Faculty and Administration

Michael Ratcliff graduated Magna Cum Laude from Ranken’s Control Systems Technology program in May 2021. He is currently an Operator Technician for EverGrain, a company that has untapped the potential of barley, using this nutrient-dense grain and transforming it into world-class protein and fiber ingredients that meet the needs of food and beverage brands around the world.

Michael served an internship with EverGrain while earning his degree. “My internship with EverGrain was great!” he says. “I could directly relate my daily tasks at EverGrain to lessons learned in the classroom. My internship with EverGrain boosted my confidence and convinced me I was choosing the right career path. When the opportunity to secure contracting work with EverGrain after graduation, it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up!”

Michael had always wanted to attend college but felt the financial challenge would bar him from fulfilling that dream. “Honestly, thanks to the scholarship awards I received from Ranken, and local scholarships I applied for while in high school, and a program called WIOWA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), I received a full ride to college minus a few textbooks. I am very fortunate for the help I’ve received and my efforts in class paid off.” Among the seven Ranken awards Michael received were the Dennis & Marilyn Kircher Scholarship, the Red Bud Industries Scholarship, and the David Ranken Scholarship.

Alex Kraemer, Merchandise Specialist, Anheuser-Busch InBev, explains “Michael Ratcliff recently joined EverGrain Ingredients, a start-up food manufacturing facility, as a technician. His ability to address a wide variety of challenges shows the breadth and depth of his education. Michael arrives every day with the belief that results matter while displaying the courage to maintain a safe and inclusive work environment. The operations team chose Michael to conduct multiple trips to our manufacturing facilities in New Jersey. He is contributing to their success while bringing back best practices to our St. Louis facility. He continues to develop his technical and manufacturing skills by training new employees and taking on new assignments in a dynamic business environment.”

Sal Francis, Electrical instructor, tells us “Michael was an excellent student in my class. He was one of those students that was genuinely interested in learning the subject material. He helped many of my evening class students succeed because of his teaching abilities as a tutor.” Michael’s favorite memory while attending Ranken was in Mr. Francis’ PLC and HMI class. “Our class got to write a program that ran through a small-scale brewing process. It was very satisfying to build a program whose use could be seen outside of the classroom. The skills I learned while working on that project greatly helped me in the workplace.”

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

Sam Schlechte began his Ranken journey in the summer of 2015. He has successfully completed three degrees since that time and is now on the staff of Ranken Technical College as a Maintenance Technician. Sam graduated from the Industrial Technology program in May 2017. He went on to complete his second associate’s degree in Electrical Automation Technology in 2019. Sam graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Applied Management in May 2021.

“Having a Ranken education has had many impacts on my career and life,” says Sam. “I was a student worker for the Buildings and Ground Department at Ranken during my college journey and now my career is at Ranken.” Sam acknowledges he’s enjoyed his Ranken experience.

David Cadle, Director of Buildings and Grounds at Ranken, tells us “Sam has always been a great person to work with. He is always willing to help whenever needed, he is very smart and quick to help find the problem. He possesses a great attitude and makes a positive impact with those around him. He always arrives early and is prepared to work. Sam has the skills and abilities to be highly productive at any task given to him.“

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

Caleb Goodrich is a graduate of Ranken’s Electrical Automation Technology (EAT) and Control Systems Technology (CST) programs. Both degrees were obtained in 2020 and Caleb graduated the CST program Cum Laude. Caleb is currently a Material Handling Equipment (MHE) Controls and Programmable Logic Controls (PLC) Technician for CBRE (a commercial real estate services company) managing mechanical maintenance for an Amazon Distribution Center. He recalls one of his favorite memories being a PLC project where the class programmed their own tic-tac-toe programs.

Dennis Pierce, Electrical Automation Technology instructor, explains, “Caleb was an excellent student, he understood all phases of electrical theory, and had a great electrical mind on how to solve problems. Caleb’s work ethic was great, not only did he finish his shop projects in a timely manner, but he also assisted his peers who needed help as well. Caleb had good attendance, and if he did miss, he always made up his work the next day. Caleb was one of the most industrious students that I ever taught. Caleb was very much a team player in all we did in class, he was always willing to go the extra mile to help out his class as well as his peers. Caleb will be a credit to Ranken Technical College, as well as a very marketable employee to the electrical field.”

