Faculty and Administration

Nick Hufker graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Precision Machining Program in May 2021. He was the recipient of the Gene Haas scholarship in 2020. Nick says, “I have been financially paying for my college education and this [scholarship] will be of great help in paying for some of my expenses.” In a letter to the scholarship committee, he wrote “I respect and value highly the work you do to keep such an amazing foundation available for newcomers in the machining industry.” Nick currently works as a Setup Machinist at R&S Machining, the who’s who of the manufacturing machining world, producing Aerospace components.

Matthew Roderick, Lead Programmer for R&S Machining, and Ranken alum explains “Nick is a great worker! Since he began working here, he has been respectful, hardworking, quality orientated, and always striving to learn. Nick started in our 3axis department stock prepping parts at night, and then quickly excelled to gain more responsibility. He currently works in our 5axis department in our new facility. He is always on time and will do whatever it takes to get the job done. Nick has become a huge asset to our company and we’re really excited to see how much the future holds for him. With his great attitude and work ethic, Nick is going to be a core asset to our company for a long time. Working directly with him every day is great and I love having him as a team member.”

“Nick Hufker was an amazing student. He was very quick to learn new skills and, in my class, often willing to help other students with their projects without me asking,” says John Vanover, Advanced Manufacturing instructor. “He has awesome work ethic and was always on time to class. He is a real example of what Ranken expects from our students.”

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

As President and CEO of R&S Machining, Inc, Thomas Roderick’s unparalleled determination and work ethic has made R&S Machining a leader in the aerospace industry, specializing in 4 & 5 axis aerospace components. Tom graduated Summa Cum Laude with a certification in Machine Shop in 1987 and later taught the Precision Machining program at Ranken Technical College from fall of 1989 to 1994. Tom tells us, “Ranken taught me that you can do whatever you put your mind to. Problem solving skills instilled a work ethic giving me the confidence to preserver in the face of adversity. It has allowed me to provide for my family in ways I never would have imagined.”

After serving a two-year apprenticeship in a job shop, Tom took a position with McDonnell Douglas, headquartered at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. During his ten years at McDonnell Douglas, Tom developed a very strong passion for aerospace manufacturing and a spirited enthusiasm for bettering the business. R&S Machining was founded in 1992 by two professionals with many years of experience in the machining industry. The company manufactures aerospace components, specializing in 4 & 5 axis machining. Their leadership instills a spirit of hard work and determination. According to Harvey Performance Company, a provider of world-class solutions to its customers in the manufacturing and metalworking industries, R&S Machining has been able to expand its facilities more than 225,000 square feet and 35 employees in the past four years (HPC 2021).

R&S Machining encourages eligible employees (postsecondary students) to participate in SkillsUSA competitions. SkillsUSA is a nonprofit national organization that drives the importance of education and integrity in the trades. SkillsUSA’s goals parallel R&S Machine’s mission to produce world-class workers and leaders. Tom’s field experience inspired him to teach and mentor others. Commitment to high-quality standards, cutting-edge training, and conformance to industries and customers’ evolving requirements are the foundation of R&S Machining’s sterling reputation.

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

Scott Miller tells us, “Ranken provided him the tools and methods necessary to be successful in this field; not just textbook knowledge but practical application by experienced professionals in the business.” Scott graduated Summa Cum Laude with an Associate Degree in Precision Machining Technology in 2017.

Scott served as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps for four years after working as a residential general contractor. He worked in machining and construction fabrication both before and after attending Ranken. Scott is now the Owner & Operator of 360 Machine Shop, LLC, a precision machining and manufacturing shop specializing in 5-Axis machining located in East Peoria, Illinois.

Scott competed in the 2017 and 2018 SkillsUSA CNC Technician contests. He took 1^st place at both the district and state championships. Scott advanced to the SkillsUSA National Conferences, where he placed 10^th nationally in 2017 and finished 3^rd in 2018.

Chris Clinton, former Precision Machining instructor, explains “Being an instructor at Ranken Technical College provided some of my most cherished memories in the machining industry. The most rewarding aspect was working with students who had that ‘it’ factor; Scott Miller was that student. His work ethic, ambition, and raw talent always stood out to us. Scott was not only engaged at the highest level personally, he also made himself available to help any students who struggled with the material. I’ve kept up with Scott since his time at Ranken. I couldn’t be more excited about both his growth in the industry and knowing he will ‘pay it forward’ by bringing young people into the trade and helping them reach their full potential. The only thing Scott loves more than the machining industry is Candy Corn!!”

Scott says, “My favorite memories while at Ranken were working with students who genuinely wanted to learn and better their abilities, and the faculty who legitimately encouraged growth and went above-and-beyond to facilitate it.” Scott worked as a tutor, shop assistant, and lab assistant while attending Ranken.

