VGCC student is first to earn Two-Year Automotive degree
Johnnie M. Henderson of Manson recently made history as the first person to complete the requirements of the Associate in Applied Science degree in Automotive Systems Technology at Vance-Granville Community College. The college introduced the two-year degree in the fall of 2009 as an addition to the one-year Automotive Systems Technology diploma, which VGCC had offered in one form or another since 1970.
Henderson (pictured above) started taking Automotive classes at VGCC in August 2008, and graduated with his diploma one year later. Around that time, the college made the degree available. “I thought since I enjoyed education and I liked tinkering with cars, I should keep going,” Henderson said. Applying the credits he had already earned, he completed the second year of the 66-semester-hour degree. A full-time student, Henderson said he has been supported by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment VetSuccess Program (also known as the Chapter 31 program). That program provides eligible veterans with various training and employment services. Henderson is a veteran of the United States Army, in which he served as an engineering officer and rose to the rank of Captain.
Fred Brewer, the Automotive Systems Technology program head and instructor, said he enjoyed having Henderson as a student. “I’m delighted and proud that Johnnie has become our very first graduate of the associate degree,” Brewer said. “He will go down in VGCC history as the first of hopefully many students who will graduate with additional skills and job opportunities.”
Henderson applauded the program’s facilities, instructors and his fellow students. “I’ve always enjoyed cars, but now, after having gone through the program, I have gained more knowledge and perspective on the technology,” he said. “There’s a lot more to it than turning bolts.” Henderson added that alternating between learning in the classroom and the program’s state-of-the-art shop has been beneficial. “You do it as you learn it, and I think that helps students retain the knowledge,” he said. His degree in hand, Henderson is considering continuing his education in either auto body repair or diesel engine repair, and he would also like to find a job in the field while studying.
VGCC’s Automotive Systems Technology program now offers the associate degree, the diploma , and certificates in Electrical Systems , Suspension & Steering , and Transmission Systems . The program is certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). VGCC graduates are prepared to take the ASE exam and are ready for employment as Automotive Service Technicians in dealerships and repair shops in the automotive industry. Anyone interested in the VGCC Automotive program should contact Fred Brewer at (252) 492-2061, ext. 3204.
