SCC Hires Renowned Auto Instructor for New Program

Monday, July 11th, 2022

Meet Johnny O’Connell, the new Automotive Systems Technology Instructor at Southeastern Community College.

O’Connell joins the Southeastern Community College faculty from Wilkes Community College (WCC). O’Connell graduated from WCC with a degree in Automotive Systems Technology. “It’s the only thing I knew well,” said O’Connell. O’Connell comes from a “naturally mechanically inclined family,” he explained. “My grandfather owned an automotive shop that became a family affair. The shop was long gone before I was born, but those technical skills were instilled in me at a young age. As a kid, I loved repairing anything from toys, bicycles, and anything mechanical.”

His achievements have occurred both as a  student and as an instructor. He won awards for Outstanding Student and Vehicle Technician.

After experience working in the automotive industry, he returned to WCC and spent the last 14 years teaching as an automotive instructor.

During his time at WCC he has earned an Excellence in Teaching Award, making it to the semi-finalist stage at the state level. He assisted in developing an automotive program at the University of Erbil in Iraq. O’Connell participated in an instructor exchange program with a college in Northern Ireland, spending a week in Ireland to teach a few automotive classes. Over the past ten years, he has gone on four service-learning trips to Panama, three of which, he brought groups of automotive students to participate in community projects that benefit those in need. “Those trips were funded with money that his students raised through an automotive club. Many students said it was the best experience of their lives and I’m excited to create opportunities for students at Southeastern Community College,” said O’Connell.

“We feel very fortunate to have Mr. O’Connell at SCC. He comes to Columbus County with real-world experience and high-tech knowledge of automotive training, and he’s super excited to develop opportunities for students in our region,” said Angie Ransom, Dean of Business Careers and Technical Training.

SCC is enrolling students in the Automotive Systems Technology program this Fall. If you are interested in learning more about this awesome program or you are ready to enroll, please call Student Services at (910) 642-7141

Share This Page

Other News

SCC Rams Family Fun Day – Celebrating Athletic Graduates

Tuesday, March 21st, 2023

SCC is hosting a Rams Family Fun Day on Saturday, April 15, 2023 from 10:30am - 4:30pm. The college is celebrating baseball and softball sophomores who are graduating in May. The event is FREE ADMISSION to: SCC Students + Dixie Youth Baseball/Softball players who attend in uniform. FREE SUNSET SLUSH to: First 50 Dixie Youth Baseball/Softball players who attend in uniform. Sunset Slush will be available for purchase....

Read More

Rams Spotlight: Bobby Moore

Monday, March 20th, 2023

Meet Bobby Moore! SCC Rams Spotlight student is enrolled in the Facilities Maintenance Technology program. He's also participating in an internship program on the SCC campus with the Maintenance department. ...

Read More

Internships Lead to Rewarding Experiences 

Monday, March 20th, 2023

At Southeastern Community College, students have a variety of opportunities for gaining valuable work experience while pursuing their education. Work-based learning programs are building an educated workforce in Columbus County, and surrounding areas. Internships are made possible by the powerful partnerships we have across Columbus County.   ...

Read More