Division programs focusing on cutting-edge technologies
Don E. Taylor looks forward to giving away $50,000 in scholarships to automotive students. (Oliver Yu – The Lariat)
In an age of computerization, the division of Applied Science and Technology take pride in the fact that they have the resources to keep Saddleback students on the cutting edge of the industry.
Don E. Taylor, the dean, suggests students interested in the most advanced fields of technological development try out some of the course offerings in his division.
“Now is the time to find out. Go out and try some thing new and prepare yourself for the future,” Taylor said. “Because that is what college is here for at the community college level.”
Taylor understands that new students may not always have direction in what they may be interested in for a career and the division is designed so students can get hands-on experience.
“I encourage new students to take classes that they have interest in but may not particularly be good at.” Taylor said.
The division is constantly growing and moving along with the speed of technology and its advances.
In recent news Taylor said that the division received $50,000 in scholarship donations from Tuttle Click Automotive Group.
“These scholarship funds are earmarked for students in the college’s automotive program,” Taylor said.
In addition to the scholarships, Tuttle Click has committed to hiring students from the program and gifting them their own tool chest upon graduation from the program.
Along with big opportunities in the automotive sector, the division has grown immensely in the manufacturing department. Saddleback now has a rapid digital manufacturing lab.
“With the help of the National Science
Foundation, we have been able to work together to create a new program which allows students to study 3-D modeling,” Taylor said.
The program is moving to ATEP in Tustin, where the program will have more opportunity to grow.
The college will have an Advanced Technology and Education Park, which is a special campus, dedicated to advance technology studies.
“We have facility issues, which have been plagued for the whole campus. The division had to move a few classes from the BGS buildings to lower campus and move back, which disrupted a few of the programs a little bit.” Taylor said.
Experience with moving has Taylor feeling confident with the new Saddleback Library Project, moving the communication arts classes, now housed in the library, to The Villages on lower campus will go smoothly, either the coming fall or next spring.
“Facilities are the major issues we have, because with all the moving, we still try to provide all the programs we currently have,” Taylor said.
The division is soon going to lose one of their most experienced staff members, Trudy Baggs, who has retired.
“That will be a huge struggle for us because that is like 30 years of experience out the door” Taylor said.
Aside from all that, the division is ready to help new students discover their passions and help network them to professionals in the field, giving students experience with helpful facilitators to prepare them for work, Taylor said.
For more information, visit http://www.saddleback.edu/atas/