Nick Brinkman, Control Systems Engineer at CBRE, tells us ““Caleb Goodrich was hired onto my team right at the start of the new year and has been a great addition to the team. His ambition to learn and be curious combined with the confidence to approach new situations with an open mind have helped him establish himself as a very reliable Controls Technician. He is thorough and efficient in his critical thinking and problem-solving when presented with new issues that arise within an industrial fulfillment center such as Amazon. That skill is paramount to being successful in an environment where something new requires attention every single day. His utilization of knowledge of fundamentals with electricity and automation have helped propel him to be a driver in one of the top Controls Teams within the entire Amazon Fulfillment Center network and I’m very proud to have worked alongside him through his development.”

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/
https://www.cbre.us/people-and-offices/corporate-offices/st-louis

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Natalie Howell is an up-and-coming graduate, wrapping up concurrent degrees in Electrical Systems Design Technology and Bachelor of Applied Management. Bryan Truemper, electrical instructor, speaks to Natalie’s drive and motivation, “Natalie started the class well prepared because of the internship she sought during the previous summer. She works hard to understand the why’s and how’s of Electrical Design and is willing to help others in the class better understand the projects we are working on.”

While on her degree path, Natalie qualified for several scholarship awards:

• Monticello Scholarship (for female students),
• Jaudes Endowed Scholarship (for new students), and
• Alumni Association Scholarship (awarded to family of Ranken alumni).  Natalie’s brother Nick graduated with honors from the same programs she is completing.

“Ranken gave me the opportunity to attain a career that I am truly passionate about . . . I was able to learn about a subject and field I knew nothing about before attending Ranken,“ says Natalie. “My favorite memory is learning how to do the hands-on portion of my schooling. I believe that through Ranken I was able to learn how a specific function actually works.”

Justin Kohlman, Executive Vice President, Schaeffer Electric Company, met Natalie at the Fall 2019 Ranken Career Fair. He explains, “At that time, we were hoping to bring in a new intern who had recently started at Ranken that could have an extended internship at Schaeffer and really learn what it was like at our company. It gave us time to decide if she would be a fit and it gave her time to learn and decide the same. Natalie presented as polished, confident, and excited for an opportunity to learn. While she was new to electric, Natalie was an easy choice to offer an internship because we believed she was very capable of learning the job.”

Once Natalie was in the office, Kohlman shares,

She picked up on things quickly. Learning to be an electrical estimator can be a boring, repetitive endeavor, especially in the middle of a pandemic. Natalie has always been a positive person throughout her internship as she learned more about the position. She also displays punctuality, dedication, and an easy-going personality. Natalie gets along with everyone. She works with different estimators and project managers. She always asks the right questions. For an intern, that speaks volumes.”

Natalie will join Schaeffer Electric full-time after she graduates. Kohlman adds, [This] “is a great example of why working with Ranken and offering students internships early in their education can be very beneficial to employers . . . In addition, extended internships are beneficial to the student/intern. Natalie was always excited to share her experience at Schaeffer. Hopefully, this made her schooling easier, and allowed her to get more out of her schoolwork.”

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/
http://schaefferelectric.com/
https://www.facebook.com/SchaefferElectric

Tonisha Harvey graduated from Ranken’s Electrical Automation Technology program in May 2020 and anticipates completing a BS in Applied Management in summer 2022. “Having my Associate Degree in Electrical Automation Technology from Ranken, I was able to bypass the entire training process necessary to become a maintenance helper. I am currently a maintenance technician apprentice at ABB, a 2-year program,” explains Tonisha. “I am the 1st set of eyes on any machine or press, so I’m able to find problems early on, ensuring the machines are properly oiled and lubricated, while always being available to assist the maintenance team. I coordinate and process weekly orders on a timeline monitored by our central offices and am certified to operate all moving vehicles at ABB including forklifts, scissor lifts, and boom trucks.” ABB is a global leader in electrification, process automation, motion, and robotics & discrete automation.

