Skip to main content

A majority of Ranken students are from Greater St. Louis



A majority of Ranken students are from Greater St. Louis, but the College’s reach is far wider, with young men and women attending from throughout the Midwest. One such student is Chazzerene ‘Chazz’ Howard, who left her hometown in western Tennessee to enroll in the Collision Repair Technology degree program. She was one of Ranken’s first students to take part in our new Collision Engineering model, alternating 8-weeks of instruction with 8-weeks of paid work experience at a local shop.

Chazz immediately impressed her instructors. Collision Repair Department Chair and faculty member John Helterbrand explains, “I was struck by her self-motivation and the way she was ‘super-focused’ on her education. Anything she did, got her full effort. While building her technical skills, Chazz’s character and work ethic shone through.” Chazz is equally appreciative of her Ranken experience, telling us the college “had a huge impact on both my life and career path. It has allowed me to reach far beyond my comfort zone.” She graduated in May 2019 with Cum Laude honors. Chazz impressed representatives of Caliber Collision, the second largest Multi-Shop Operator (MSO) nationwide, when they toured Ranken. This led to full-time employment post-graduation with Caliber, where she has been employed as a Service Advisor in Hampton, Virginia. Chazz’s branch General Manager, Eric Carr says, “She has been an invaluable addition to his team. Her experience in auto repair is what makes an estimator not just good, but great. As young as she is, with the knowledge she has, she will keep moving forward . . . she’ll probably replace me someday!” John Helterbrand fully agrees that Chazz’s current position is a steppingstone toward the future. “Chazzerene is a lifelong learner with amazing things in front of her. It’s clear to everyone, her journey is just beginning!” Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/ https://www.facebook.com/calibercollisioncenters/

@rankentech, #rankentech

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

John Russell received his 2006 Universal HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) Certification

To address the growing need for a skilled technical workforce, Ranken Technical College offers a variety of seminars designed to help technicians stay up to date on the latest skills and technology in their industry and refine their skills. These seminar programs are specially designed to meet the needs of tradesmen who want to advance their career or make a career change. John Russell received his 2006 Universal HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning)  Certification through Ranken’s Advanced and Continuing Education Division. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires this certification for all HVAC technicians working with the refrigerants found in many types of HVAC/R units. John is currently the Lead Maintenance Technician for UE Management, servicing dozens of multi-family properties in St. Louis. He has spent the last 32 years working in property maintenance. Supervisor, Alex Rodriguez, Property Manager for UE Management, explains “John has been a tremendous ...

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

 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...

Ermin Velagic graduated in 2020 with an Associate Degree in Network and Database Administration

Ermin Velagic graduated in 2020 with an Associate Degree in Network and Database Administration. He immediately took a position with TekSystems. Last winter, Ermin joined IMPACT Strategies, a full-service commercial builder as a Computer Support Specialist. Ermin tells us his parents emigrated to the United States “seeking a better life,” making him a first-generation college graduate. His academic journey faced serious challenges. Ermin and his fiancé both worked full-time while he attended classes at Ranken to build a more secure future. While juggling this schedule, he distinctly remembers the support he received from Ranken IT faculty member Ashley Reddick, who spent many hours before and after class mentoring and motivating him to pass demanding certification exams. In a personal letter to Mr. Reddick, Ermin’s emotions were clear, “[You] created a never-forgetting impact I will carry with my heart and soul heavily for as long as I will be able to remember it.” Mr. Reddick says, ...