June 2, 2008

Pine relishing new role as Cowley College's automotive instructor

Having spent the past four years as an AMT Instructional Specialist at Cowley College’s Aviation Tech Facility, Jon Pine is beginning to settle into his new role as the college’s Automotive Technology instructor.

Pine spent the past 11 years working in the Aviation Industry, but prior to that ran his own automotive repair business. He has also worked for Rusty Eck Ford, Scholfield Honda, and Autobahn.

“It has been a lot of fun getting back into the automotive field,” Pine said. “I have been working on getting the program running in the right direction and getting caught up in the latest technology.”

Pine has received the ACE Master Technician Certification and has over 35 years of experience in the automotive field.

Once students have completed Pine’s class they take a test to earn EPA 609 certification. All technicians opening the refrigeration circuit in automotive air conditioning systems must be certified in refrigerant recovery and recycling procedures to be in compliance with Section 609 of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990.

“He has provided students with something they can take with them once they leave the program,” Cowley College Chair of the Career and Technical Education Department Bruce Crouse said. “He has made a lot of positive changes in the automotive area in the short time he has been here.”

Pine has enjoyed introducing students to different facets of the automotive industry as he prepares them for the work force.

“They will get the knowledge and work ethic to become professional mechanics,” Pine said.