Highly motivated students are in great demand in industry and Ranken faculty are proud and excited to recommend these high performers. Nick Weatherly, electrical automation instructor, shared “Tonisha was my student for three semesters. She impressed me with her dogged determination, work ethic, and initiative. At just over 4 feet tall and less than 100 pounds, she never shirked her responsibilities or complained. Tonisha was always prepared for the day’s lessons and labs and her work was done to a high degree of professionalism. I would be hard pressed to find someone with her focus and determination. She will do well in any endeavor she chooses.”

Understanding Ranken’s grading structure was challenging, but Tonisha soon appreciated how the institution evaluated her work ethic, overall competence, and skills knowledge demonstrated at the college level. She has more than doubled her salary since graduating from Ranken and with more anticipated experience, her earning potential is promising. Tonisha acknowledges,

My Ranken experience was by far the absolute best! I really enjoyed the hands-on approach to learning.  The professors were eager to assist me in any way possible; I thought that was really cool! I honestly recommend Ranken to anyone who has witnessed my career evolution and success. My decision to attend Ranken was the best decision I’ve made in my adult life. I can’t thank Ranken enough for equipping me with the fundamentals to be the best maintenance technician I can be!

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

Ranken Technical College’s alumni, as a general rule, Pay It Forward.  They hire, mentor, teach and encourage current students preparing to enter the workforce.  One example of this tradition is Dustin Snyder and Daniel Brostron, both graduates of the Electrical Systems Design Technology (ESDT) degree program.

Dustin admits he had a rocky start: he didn’t apply himself in high school, had false starts in community college, and had trouble finding a fulfilling career.  That changed when at the behest of his stepfather he enrolled in ESDT at Ranken.  Electrical instructor Sal Francis relates it was “always so nice to be around him . . .he was so curious about things and very positive. . . It was fun to tap into his energy because he is so inspiring.”  Dustin threw himself into as many activities as he could before graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2014 – from serving as a Student Ambassador and Teacher’s Assistant to working at the on-campus BioMerieux micro-enterprise to volunteering for the FIRST Robotics competition; he is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Applied Management (BSAM) at Ranken.

Daniel Brostron enrolled several years later, graduating from the ESDT program in 2020.  He found that the practical experience in electrical installation at Ranken helped him clearly comprehend writing diagrams and visualize his own electrical circuit designs.  “Ranken’s training helped a lot with preparing me,” Daniel tells us.  Instructor Bryan Truemper found that “Daniel worked hard in class and had a great attitude. He thrived learning the different design software programs.”

Their paths crossed when Dustin returned to campus to participate in a job fair.  For several years, he had worked for global energy leader Sargent & Lundy, and he introduced the company to Daniel.  Now, they work together at S&L’s Browns Ferry Nuclear Power Group in Alabama – Dustin as Design Lead and estimator and Daniel as a Drafter.  Nuclear Power Group Senior Manager Randy Cook, who supervises both young men, finds that Ranken students are equipped with a strong foundation for success, are work-ready on their first day of employment, and able to handle challenging assignments with minimal supervision.

Dustin continues to serve as an ambassador and express his gratitude for the opportunities the College has provided him with.  He says “the three items that had the biggest impact on my success were the quality of the instructors at Ranken, the curriculum being based on employer need, and the fact Ranken employs the latest and greatest technology.  Attending Ranken is one of the most important decisions I’ve made in my life.”

https://www.facebook.com/SargentLundyLlc

https://sargentlundy.com

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

Richard Wetstein graduated Cum Laude from Ranken Technical College’s Electrical Division in December 2019 with a degree in Controls Systems Technology (CST).  He immediately found employment with Coca-Cola North America at the independently owned bottling and packaging plant in Truesdale, Missouri. Adam Wetstein, Richard’s brother, is also a Ranken alum from the same division, holding a degree in Electrical Systems Design Technology.

