Staff Profile: David Walker
David Walker, chair of Transportation Technologies, (left) explains coursework to his HET 115, Electronic Engines students.
David Walker, chair of Transportation Technologies, started teaching at A-B Tech in July 1993.
He graduated from high school and came to A-B Tech to earn a diploma in Diesel Vehicle Maintenance and Automotive Systems Technology followed by an associate's degree in Automotive Systems Technology.
"I am very proud of my education here at A-B Tech," Walker said. "As a kid, I was a fair student. I thought I wanted to be a high school shop teacher."
Instead he started work as a technician for Carolina tractor. Then he saw an ad in the newspaper for a position teaching diesel at A-B Tech. "My life has fallen into place. Life has been good to me," Walker said.
Teaching is something he enjoys. "I like explaining things to students and how something mechanical and electrical works. I really like working with them on live projects," he said. "The problem is getting out of the way and letting them do it. We work on pretty neat stuff."
Then again, maybe he was influenced by his father Leslie Walker, who was the Carpentry chair at A-B Tech until July 2003. "He loved deaLiang with students," Walker said.
There are days when it gets real busy in the Dogwood Building. There are projects on the floor and sales personnel come in to pitch their wares. "Sometimes students from the past come by," he said. "I like to see where they've gone and what they're doing. I can go to an ASE test and I will see former students."
If classes aren't in session, Walker can often be found in South Carolina enjoying the state parks. "When the weather permits I like to ride my motorcycle, four-wheeler and camp," he said. His father and Sam Barnes, Machining Technology instructor, have been known to join him on many of his trips.
Welcome New Employees
The College welcomes 12 full-time employees who have accepted staff and faculty positions over the past months.
Janet H. Caldwell, English/Communications instructor, earned a B.A. in Speech and an M.S. in Organizational Communication from Murray State University, Murray, KY, and an M.A. in Oral Interpretation from Northwestern University. She has been an adjunct communications instructor at A-B Tech for five years and a speech instructor at Morehead State University and Murray State University.
Peter J. Carver, Drama instructor, received his B.A. in Communication and Theater Arts from Stetson University, DeLand, FL, an M.A. in Drama from Texas Woman's University, Denton, TX, and an M.F.A. in Drama and Communication from the University of New Orleans. In addition to being an adjunct Drama instructor at A-B Tech for nearly three years, he has taught drama at UNCA and Haywood Community College.
David M. Hamlett, Computer-Aided Design instructor, earned his A.A.S. in Drafting Design Technology from A-B Tech, where he has been an adjunct instructor for 25 years. He has also been an engineering supervisor with Square D for 34 years.
Thomas C. Heffner, Early Childhood Education/Smart Start instructor, has a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Juniata College, Huntington, PA, and an M.Ed. from the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. He was an Early Childhood program specialist for the Pennsylvania College of Technology, Williamsport, PA, and a pre-kindergarten assistant for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public Schools, Charlotte.
Galina Kram, custodian, graduated from high school in Dubno, Ukraine, and has worked as a machine operator at Kearfott Guidance and Navigation Corp. in Black Mountain, and as an assembler for Square D and for Olsten Staffing Services.
Nicole A. Martinez, Human Resources secretary, earned a B.S. in Ecology from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ. She was a part-time Human Resources secretary for A-B Tech for nine months. She has also served as program assistant for the Nature Conservancy, Essex, CT for six years and coordinator for the Connecticut Forest and Park Association.
Nicholas J. Meacham, BioNetwork Secretary, received his B.A. in Political Science from London Guild Hall University, London, England. He was a secretary for A-B Tech's CNA program for six months, and has served as project coordinator for National Grid Transco in Bromwich, England, and was an elected member, Sandwell Metropolitan Borough, England.
Russell F. Palmeri, Biology instructor, earned a B.S. in Chemistry from St. Procopius College, Lisle, IL, a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of California, Berkley, and an M.D. from Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. He has been an assistant clinical professor at East Carolina University for nine years, a private practice physician in Goldsboro for 13 years, and in South Hill, VA for five years.
Amanda R. Soule, Emergency Medical Sciences instructor, received her A.A.S. in Nursing and A.A.S. in Emergency Medical Science from A-B Tech and a B.S. in Environmental Science from UNCA. She has been an adjunct EMS instructor at A-B Tech for 14 years and a Registered Nurse at Memorial Mission Hospital for 13 years. She was also employed with Buncombe County Emergency Medical Services for 10 years.
Charles K. Wallin, Business Computer Technologies instructor, earned a B.F.A. in Ceramics and Photography from Hope College in Holland, MI, and an M.S. in Software Engineering from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN. He was a visiting instructor at Western Carolina University for over three years, and sole proprietor of Bent Creek Digital Studio for four years.
Bridgett A. Wells, Accounting Technician/Cash Receipts, received her A.A.S. in Accounting from A-B Tech. She was previously an office assistant for Delta Accounting Services and a work study student at A-B Tech.
Valentina Yasyulevich, custodian, graduated from high school in Dubno, Ukraine. She previously was a package assembler for TDP Electronics, Inc., and an assembler for American Threshold.
A-B Tech Small Business Incubator To Host Scholar From China
Zhiqiang "Frank" Liang, pictured with his daughter, is a visiting scholar from Fudan University in Shanghai, China, who is working with the A-B Tech Small Business Incubator.
Russ Yelton, director of the A-B Tech Small Business Center and Incubator, has helped arrange for MBA student Zhiqiang "Frank" Liang from Fudan University in Shanghai, China, to come to the region through a visiting scholar scholarship.
The scholarship is valued at $10,000. Liang will be taking three master's level classes at Western Carolina University during the spring semester, and will live in graduate housing on campus. He plans to complete a thesis on Chinese and American companies doing business together and exporting into foreign markets.
Liang is also an intern with the Yangpu Science and Technology Venture Center in Shanghai, China's largest incubator. While taking classes, he will split his time with the A-B Tech incubator, participating in various events and will present a workshop on expanding into international markets in February.
"The significance of this visit for our incubator is that this will build on our existing memorandum of understanding between our countries," Yelton said. "It will also allow business people here in the United States a direct first-hand way to learn about the culture, and nature of business in China."