, but also the community. She graduated from the Office Education Co-op program in 1980—where she worked in the mornings and attended classes in the afternoon. When she graduated, she worked at the same company for three additional years. She then moved to Texas where she started out as a clerk for a bank and then moved up to being a mortgage loan processor. She eventually then moved back to Marion and was hired as an Executive Secretary for a Senior Vice President of a local company. From there she moved to become a legal secretary for a local law firm where she was employed for 20 years. Currently she is the Service Coordinator at Seton Square in Marion.

For her current position Julie earned the Professional Service Coordinator Certification through The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Office of Geriatrics and Interprofessional Aging Studies. At Seton Square she helps residents to access services available in the community and designs programs and services to meet their needs. She works closely with the Council on Aging, Area Agency on Aging, Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program, OSU Extension Office, OhioHealth, and the Marion Senior Center.

She also gives back to the community by serving as a mass lector at her church, assisting with Sunday School for young children, working as a poll worker for the Marion County Board of Elections, and attending quarterly social worker round tables. She was also a 4-H leader at one time. She dearly loves serving her community and church.

Julia’s story is a Tri-Rivers’ success story. She is very deserving of an Outstanding Alumni Award.

Chris Jenner—Outstanding Alumni 2020-2021

Chris Jenner has always been a great asset to the community and is always willing to help other people.

Chris Jenner is a 1993 graduate of Tri-Rivers Graphics Printing Program.

He worked in the plumbing and HVAC Industry from 1993 to present. He then started managing the marketing—using his graphic design training to update logos, materials, and advertising. He also added social media to the mix.  In 2014, he took over the business as the co-owner/operator of A-1 Plumbing and Heating.

In 2021 he started his own company, Jenner’s Plumbing.

Chris is a wonderful representative of the MarionMade™ concept. He offers great customer service and genuinely cares for his customers.

Chris, left, is pictured above with Kristian Casey, Tri-Rivers CNET instructor, and family friend and neighbor of Chris.

 

Ashley Kube, RN. —Outstanding Alumni 2020-2021

Ashley Kube, RN, is a nurse leader and nurse educator in our community. Graduate of Tri-Rivers PN and LPN to RN programs

The Tri-Rivers Outstanding Alumni Award is the highest honor our school presents to a graduate, and it is given in recognition of a graduate that has brought honor to Tri-Rivers through their professional achievements, community impact and leadership. We are honored  to celebrate Ashley’s achievements as a Tri-Rivers graduate, nurse leader and nurse educator in our community.

Ashley initially enrolled in Tri Rivers School of Nursing as an advanced standing student in January of 2013 in our Practical Nursing, or LPN, program. Her Tri-Rivers Instructor, Lori Conte, said, “It became immediately apparent to me that Ashley was a very dedicated, thorough, and caring future nurse. She was always striving to learn more, to do more and just be the best she could be, volunteering for extra assignments and doing extra research to make sure she gave safe care.”

Ashley graduated in June of 2013, and upon receiving her LPN license, immediately re-enrolled in the LPN to RN program at Tri-Rivers in the fall of 2013. Ashley not only graduated from our RN program the following year, but her clinical and academic performance was so outstanding that she was selected as the recipient of the Registered Nursing program’s highest award, the Judith Ryan Higel Award. The Judith Ryan Higel Award is given to a student who is exceptional academically, as well as clinically, supportive of their classmates, and a true role model for other students.

After graduation, Ashley worked at Marion Manor as Registered Nurse, MDS Coordinator and charge nurse, where she put her heart into her work. She quickly became known as a patient advocate, providing meticulous and compassionate care to the patients assigned to her. At the same time, Ashley continued her education, graduating from Ohio University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing in 2019. Not only has she shown a lifelong commitment to continuous learning, but she has also demonstrated that another strength she possesses is the ability to teach and inspire others. Ashley joined our own clinical faculty in 2016, teaching groups of students in various clinical sites over the next 3 years.