The growing CST program requires extremely precise and detailed measurements with advanced instruments. Ranken instructor Gene Island enthused about Rich, saying “he did well with both theory and hands-on type material. He was always prepared and ready to learn more. Rich was the type of student that makes teaching fun.”

Working in Maintenance at Coca-Cola North America, Richard was equally impressive.  His direct manager, Mr. Zacarias, comments on his transition to the workplace, telling us, “he has done a great job closing the gap from school training and real-life troubleshooting. . . Richard has done a great job filling in during emergency situations. He was able to identify complex problems using the knowledge learned [at Ranken].”

At the plant, Richard adjusts and troubleshoots highly complicated, automated equipment including labelers, case packers, wrappers and Honeywell palletizers. Rich’s manager, Duane Freels, emphasizes that he is “very happy with his performance” and looks forward to helping him grow within the organization. Coca-Cola North America regularly hires Ranken graduates, and there are currently nine other alumni at the plant working with Richard. The Coca-Cola Foundation has even stepped forward to support Ranken’s students, generously establishing a scholarship at the college in 2019.

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

https://www.facebook.com/watch/TheCocaColaCo/

Violet White graduated December 2019 from Ranken’s Electrical Automation Technology evening program, Cum Laude. She pursued her degree in tandem with work and family commitments. Her strong work ethic and determination took priority over the obstacles she encountered. Often complimented for her positive disposition, her success comes as no surprise.

“I really enjoyed the hands-on training that we did.  It helped me retain the information we were learning,” she says, “I enjoyed the different people I was able to meet and loved the fact there were two other women in the class with me. I enjoyed being able to work along with them.”

Violet’s personality and fortitude complement her success. “Violet ranks in the top five of my favorite students,” says Nicholas Weatherly, Electrical Instructor, “She had the best personality and was always an absolute joy to work with. I truly admired Violet’s ‘never give up’ approach to everything. Through dogged determination and faith, she persevered and excelled.” He added, “I find the students that must grind and work tirelessly are the ones that will be the most successful. Lessons learned through struggle are kept forever.”

Violet’s supervisor, Greg Miller, Production Supervisor for AZZ Switchgear Systems, enjoys having this Ranken grad on his team. He explained, “Violet does a great job for us. She has a wonderful personality, a good attitude, and great work ethic. Violet took to her job very quickly, working on large electrical switchgear systems for substations serving local communities. She gets along with everyone and we’re very happy to have her here.”

https://www.azz.com/products/switchgear-systems

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

2019 graduate Joeb Easterday says that the time spent with hands-on training made his education at Ranken standout. Now, Easterday works as a Controls Engineer for Hytrol, one of the largest producers of material handling products such as conveyors in NorthAmerica. At Ranken, Easterday attended the Electrical Automation and Control Systems Technology programs. “Joeb has always been an absolute joy to work with,” said former instructor Nick Weatherly. “He and I have continued to communicate, after his graduation, and it would seem he has continued these behaviors into his new career. He is a true team player, always assisting not only other students but myself. It came as no surprise to me, that he was able to earn the respect and admiration of the working professionals in the night school classes as well as his contemporaries in day school.”

https://www.facebook.com/hytrol

https://hytrol.com/

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

George completed his Electrical Construction Design and Management degree in 2019. He explains, “A few years ago I was teaching a CDL class . . . now I’m the head of safety for over 1100 organizations. It’s been a wild wonderful ride.”

Nick Weatherly, Electrical instructor, remembers George well. “George is super smart and a very hard worker. He works as a compliance officer for Underwriters Laboratories (UL), an organization that tests every electrical device in the United States to make sure they are safe. This includes ensuring manufacturers adhere to the mandated rules set forth by the National Fire Protection Association and National Electrical Manufacturers Association. Riley came to us out of the Military with superb work ethic, attending night school while carrying a full-time job to support his wife and children. He worked for Savvis Center as an electrician, before getting his job at UL.

“I hired George during his last semester at Ranken after recruiting at their annual job fair,” says Charles Lover, Field Engineer/Business Manager for Underwriters Laboratories. “George has proven to be a valuable asset to our team. He came to us with the foundational skills necessary to excel in our organization. Since joining UL, George has become a key player in several group initiatives. Two years later, he continues to strive to improve not only himself, but to develop the talents and skills of others. George has performed admirably over the past two years, positioning himself as a candidate for the next level promotion in April 2021.

