Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Staff Contact:

Andrea J. Burney, APR

Director of Public Relations

Chad E. Adams

Public Relations & Marketing Specialist

STUDENT SUCCESS SPOTLIGHT - November 2006

James M. Davis

Computer-Aided Drafting and Design and

General Engineering Technology

James M. Davis of Danville lets his electronic portfolio speak for itself! He has artistically visualized, designed and documented his talents and achievements on a Web site he created.

This is just one of the many projects that Davis and his fellow students in Danville Community College’s Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Diploma program regularly create to enhance their skills and catch the attention of potential employees.

“We are taught to use an artistic approach, to be creative and to think outside of the box,” says Davis, the 19-year-old son of Ronnie and Lucy Davis. “My favorite aspect of my program of study is the design aspect. The instructors assign a project and turn us loose to see what we will come up with!”

His resume, cover letter, electronic AutoCad software drawings and hobbies clearly give potential employers a well-rounded look at this DCC student, who is in his second year with a dual major in General Engineering Technology (Associate of Applied Science Degree program) and Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (Diploma program). Upon graduation in May 2007, Davis, plans to work full-time in the civil engineering field and pursue a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering Technology at Old Dominion University’s DCC site.

With a 3.5 grade point average, Davis has been named to both the President’s Honors List and Vice President’s Honors List several times.

“James is an excellent draftsman and problem solver,” says Robert Huffman, Associate Professor of Drafting and Design. “He is a quiet, hard-working student who is a role model for other students.”

Davis continues to build his career’s foundation by gaining hands-on experience in the workplace. He was referred to Dewberry & Davis, Inc., as a model student and offered a part-time position with the company, Huffman says.

“Local businesses often call us and ask for potential part-time and full-time workers,” explains Huffman. “After working six months part-time, Davis is being offered a full-time position upon his graduation from the program.”

Davis credits his intensive training at DCC for allowing him to make a smooth transition from classroom to the workplace. Both DCC’s program and Dewberry & Davis, Inc., use the AutoCad software, which is a global product with several versions, explains Davis. He says AutoCad software allows students and companies to develop and edit design concepts and then to actually create the three dimensional, solid versions of the designs.

“I was comfortable when I first began working for Dewberry & Davis because DCC’s program is so thorough,” says Davis. “Yes, there are some things that can only be learned through experience in the workplace, but I knew enough to feel comfortable with learning that company’s specific techniques.”

Davis says he would definitely recommend the Computer-Aided Drafting and Design program to others in the community. He notes the hands-on experience and the technology will definitely help people to build careers in construction and civil engineering companies.

“You have to like this field and you have to enjoy math,” says Davis. “Actually, people who want to enter this program should take as many math courses as possible while they are in high school.”

Davis made his decision to attend DCC while he was a junior at Tunstall High School, taking the dual enrollment course in drafting. Through the dual enrollment program, high school students can earn college credit for some courses.

“I really enjoyed the drafting class in high school, and I have several family members who have been successful in construction and civil engineering companies,” states Davis. “I chose DCC’s program because it is close to home and affordable.”

Davis also has worked at Harris Nursery in Danville where he learned to operate heavy equipment and acquired the knowledge of greenhouse construction and design. He also knows basic welding techniques and how to repair and maintain farm equipment.

Computer-Aided Drafting and Design is designed to train persons for employment in the many occupations available in the field of drafting and design. The General Engineering Technology program provides a broad base of math, science and engineering knowledge which will prepare the graduate to enter the technical workforce upon graduation.

For more information about Computer-Aided Drafting and Design or the General Engineering Technology program, contact Robert Huffman, Associate Professor of Drafting and Design, at 434.797.8548, or James Adkins, Instructor of General Engineering/Drafting and Design, at 434.797.8436. Details about the department can be found at http://dcctechshowcase.com.