Her emphasis on patient safety and critical thinking made a lasting impact on the future nurses she taught during that time period. Ashley is currently working as a nurse leader and nurse educator at Avita Bucyrus Community Hospital. She has worked there as a Med Surg nurse, an ICU nurse, and now has the position of Student Nurse Residency and New Graduate Coordinator. During her time so far at Avita Health System, she has received advanced IV placement training, and has already been the recipient of a Daisy Award, a highly regarded award given to nurses for providing “above and beyond compassionate care to patients and families.”

Ashley has had a tremendous community impact in her career so far since her graduation from Tri-Rivers. She has influenced our community not only through the excellent nursing care she has provided, but also through her guidance on many future and new nurses through her teaching efforts.

Ashley is truly a distinguished alumna and deserving of this award. She teaches, guides, encourages, and mentors new nurses and helps their own passion for the field of nursing to be nurtured. She continues to be a role model in prioritizing patient safety, patient advocacy, and compassionate care. Ashley always speaks highly of Tri Rivers and never hesitates to encourage future Tri-Rivers students with her story. We are all honored to have walked with her for a time in her nursing journey, and we look forward to celebrating her future accomplishments with her.

Eli Cochran—Outstanding Alumni 2020-2021

Tad Douce presents an Outstanding Alumni award to Eli Cochran. Eli graduated in 2005 from Tri-Rivers’ Electronics program.

Eli has thrived in every role he has held since leaving Tri-Rivers. He has excelled so much, that he was recently selected to lead the Cyber Security Program at Delaware Area Career Center beginning in the 2019 school year.

When Eli was a student at Tri-Rivers, he joined Mr. Ritch Ramey’s robotics team, even though he was not in the Engineering program. When Eli left Tri-Rivers for Marion Technical College, he continued to compete in the National Robotics Challenge (NRC) at the post-secondary level— forming a team with just himself. Upon entering the workforce, Eli immediately committed himself to serving as a judge for the annual event, and two years ago, he decided to go “all-in” and join the organizational committee. Eli now serves as the Director of Contest Judging, taking over Mr. Ramey. Through his work, the National Robotics Challenge has modified the judging assignment process to utilize online tools that assist both judges and the companies they work for with understanding the schedule and assignments.

Eli has overcome some very difficult learning challenges to embody what a student can do when they put their mind to it. Now he is inspiring the next generation of future technicians and leaders to keep our community strong.

 

 

better alumni

2019 Tri-Rivers honors Outstanding Alumni



The Outstanding Tri-Rivers Alumni awards were presented to Career Center and Adult Center graduates who have contributed to their communities, are outstanding in their career fields and/or have furthered their educations. These individuals are Tri-Rivers Success Stories.

DeeDee Farmer was a graduate of the first class at Tri-Rivers Career Center in 1977. After graduating from the Secretarial program, she worked in Customer Service at Central Soya in Marion. She then worked for Popped Right Popcorn, now known as Wyandot Popcorn, where she became the Customer Service Manager.

In 1988, while at Popped Right Popcorn, her three-year-old son, Darren, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. She left the workforce temporarily to care for Darren and his siblings, Corey and Nicole. She knew she would eventually have to return to work.

While caring for a child with a chronic illness, working various part-time jobs and raising her family, DeeDee started working on her nursing degree at Marion Technical College and graduated in 1993. After passing her NCLEX exam, she worked in the Oncology Unit at Grant Hospital. She then returned to Marion and worked in the ICU and then the ER at Marion Med Center. She then worked in the ER in Marysville, Bucyrus, St. Ann’s and Marion General.

Sixteen years ago, she started working for Tri-Rivers Adult Education’s Nursing program. She went back to school and earned her BSN. She currently teaches in the Practical Nursing, LPN to RN programs and is the coordinator for the Skills Lab. She also keeps all the records for 150 plus nursing students.

She exemplifies Tri-Rivers mission of educating students, giving opportunities to go forth and be prosperous in our own community. She inspires the students she works with, bringing her passion for nursing and serving as a positive presence in the lives of these students.

