LCC student recognized

Pictured left to right are Business Technologies Dean Gary Clements, Automotive Technology Instructor Noah Wiggins, graduate Jeremy Wiggins, and Automotive Technology Program Chair David Pearce.

Lenoir Community College Automotive Technology graduate Jeremy Wiggins of Pink Hill was recently recognized for his academic achievement in the field with a new toolbox from the program. 

Each semester, twice per year, a graduate will be awarded a similar toolbox as they enter the automotive work force, according to LCC Automotive Technology Program Chair David Pearce. “To qualify, a student must finish his degree in the allotted five semesters, have good attendance, and demonstrate a mastery of the subject matter through lab and class participation.”

Wiggins was also a former recipient of the Rodney E. Squires Automotive Mechanics Scholarship. Prior to graduation, he secured employment as a technician at Doug Henry Chrysler in Kinston.

“Jeremy has been a pleasure to teach the entire time he attended LCC,” Pearce said. He was always willing to work, study and help other students.”  

Pearce said it is important to reward students like Wiggins for going the extra mile to gain from the program everything they can. “We felt like this toolbox was very appropriate, and also provides timely assistance to graduates as they enter the field,” he said. “One of the attractive elements of this award is that it is not always the student with the highest grade point average (GPA) that wins, since there are other factors involved.”

The program at LCC recently achieved Master NATEF Certification. NATEF, the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation, Inc, is a national institution that rates and certifies educational programs on three levels, Master being the highest certification possible. The certification is a reflection of the support offered by the college to the Automotive Systems Technology program, as well as to the preparation, training and skill of the instructors involved.

For more information on the LCC Automotive Technology Program, contact Pearce at 252 527-6223, ext. 162 or email at wdpearce24@lenoircc.edu.