George recalls fun times while at Ranken, including working with an instructor to link a Billy Bass to a Google home. He says, “I had time to kill in-between work and evening classes and we played with some silly stuff.”  George has two cousins who attended Ranken, as well as his grandfather, who is now retired after 62 years with the Electrician’s Union.

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/
https://www.ul.com/about

Photo taken pre-pandemic. Pictured (L to R): George Riley, Greg (co-worker), and Charles Lover

Matthew Blessing is one of many students who pursued more than one degree while at Ranken Technical College. For years, he had worked in building maintenance in one capacity or another. He enrolled in Ranken’s Electrical Automation Technology (EAT) program in 2017. Matthew graduated from the EAT and Control Systems Technology degree programs in 2019. He tells us his favorite memory of his time at Ranken was helping others. Matthew threw himself into many activities before graduating, including volunteering for the FIRST Robotics program. He is not a stranger to hard work. Matthew served in the U.S. Army and is known by many for his diligence and optimism.

On the job, “Matt Blessing has been nothing short of an amazing maintenance manager for me at McGowan Brothers Development,” stated Matthew Ryffel, property manager. “From his broad knowledge of maintenance and labor skills to his hard work and dependability, I’ve been very lucky to have Matt Blessing on my team.”

Matthew left a lasting impression on Ranken faculty. One of his electrical instructors, Nick Weatherly, explained, “Matthew was a student of mine for three semesters. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him and came to know him as a truly remarkable student and human being. He is honest, dependable, and incredibly hard-working. Matthew has an impressive work ethic and is always seeking to better himself.  He had a  ‘never give up’ attitude that was a joy to behold and an inspiration. Along with his undeniable talent, Matthew is a true team player, he always managed to foster positive discussions and bring the best out of other students.” Another of Matthew’s electrical instructors, Gene Island, shared, “Matthew was not a ‘standard’ student. He was older and had a military background. It was very satisfying to see his success and his goals come to fruition.”

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

http://mbdstl.com/

Graduate Jacob Hartman says attending Ranken gave him the skills he needed to succeed professionally, as well as skills he needed in life.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a student at Ranken,” Hartman says. “I will always say it was the best decision I’ve ever made.”

Hartman graduated in May 2016, first with an Associate of Technology in Control Systems Technology, then received a Certificate of HVAC in May 2019. He now works as an R&D Lab Technician at Hussmann Corporation, where he’s been for the last four years.

“On each project, Jacob brings his skills learned at Ranken as a strong knowledge base, and adds new skills learned on the job,” said Hussmann R&D Manager Mike D’Anna. “In this regard Jacob Exceeds expectations working in the Hussmann R&D Center.”

Before attending Ranken, Jacob says he almost shut the door on going to college. But with the help and encouragement of his cousin, Jacob decided to go for it.
“Ranken gave me the structure I needed to be successful in life,” he says. “Going to Ranken completely changed my life.”

https://www.facebook.com/hussmanncorp

https://www.hussmann.com/

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

Ranken Technical College’s alumni, as a general rule, Pay It Forward.  They hire, mentor, teach and encourage current students preparing to enter the workforce.  One example of this tradition is Dustin Snyder and Daniel Brostron, both graduates of the Electrical Systems Design Technology (ESDT) degree program.

Dustin admits he had a rocky start: he didn’t apply himself in high school, had false starts in community college, and had trouble finding a fulfilling career.  That changed when at the behest of his stepfather he enrolled in ESDT at Ranken.  Electrical instructor Sal Frances relates it was “always so nice to be around him . . .he was so curious about things and very positive. . . It was fun to tap into his energy because he is so inspiring.”  Dustin threw himself into as many activities as he could before graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2014 – from serving as a Student Ambassador and Teacher’s Assistant to working at the on-campus BioMerieux micro-enterprise to volunteering for the FIRST Robotics competition; he is currently pursuing a BSAM at Ranken.