Drew Mosley graduated in 2007 from Marion Harding High School and was a top student in Tri-Rivers Engineering Technologies program. He was the student that given a project, drawing, or program problem would figure it out and help all his friends (which was everyone) figure it out. He was and is a natural teacher.

He went to Bowling Green State University (BGSU) and graduated as a Technology Education instructor. He honed his skills by student teaching at Cardington and coaching their Vex Robotics team. While finishing up his degree at BGSU he needed a few courses that he could take at Columbus State. He must have really made a big impression there. He was so good that Columbus State hired him and placed him as a Technical Training Instructor for Honda of America Manufacturing.

He has become a very valued part of the Honda team. He has taken on great responsibilities and is by far the youngest trainer at Honda. He has hosted many tours and has always done a great job with our Tri-Rivers students. He has judged the state SkillsUSA, Vex Robotics and the National Robotics Challenge contests.

This past Fall Drew also taught Mitsubishi PLCs and Yaskawa Motoman Robotics industrial certification courses for Tri-Rivers in the evening.

Wherever he goes, whatever projects he focuses on throughout his life the people around him will always be better off because he one of those people that will make a huge impact on the world around him.

Marion Township Fire Chief Ben Meddles has dedicated his life to public service for our Marion area. He began his Public Safety studies at Tri-Rivers 29 years ago when he enrolled in a Volunteer Fire Fighter Training class. He completed that training and continued right on with his Basic EMT class. After completing those studies, he was employed by the Marion Township Fire Department where he continues to serve our community today. In 1993 Ben enrolled in our Paramedic Program and he graduated from the Paramedic program in June 1994.

Chief Meddles began his career at Marion Township in 1989 as a part-time fire fighter / EMT, then in 1992 he was promoted to Dispatcher, in 1993 to a Career Fire Fighter, in 2004 he was promoted to Lieutenant, and in July 2016 he became Chief of the Marion Township Fire Department.

Chief Meddles values lifelong learning and has received additional training throughout his career; including Hazmat training, Technician Level, Water Rescue Technician, EOC Training and Advanced Fire Investigation training. As a Lieutenant he was in charge of the water rescue team. He has conducted multiple water and ice-rescue trainings over the years. In local paper archives there are articles detailing Chief Meddles commitment to community safety and training. In addition to responding to fire and EMS calls throughout his career, Chief Meddles has provided valuable safety training to instruct the public about fire safety. He has helped teach hundreds of community children lessons in fire safety.

Chief Ben continues to give back to Tri-Rivers by serving on our Public Safety Program Advisory Board.

Kathryn Keller not only graduated from Tri-Rivers Patient Care Technician (PCT) program, she also graduated from the Practical Nursing and the LPN to RN program—earning numerous certifications and licensures.
Through her education and mentoring, Katie has touched many lives—not only her patients, but her family, friends and the students she mentors.
In 2010 she enrolled in PCT program. She always showed excellent leadership qualities, which is a necessity in the healthcare field. With her care and compassion for others, it was obvious healthcare was her calling.
Upon Completion of the Patient Care Technician Program, she chose to enroll in Tri-Rivers LPN Program and completed it in 2012. During this time, she showed how truly driven she was, and no matter what obstacle was placed in front of her she would conquer. Upon Completion of the Practical Nursing Program she began working at a local nursing home. During this time, we were very fortunate to be able to stay in contact with her, while doing clinicals at that facility. The interaction and care she provided to her patients was phenomenal. The residents absolutely loved her, she could make them feel as if they were the only one she was caring for.
After working in the field for a year and completing her prerequisite courses, she then enrolled in Tri-Rivers LPN-RN program in 2013, which she completed in 2014. During this time, she exhibited exceptional growth as a nurse. Upon Completion of the RN program she quickly accepted a job at The Center for New Beginnings at Marion General Hospital.
This was definitely her calling. Not only had Katie dreamed of being a nurse, but she also dreamt of following in her grandfather’s Jim Schuler footsteps. Dr. Shuler was an OB/GYN in Marion for numerous years, and touched many lives.
She is currently working to achieve her BSN at the Ohio University, and is currently giving back to Tri-Rivers, by being a preceptor to our current students. Her lifelong learning goal is to become a Midwife.

