Edustaff congratulates Eric Wilczynski on being named the Higher Education Employee of the Month for November.
After becoming an adjunct professor at Kirtland Community College in 2023, Eric brought about substantial improvements to the Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) course, according to Barb Walden, Dean of Occupational Programs.
“Eric didn't simply teach the course—he helped transform it,” she said. “With Eric’s guidance, Kirtland invested in new lab equipment and curriculum upgrades and subsequently added an Advanced PLC course. Today, Kirtland offers two PLC courses that serve students across three programs of study, providing them with current knowledge, hands-on experience, and skills that align with industry needs.”
Eric said his experience as a control engineer at an automotive plant helped him bring the course to students in a new way.
“I am able to take actual hardware used in the industry to introduce it into the class. I have students wiring up controllers and programming with actual hardware they will use in the field,” he said. “Previously there was a lot of dependence on simulation, which is very valuable as far as introducing concepts. But as far as building actual skills for the job field, nothing is better than the actual equipment itself, right?”
He also likes to talk with his students about how he is a community college trade school graduate himself.
“I like showing them there are alternative options as far as their career path. You don’t need a four-year degree to end up in an engineering role like I have. You just need experience and training – and to work hard at it, too.”
In his off-work hours, Eric likes to go hunting with his two bird dogs, and relax outdoors by walking in the woods.
Congratulations, Eric, and thank you for your work with Kirtland Community College!