Daniel Brostron enrolled several years later, graduating from the ESDT program in 2020.  He found that the practical experience in electrical installation at Ranken helped him clearly comprehend writing diagrams and visualize his own electrical circuit designs.  “Ranken’s training helped a lot with preparing me,” Daniel tells us.  Instructor Bryan Truemper found that “Daniel worked hard in class and had a great attitude. He thrived learning the different design software programs.”

Their paths crossed when Dustin returned to campus to participate in a job fair.  For several years, he had worked for global energy leader Sargent & Lundy, and he introduced the company to Daniel.  Now, they work together at S&L’s Browns Ferry Nuclear Power Group in Alabama – Dustin as Design Lead and estimator and Daniel as a Drafter.  Nuclear Power Group Senior Manager Randy Cook, who supervises both young men, finds that Ranken students are equipped with a strong foundation for success, are work-ready on their first day of employment, and able to handle challenging assignments with minimal supervision.

Dustin continues to serve as an ambassador and express his gratitude for the opportunities the College has provided him with.  He says “the three items that had the biggest impact on my success were the quality of the instructors at Ranken, the curriculum being based on employer need, and the fact Ranken employs the latest and greatest technology.  Attending Ranken is one of the most important decisions I’ve made in my life.”

https://www.facebook.com/SargentLundyLlc

https://sargentlundy.com

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

Ranken’s Electrical Systems Design Technology program provides hands-on training using Computer-Aided Drafting, Building Information Modeling, and REVIT software to design electrical wiring, industrial controls, circuitry, machinery, and power distribution to create intelligent 3D models to produce construction documentation for large-scale projects. Zippia.com, the career expert, reports finding a job with an electrical design engineering degree will not be an issue. Working in one of the many branches of this profession, you can earn between $65,000 to $110,000 a year. The career is expected to grow 2% by 2028, producing 8,000 job opportunities in the U.S.

Nathaniel Turner graduated from the Electrical Systems Design Technology program in May 2013. He is an electrical designer in the Physical Department at Sargent & Lundy in Chicago, IL. Nathaniel creates blueprints and schematics, showing the physical layout of the equipment. He explains, “My experience at Ranken taught me how to loosen up a bit and how to properly communicate. I learned how to be patient with myself and others to assure precision and accuracy. I also learned to ask questions, and more questions!”

Nathaniel values the mentoring and encouragement he received from Ranken staff. “My first year, I was constantly in the Student Achievement Center getting help with math. There was always someone there when I needed help. Dr. Mottert, a Mathematics professor who tutored students, was extremely helpful; he made me more confident in myself and my abilities,” says Nathaniel.

Dr. Les Mottert recalls Nathaniel as “one of the finest young men to attend Ranken. Like many students, he struggled in algebra, but I saw his desire to succeed. By asking questions in class and seeking robust tutoring he made progress very quickly. His grades improved as well as his self-esteem. Nathaniel was a real pleasure to have in class and work with daily.”

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/
https://sargentlundy.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sargentlundy

Bridgett Wings began her journey at Ranken Technical College as a high school senior in the Dual Enrollment program, where students begin college while finalizing their secondary education.  Bridgett explains, “There were people there to help me, but it was a BIG risk for my last semester of high school. I had prom, I was valedictorian, and had to keep up my grades . . . [with] the strict attendance requirements and hard work at Ranken, it was incredibly difficult to do.”

Bridgett attended Construction Careers Center High School. Crystal Herron, then Dean of Student Affairs, recalls “Bridgett was working, attending Ranken, and responsible for her siblings . . . she was not willing to fail at any of those competing priorities. Moved by her tenacity, Ranken gifted her a Buick Century Wagon to remedy her lack of transportation.” Prior to graduation, Bridgett accepted a position with Sargent & Lundy, a global engineering and energy business that provides full-service power delivery systems for fossil-fueled, nuclear power, and renewable energy plants. Bridgett was excited but preoccupied with leaving her folks and siblings behind. “I pleaded with her several times to get established in Chicago before trying to remedy her family situation,” added Dean Herron.