awards

2018 Outstanding Tri-Rivers Alumnus Honored at Board Dinner

Alivia Christian

Alivia Young Christian is a 2012 graduate of Elgin High School, who majored in Tri-Rivers Health Care Professionals, which is now our Health Careers Academy. As a high school student Alivia was a standout—she was an active member of SkillsUSA, earned membership into the National Technical Honor Society, was selected as an Ambassador and a Teen Board member, plus she received one of the coveted Director’s Awards during the Senior Recognition evening at the Palace.

During her Senior year at the Career Center she was also dual enrolled in Marion Technical College. While at Marion Tech she worked at McDonald’s and for a short time she cared for her former junior instructor, Chris Pemberton’s mom. Chris said she completely trusted Alivia who was so caring and compassionate.

She completed her Associate’s degree at Marion Tech and received her RN in June of 2016. Alivia then started working at Marion General Hospital in July of 2016. She started on a medical floor for 9 months, then moved to step-down and just recently accepted a position in the ICU.

Alivia is the perfect nurse. Even in high school she always wanted to do her best. Unless she received a 100% on a test, it wasn’t good enough. She was and is a goal-oriented person and never happy with second best.

Alivia exemplifies our slogan of “A School Where You are ALLOWED to, INSPIRED, and EXPECTED to BE AMAZING!” At Tri-Rivers we truly expect our students to do amazing things. And Alivia with her attention to detail and desire to continually grow as a person and a professional is an AMAZING nurse. In a few weeks she will complete her BSN.

 

Robert Zwink

Robert Zwink is a 1996 graduate of Marion Harding High School, who majored in Tri-Rivers Electronics program.

Rob was nominated by his friend Joshua Simpkins who also graduated from Harding. Josh had this to say about his longtime friend:

I think Rob demonstrates that kids from modest backgrounds can still be very successful if they are willing to work hard and build a skill set that employers value.

I attended Marion Harding with Rob and then roomed with him when we both lived in Columbus in the late 90s. When I think of a self-made man, Rob is always the first person who comes to mind. After graduating from Tri-Rivers, he moved to Columbus with absolutely nothing—no money, no college degree—although he later earned a Bachelors of Computer Science from Franklin University—and no contacts beyond a few Marion people.

Rob initially got an entry-level job in tech support at Micro Center. Through hard work and determination, he worked his way up through various technology positions in the Columbus area including tech analyst for Lucent Technologies, Lead Software Engineer for Micro Electronics, Inc, and executive director for JPMorgan Chase & Co. He is currently the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) and co-founder of SafeChain Financial, Inc.

SafeChain provides executive leadership, architecture strategy and engineering solutions in support of blockchain backed title software devices.

Also, Rob is just a thoroughly decent guy. He’s a committed husband and father of two sons. He’s always willing to help people who need it. He’s never forgotten his roots and for a guy like him—who marches to the beat of a different drummer—Tri-Rivers opened the door to what has become an exceptionally successful career and life.

We at Tri-Rivers share Josh’s sentiments. Rob represents everything an Outstanding Alumni should. He is extremely successful in his field, a good citizen, a committed family person and an active volunteer with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Central Ohio for over a decade.

 

Billie Fields-Baer

Billie Fields-Baer is not only a graduate of Tri-Rivers Practical Nursing and LPN to RN nursing programs but also a long-time employee of Tri-Rivers. From the beginning of her career journey to several graduations—LPN, RN, and BSN) and licensure, she has grown into the profession as a nurse educator and leader.

