Glen Oaks Community College is proud to have several exceptional female instructors teaching programs in traditionally male-dominated fields. Instructors Erin Goff, Kaitlin Nielson, Brea Zuydwegt, and Alyse Bannister bring valuable real-world expertise to their respective programs. Their experience in criminal justice, electrical technologies, and welding inspires and prepares the next generation of professionals in these vital industries.
Goff serves as the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department’s emergency services director. Her current role and extensive experience in law enforcement provide an invaluable perspective for students. This fall, she will an online introduction to corrections course and an in-person prevention of crime and juvenile delinquency class on Wednesdays.
In the electrical technologies program, Nielson draws from her background as a CAD/BIM designer and master electrician at Martell Electric. Her online courses will include basic electricity, an introduction to AC/DC circuits, and the National Electric Code. On Wednesday evenings, she will provide hands-on instruction for residential technology, industrial and commercial wiring, electric motor controls, and an introduction to motors and transformers.
GOCC’s comprehensive welding program is led by experienced instructors Zuydwegt and Bannister. During the day, both instructors teach Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes for high school students. CTE classes meet Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-10:30 a.m. and 12 p.m.-2:30 p.m. They include basics of welding, oxyacetylene welding, cutting processes, shielded metal arc welding, advanced arc welding, and gas tungsten arc welding.
In addition, Bannister also teaches evening welding classes to adult students on Mondays, 3 p.m.-6 p.m., and Wednesdays, 7 p.m.-10 p.m. These include welding metallurgy, gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, pipe welding, and special applications.
“These remarkable women, with extensive professional backgrounds, bring invaluable real-world insights that greatly enrich our students’ educational experience,” Dean of Advanced Technologies and Public Service Lanre Ajayi said. “They are outstanding role models demonstrating that individuals can excel in any field they are passionate about, regardless of traditional gender roles or norms.”
The fall semester runs from August 26 to December 13. Those interested in these classes or seeking more information can contact Ajayi at [email protected] or (269) 294-4354.
