Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine September 2021

HVACR NewsMagazine September 2021

State National Chapter News

Arkansas Energy Office & ACCA Visit North Arkansas College It is becoming widely known that the HVACR program at North Arkansas College is a premier program in Arkansas. Even with limited space, instructor Jeff Smith has packed in one of the largest arrays of systems and training equipment. Well arranged and neatly kept, the program is a shining example of where we need to go with HVACR education. On August 19 th , Energy Office Ryan Burris, Outreach and Training Manager, and ACCA CEO & President, Barton James, visited the program in Harrison. Very Impressed, the two were given a tour of the program. Special time was given to reviewing the measureQuick software working with digital test instruments by Testo. Bluetooth connected, Jeff demonstrated the ability to determine the system ’ s operating capacity and efficiency on both an iPad as well as a large screen TV. A great tool for teaching as well as for technicians and installers in the field. Ryan was treated to an introduction of 3D Simulations and Virtual Education using InterPlay Learning platform. They have over 200 hours of training online and Jeff uses it with his students as well as hands on lab time. So how does one achieve the credit that North Arkansas College is enjoying? Jeff says it is the result of 12 years of work, vision, and looking for new ways to teach his students how to be successful technicians. One thing is also clear, President Massengale and Nell Bonds, Dean of Technical Programs are fully

Dr. Rick Massengale, President, North Arkansas College Jeff Smith, HVACR Program Manager, North Arkansas College

Ryan Burris, Outreach and Training Manager, Arkansas Energy Office Barton James, President and CEO, Air Conditioning Contractors of America

supportive of the program and Jeff’s focused and hard work. Both Dr. Massengale and Ms. Bonds asked the visitors how the program could improve and listened intently to suggestions by Burris and James. Jeff is expanding his program into light commercial and hopes that his program will be first in line for space being vacated by another program which is moving into a new building on the main campus. That will add significant space for expansion. This could be as soon as three years but Jeff is optimistic and is already including two screw compressors donated by Middleton in central Arkansas and Brewer Refrigeration in Winslow. As one can see, the word is getting out about the quality of the North ARK program. Jeff is usually busy with his students but welcomes inquiries via email at jsmith@northark.edu or phone at 870- 391-3382.