Graduating from Ranken’s Electrical Systems Design Technology (ESDT) program in 2012, Bridgett became a designer for Sargent & Lundy in Chicago until 2016. While on a visit home, she spoke to students in the ESDT program about her Ranken experience and career prospects for Electrical graduates. Her husband-to-be, Nathaniel Turner, was in that class. A year later they crossed paths at Sargent & Lundy where Nathaniel was also employed as a design engineer. They struck up a conversation, fostered a friendship, and later married. Bridgett Wings Turner is now a stay-at-home wife, mother of three beautiful girls, and traditional homeschooler. Once their youngest begins pre-school, Bridgett plans to return to her field of expertise.

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/
https://www.facebook.com/sargentlundy
https://sargentlundy.com

Ranken Technical College is a premier destination for many wishing to enter one of dozens of skilled technical professions. But the college is also a valuable method of course correction: a way for adults to change careers and steer themselves onto a more satisfying or sustainable path. One such story, and an extraordinary one, is Eric Bowman.

In 2008, Eric felt himself at a crossroads. “I lost my job and only had a high school diploma,” he says. “I decided to attend Ranken in hopes of starting a new career that paid well and provided good benefits.” Industrial Technology Department Chair Greg Presley remembers Eric well: “Very smart and [in the] top percentage of his class. . . He was a mentor to other students and a great problem solver.”

Eric’s course changed dramatically. He is now an NC (Numerical Control) Electrician working with two global leaders: Boeing and Anheuser-Busch. His fellow co-workers continually deliver accolades about his job performance, whether it’s leadership that promotes workplace safety, developing and verifying complex procedures for a Final Paint Oven, making an impact across an entire tooling center by ensuring 777x robots function correctly, or skillfully identifying deficiencies that result in cost avoidance. A reliability engineer co-worker stated that “Eric deserves commendations for his thorough efforts.”

Eric’s academic performance has been equally outstanding. At Ranken, he repeatedly returned to the well of knowledge to further his skills and career options. From 2009 to 2016, he earned Associate degrees in Electrical Construction Design & Management, Industrial Technology, and Electrical Maintenance; finally, Eric earned a Bachelor of Science in Applied Management in 2020. Eric achieved Magna Cum Laude or Cum Laude status in each case! He is one of many students who has reengaged in higher education at Ranken Technical College and found their true calling.

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

https://www.facebook.com/Boeing

https://www.facebook.com/AnheuserBusch

Pictured (left to right): Tim Nixon, electrical lead man, Nathan Wegener, NC electrician, and Eric Bowman @ Boeing. Photo taken prior to Covid pandemic.

Jay Washington tells us, “Ranken Technical College has opened doors to me that would have been closed. I have had the opportunity to work in safety, through calibrating/repairing gas detection equipment, electronic design by building remote boxes with resistors/diodes and soldering, and electric design and power grid development and growth.” Jay’s career soared after graduating from Ranken’s Electronics Engineering Technology program in 2004. He now holds the position of Energy Services Consultant for Ameren Missouri.

“Jay is a pleasure to work with,” says Tim Callahan, Supervisor Distribution Services, Gateway Division, Ameren Missouri. “We serve in a fast-paced environment that requires a lot of customer interaction. While this can be challenging, Jay is very responsive to both our external customers and internal customers (such as our construction supervisors and our call center employees). Jay takes pride in his work, doing everything in his power to make sure projects go smoothly, working evenings and weekends to insure he’s ready when his customers are ready to move forward. Jay leads his team by example, bringing up moral when they face frustration and encouraging good practices, particularly related to safety. Being one of the more experienced members of our Team, he answers the call to better himself and develop our team members. Jay has a strong work ethic; his example has a positive influence on our entire team.”

Jay has countless good memories of his Ranken experience: daily labs, touring a police station and radio stations to see real life applications, and, of course, the annual softball games. He’s proud to have obtained his BSBA and MBA degrees from Webster University following his stint at Ranken.

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/
https://www.ameren.com/
https://www.facebook.com/AmerenCorp

Photo with family & friends @ Ameren, taken pre-pandemic.