Faculty and Administration

Nick Kallal credits Ranken for having a great impact on his career. “Ranken gave me the opportunity to find what I liked and to be capable of many different skills that have helped me in my career,” he tells us. “The electrical class I took for one semester taught me more than I needed to know for a first-year apprentice electrician. I am definitely ahead in my trade. The other technical classes I took at Ranken also helped me understand the industry. With basic knowledge of welding, hydraulics, mechanical and carpentry, I am able to better understand my job and career on a daily basis as an apprentice. I am very thankful for Ranken for getting me started on a great career.”

Nick graduated in May 2019 with an Associate Degree in Industrial Technology. He is an Apprentice Electrician with Reinhold Electric. Reinhold, founded in 1976, serves the greater St. Louis area, as well as Central Missouri, and Southwestern Illinois. The company utilizes over 250 electricians daily to provide service and maintenance work in homes and businesses. Their 24-hour emergency service provides customers during power outages and electrical failures.

Nick valued the hands-on training he received at Ranken. He says, “[Ranken] is definitely one-of-a-kind and will get anyone ahead on beginning a career. The job fair was a huge help in finding jobs. I had at least half a dozen job offers on the spot with another half dozen interviews ready to be set up.”

Greg Presley, former Industrial Technology Department Chair and instructor, explains “Nick was a model student. He is smart and has a great personality and work ethic. When he finished required projects in class, he would take on extra projects. It is not a surprise that he is successful in his job.”

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

There is a critical shortage of industrial technicians in the workforce. Employers are partnering with Ranken to help build their pipeline of skilled workers. Earning potential for occupations in this industry is limited only by your desire to learn. Career path opportunities into supervision and management, or entrepreneurship are endless. It is a multi-skill, multi-craft profession which provides a lot of flexibility to advance your career.

Jeffery Scott graduated Cum Laude from Ranken’s Industrial Technology program in December 2006. He can attest to opportunities in this field. Following graduation, Jeff dove in to working for local industry. One job search led him to John Henry Foster, the largest, full-service pneumatic and hydraulic equipment distributor in the Midwest, where he was an Air Service Technician. In 2008, Jeff joined the ranks of Ranken faculty for the next ten years, teaching Industrial Mechanical Systems in the Industrial Technology program. He is currently a Training Supervisor for Ameren, a Fortune 500 company that powers the quality of life for millions of people throughout Illinois and Missouri.

Greg Presley, Industrial Technology Department Chair and instructor, explains “Jeff Scott was an outstanding student with an eye for detail and the desire and drive to accomplish any task at the highest level. When Tim Hessel, former Industrial Electrical instructor, asked  if I could refer a student to assemble and mount electric brakes for his motor shop, I immediately said ‘Jeff Scott.’ Being that Mr. Hessel was extremely attentive to the aesthetic and functionality of every electric device installed in his shop, Jeff was the only student up for the task. After the install was complete, Mr. Hessel not only complimented Jeff, but found more work for him to do. He was the only student worker I ever heard Mr. Hessel brag about.”

Jeff expressed the impact that Ranken has had on his career, “Ranken is a great place to be from! My work life is a direct result of what I learned both as a student and as a teacher at Ranken.” In 2011, Jeff received the Distinguished Young Alumni Award.

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