Scott pictured above at 2018 SkillsUSA National Conference (2nd from right)
Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/
https://www.facebook.com/360MachineShop/

Matthew Roderick is a Lead Programmer at R&S Machining, a leader in the aerospace industry. Matthew graduated Summa Cum Laude with an Associate Degree in Precision Machining and Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Applied Management December 2017.

Jim Maloney, Operations Manager for R&S Machining, explains “Matthew Roderick has worked his way up to our Lead programmer from parts finishing. His work ethic, attitude and performance-based results are commendable. He is a disciplined, dependable team player and willing to lend a hand where required. I firmly believe that the combination of technical school training and his industry experience complement each other very well.”

Jeff Ogle, former Precision Machining Department Chair and instructor, tells us “Matthew was an exemplary student in the Precision Machining program. It didn’t take long to see he was going to be an asset to R&S Machining as an intern. He always had a great attitude and an outstanding work ethic. Matt pushed to learn new things, always working ahead and willing to lend a hand to his classmates,” he says. Jeff recalls Matt competing in SkillsUSA District Manufacturing contests. “In 2016, Matt placed 1^st in the CNC Milling contest, advancing to State where he took 2^nd place. In 2017, Matt and his team placed 1st in the Automated Manufacturing contest, advanced to State, and placed 1^st again. Next stop, the SkillsUSA National Conference where Matt led his team to win the gold!”

Matthew says his Ranken education gave him the foundation and fundamentals that are so critical for continued success in the machining industry. “Without it, he says, I wouldn’t have been able to excel as much as I have and as fast as I did. I was employed by R&S Machining while I was at Ranken during both of my programs.” His favorite memory is winning gold at the 2017 SkillsUSA National Conference. Matt was also nominated for the David Ranken Jr. award in 2017.

Tom Roderick, Matthew’s father, is a Ranken alum. He received a certificate in Machine Shop in 1987 and later taught the Precision Machining program at Ranken.

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

Frank was a very good student in high school and when he decided to go to Ranken his college counselors tried to dissuade him, but he knew what he wanted to do. It is clear that Frank made the right choice. After graduating from Ranken he went to work for a St. Louis based machine shop and after a time started working at the shop he now owns, Elite Tool in Moscow Mills, MO. “I firmly believe in the Ranken Model,” says Roth. “With the skills I’ve learned and the opportunities I’ve had in industry to further my training, I was able to run a machine and fabrication shop and become the plant manager of Elite Tool when I was just 26 years old. We purchased the business and have owned Elite Tool since 2008.” In 2020 Frank gave a generous gift to the Ranken West Endowed Scholarship. “I received scholarships when I went to Ranken,” says Roth IV. “The money that I was awarded paid for my entire first year and part of my second and I ultimately graduated with zero debt for my education.”

He added, “I’ve been very successful in my career, thanks to the start I got at Ranken. It’s time to give back — to Ranken and to the community in which I live. As the demand continues to rise for more skilled workers in the region, we all need to step up and support this collaborative partnership in the community and help students on their way to successful tech careers.”

Roth’s father, Frank III, is also a Ranken graduate, earning his associate degree in Gas and Diesel engines in 1974. He now works for his son at Elite Tool.

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

Tech Manufacturing, with over 70 employees at their facility in Wright City, MO, has been a top supplier to major Aerospace manufacturers for over five decades. Alumnus Rich Vaughan, their Wright City Operations/Plant Manager, talks with us about the value of a Ranken degree and his start in the industry. He also discusses Tech Manufacturing’s valued partnership with our college, which produces a steady stream of skilled employees and promotions. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without Ranken,” Rich tells us.

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

Nick Woolbright is currently a Computer Numerical Control Machinist writing code for 7-axis robotic arms on automated robots for the Boeing Company, the world’s largest aerospace company. He graduated with an Associate Degree in Precision Machining Technology in May 2018. Nick shares his heartfelt gratitude for having attained his Ranken degree. He says, “Ranken has allowed me to get a fantastic career very early in life. This allowed me to increase the quality of my life exponentially . . . I attribute my success solely to my experience at Ranken and how it led me to a good job.” Nick and his wife, Crystal, tied the knot in 2020 and purchased their first home this year.

Nick and his team competed in the 2018 SkillsUSA Automated Manufacturing District Contest. They took 1^st place and advanced to the State Championship where they placed 1^st again, bringing home the gold. Nick and his team qualified to complete at the SkillsUSA National Conference held in Louisville, Kentucky. He was excited at the prospect of competing against rivals from across the country. Nick’s experience of participating at the national conference is one of his favorite memories during his time at Ranken.

Jeff Ogle, former Precision Machining Department Chair and instructor, tells us “Nick was a great student and I enjoyed having him in the Precision Machining program. I remember helping Nick prepare for one of his interviews. I think he thought I was crazy based on some of the questions I was asking him while preparing. Nick came back in the next day and said, ‘Mr. Ogle you were right about the questions,’ but he got the job! I am glad to hear Nick is successful and doing well!”

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