Through education and mentoring, Billie has touched the lives of many students. She has a passion for teaching and understands the role of Tri-Rivers in adult students’ lives. She goes above and beyond to ensure that her students have a good understanding of topics and how they affect their everyday practice. She is always on the sideline coaching, cheering and encouraging students to stay positive and believe in themselves. She doesn’t know how to say “no.” She will always find a way to help or accommodate people in need. Her creativity has always provided solutions to any problems encountered.

Billie started her career as a Medical Assistant and Office Manager in one of the local physician’s practice. While working full-time and raising five children, she enrolled in Tri-Rivers first Evening Practical Nursing program. She graduated in 2004 with honors and received the highest award in the Practical Nursing program—the Margaret Helen Gast Award.

In 2012, she made the decision to further her nursing career by enrolling into the Tri-Rivers LPN to RN program. Again, she graduated with honors and received the Judith Ryan Higel award. Soon after graduating from the RN program, she enrolled at Ohio University where she earned her Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing and graduated Cum Laude.

This year she continued her nursing career journey by enrolling in a graduate program at Grand Canyon University with the goal of earning a Masters in Nursing Science.

In addition to her educational accomplishments, Billie has made multiple contributions to Tri-Rivers. Beginning in 2005, she has served as the instructor for the nursing prerequisite programs, Nurse Aide instructor and the Patient Care Technician Program Coordinator. Also, because of Billie’s caring personality and ability to connect and build rapport with students, she was chosen to serve as the success center’s academic and life coach. This year she also served as a clinical instructor in Tri-Rivers LPN to RN Program. It is obvious that Billie is involved in all healthcare programs; however, her main responsibility is being the Patient Tech Program Coordinator.

When she took over that role in 2016, she was able to make great improvements to the program and achieve record high outcomes, according to Dr. Emeline Kelly, the Nursing Director. Tri-Rivers received notification from the National Healthcareer Association commending the PCT program’s 2017 pass rates being above the national averages. It was reported that our 2017 pass rate currently sits at 97%, that is 19 points above the national average of 78%. The agency has requested to use the Tri-Rivers’ PCT program as a model curriculum because of these great outcomes.

Billie serves on the advisory committee for secondary’s Vet Science program and for the Health program at Marion Harding.

 

 

 

Steve McFarland

Steve McFarland is an electrician with over 25 years of commercial and residential experience. He’s a 1987 graduate of Mt. Gilead High School. In 1988 he entered the United States Army where he served as a 31 N 10 Communication System Circuit Controller. Steve served in Germany, was stationed in Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War and was honorably discharged in 1992.

In 2010 Steve enrolled in our Adult Education Industrial Maintenance program. He graduated from the program in May of 2011—a 600-hour program with perfect attendance.

In August of 2011 Steve started Steve McFarland Electric LLC which continues to operate today. In October 2011 he began to give back his talents and expertise to Tri-Rivers, when he was hired as a part-time instructor for the Industrial Maintenance program he had previously completed.

Steve is an excellent instructor. He has competed the training and is a NCCER Certified Instructor for Core Curriculum and Electrical. He has not only been a very enthusiastic and reliable instructor for Tri-Rivers, he has  hired some of our students to work for his company!

Steve has always received very high evaluations from his students at Tri-Rivers. One of the questions that is asked on the evaluation is, “What did you like best about the course?” Here is just a small sampling of what Steve’s student’s say: “The Instructor, hands on and demonstrations.” “Inside knowledge from master electrician.” “The theory and knowledge and knowledge that our instructor brought to the classroom.” “Hands on. The excitement of Steve, to teach and his first-hand experiences.”

This past winter, in Steve’s Electrical Control classes it was amazing to see our adult students volunteer to come up front, diagram what they were learning and interact with the class. That just doesn’t happen by itself,  it’s instructors like Steve, who earn the classes’ respect for their knowledge and their ability to share their expertise with students who want to advance in their careers. It’s his passion for teaching  that makes Steve an Tri-Rivers Outstanding Alumni award winner.