BRTC Staff Demonstrates Versatility

Trent Ingram Teaching a CTC Student to Weld

PARAGOULD, AR, Sept. 10—Three Black River Technical College staff members have stepped out of their comfort zones and agreed to use their skills to teach classes at BRTC’s Career & Technical Center. Trent Ingram, Director of Physical Plant, is teaching welding courses and Joshua Earley, Skilled Tradesman Electricity, is teaching Industrial Electricity/Electronics classes. Alan Decker, Director of Corporate and Community Education in Paragould is working a learning facilitator in multiple courses.

BRTC appreciates that these men are willing to serve wherever they are needed. Dr. Brad Baine, Vice President for Academics states, “At BRTC, every employee is willing to do what it takes so the BRTC students can receive a quality education and the mission of transforming students\’ lives can occur.  I am grateful for the willingness of staff members Mr. Alan Decker, Mr. Josh Early, and Mr. Trent Ingram, to fill a teaching void and share their considerable insight and professional skills so the students in the BRTC Career and Technical Center can receive the highest quality education and training in the areas of electricity and welding.  While these three men are designated as staff members, I compliment their ability to transition into a temporary faculty role and address the learning needs of the students.  It is efforts like these men are exhibiting that make BRTC an outstanding institution.\”

Black River Technical College’s Career and Technical Education Center (formerly known as TOPSS) is a free program which enables high school juniors and seniors to get a head start on a career after high school.  Students can graduate with their high school diploma as well as with a BRTC workforce-ready certificate.  

For more information about the Career and Technical center, visit BRTC’s website or contact Darenda Kersey, BRTC Coordinator of Concurrent Enrollment, at (870) 248-4000 or Darenda.Kersey@blackrivertech.edu.