FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GERALD SEXTON TO HEAD NEW CENTER FOR WOOD PRODUCTS TECHNOLOGY   

DANVILLE, VA, March 15, 2007 - With more than 30 years of experience in the industrial field, Gerald Sexton of Danville has been named Instructor and Coordinator of the new Center for Advanced Manufacturing in Wood Products Technology at Danville Community College. The Center was recently established to provide specialized training to existing and potential employees of wood products-related companies, including Swedwood North America; Yorktowne Cabinetry, Inc., Columbia Flooring, Inc., Columbia Forest Products, Inc., and Huber Engineered Woods, LLC. 

“I am very excited to be a part of the (Advanced Manufacturing in Wood Products Technology) program,” says Sexton. “It is a great opportunity to be thoroughly involved with Wood Products Technology at DCC and to provide a need for educational support and training opportunities.” 

Sexton earned an Associate of Science Degree in Business from Gadsden State Junior College; a Bachelor of Technology Degree in Occupational Technology (Electrical/Electronic) from Jacksonville State University; and a Certificate in Vocational Education from Alabama A&M University.

In his new position, Sexton will have a number of responsibilities in creating the new center, including (1) providing program development, management, and training services, (2) coordinating instructional and training programs, (3) identifying, obtaining, and managing grants, (4) providing technical assistance to industry, (5) developing a marketing plan for programs and services, and (6) serving as a regional economic development resource.

Prior to coming to DCC, Sexton was employed by Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, where he was employed in several capacities including Journeyman Industrial Electrician, Maintenance Instructor/Coordinator and Maintenance/Production Training Coordinator.

“Gerald (Sexton) was hired because of his extensive background in manufacturing, particularly his experiences with process control technologies,” says Jeff Arnold, Director of Business, Industry and Economic Assistance. “When we discussed the qualifications for the position, a need for process control technology experience was the main issue. We thought that this is critical to Wood Products Technology operations.”

Arnold also notes that Sexton brings an extensive background in skills assessment, curriculum development, training and program coordination.

“It is important that we have a Coordinator of the Center for Advanced Manufacturing in Wood Products Technology because of the multitude of changes in manufacturing,” continues Arnold, who also serves as President of the National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers. “There is a higher expectation of meeting workforce needs.” 

Sexton will also instruct courses for an upcoming certificate program and for the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Technical Studies – Wood Products Manufacturing Technology. The College is also considering a possible “two-plus-two-plus-two” program in which high school students participate in a two-year WoodLINKS program, then enroll in an associate degree program at DCC, and later transfer to a four-year college or university, enrolling into a baccalaureate program. DCC hopes to establish these programs to assist workforce and economic development.

“I think that the Danville Community College Workforce Services Office plays an integral role in the economic growth of this area,” Sexton says. “Through workforce development and training program offerings at the Regional Center for Advanced Technology and Training (RCATT), local companies can benefit greatly.

“It has been my long-time career goal to be associated with a community college like DCC,” Sexton continues. “It’s also a personal fulfillment to be involved in the Wood Products Technology program and to be able to give back to the community.”

For more information, contact Sexton at 434.797.6437, or click here.