Faculty and Administration

Tyler Milek, graduate of Ranken’s Advanced Precision Machining Technology Program, explains, “Ranken has helped and allowed me to not only expand my knowledge for my career path in programming, but also has allowed me to be more creative in my free time. I also invested in a CNC router and mill for the robotics team I mentor, and I can now teach middle and high school students about machining.”

Tyler went to work for The Gund Company as a machinist after graduating Cum Laude in May 2020. [The company] is a global, vertically integrated, manufacturer and fabricator of engineered material solutions for the most demanding electrical and mechanical requirements of our industry leaders. “Tyler is a valued employee,” says Josh D’Atri, Value Stream Manager, at The Gund Company . . . “He is eager to learn and is capable of working in many areas of the shop. What we admire most about Tyler is that he is a great team player and has a lot of potential for future growth within our organization.”

Paul Durkee, Precision Machining Technology Instructor, recalls “Tyler was the type of student that is an asset to others around him. Besides having a passion for machining and engineering, he has a great work ethic and is one of the nicest guys you will meet. Tyler went above and beyond during his time at Ranken, and I expect that he will have an abundance of success in his career moving forward.”

One of Tyler’s fondest memories of his Ranken experience is having the opportunity to create a custom set of coasters for Missouri Senator, Roy Blunt, with the U.S. Senate Seal on the inside.

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/
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https://thegundcompany.com/

Tyler Keim graduated with an Associate Degree in Advanced Manufacturing Technology in May 2021. He was born and raised in Troy, Missouri. Tyler was diagnosed with a profound hearing loss when he was a toddler and received a cochlear implant at the age of three. Tyler says, “I have always been interested in computers, technology, and the skilled trades, so I looked at what careers fit my goals. That’s when I found the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Program at the Ranken Technical College Wentzville campus.”

J.C. Owen, Advanced Machining Department Chair and Instructor, tells us “I remember meeting Tyler Keim during an Open House event. He displayed a strong interest in an Advanced Precision Machining Technology career.” Despite his challenges, Tyler persevered and overcame obstacles without complaint. “He displayed the true definition of commitment, dedication, and enthusiasm. It was my pleasure to work with Tyler and develop a relationship with such an outstanding student. How fortunate Elite Tool is to have such a devoted student of manufacturing be a part of their team.”

Tyler elected to participate in Ranken’s Advanced Precision Machining internship program and was hired by Elite Tool, an established lean contract manufacturer serving aerospace, commercial, and government/defense industry. Tyler says, “I was hired part-time at Elite Tool in Moscow Mills while still  attending classes, [upon graduation] I was hired full-time as a CNC Operator for a great company and would not have gotten here without the training I received at Ranken.”

Jon Zierenberg, Plant Manager at Elite Tool, explains “Tyler Keim has a great attitude and always gives 110% at anything he does. He also has great work ethic, always on time and ready to go at his shift start. I feel he has been a great addition to our team here at Elite Tool.”

Tyler’s grandfather and two uncles graduated from Ranken in Saint Louis.

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/
https://elite-tool.com/

Zack Darr graduated in May 2015 from Ranken’s Precision Machining Technology program. Zack is deservedly proud of the path he has taken and the skills he’s acquired in the field. “The machinist certificate gave me a foundational skill set that got my foot in the door. My on-the-job training has led to an excellent career in the industrial maintenance mechanic field,” he says. “Before coming to CBRE (Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis group) I was a machinist apprentice for Hydromat, building, installing, and servicing machinery. I’m currently a Service Technician 3 for facilities, robotics, and machinery at CBRE St. Louis. I’m a millwright, experienced in electrical, fabrication and control systems, and this all began with making the decision to have a trade skill as my foundation.”

Wayne Perkins, Maintenance Manager STL 9, CBRE, explains “I have been working with Zach for about 6 months. He is one of my Tech 3’s, which is a Lead. Zach loves challenges and does a great job. He learns very fast and picks up skills very quickly. Zach has been a great asset to the team and works well with others. I am very pleased to have Zach as one of my Team Leads and see him advancing into management.”

Zach tells us one of his favorite memories while at Ranken was “Seeing the CNC machines generate their own tool paths for high-speed machining profiles. That was really awesome.”

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/
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