Automotive instructor wins prestigious award

Teresa Wilson

Managing Editor

Professor Raleigh “Doc” Ross received the Outstanding Instructor of the Year award from the California Automotive Teachers Association (CAT) for his many contributions to the Shasta College automotive program. Ross is the first instructor at Shasta College to receive this prestigious award.

Drew Carlson, president of CAT who initially nominated Ross for the award also announced Ross as the honoree at the annual spring convention. Ross admits he was humbled when he received the news in the presence of his peers and extremely grateful he was chosen.

“All of us do a great job. It’s hard to recognize every one in the field—I always looked up to people who received awards and wanted to do the same,” said Ross.

Not only is Ross dedicated to students on-campus, but spends a significant amount of time getting students involved in off-campus activities that relate to the automotive industry.

Ross and his son, Jeremy, 31, race a dragster at the Redding drag strip on the weekends. Ross uses a few students as his pit crew and “demonstrates a safe and exciting way to apply automotive skills.”

“Having the dragster here creates excitement for the students. It’s something that’s unusual,” said Ross.

The students that work the pit crew must make a commitment for one racing season that runs March through October. Ross teaches the pit crew how to work on the dragster before the season begins and then works with them operating the pit once the racing begins.

After teaching for 21 years, 10 of them at Shasta College, Ross has always been an instructor passionate about education. Many of his students look forward to his lectures and the extra effort he puts into his teaching style in and out of the classroom.

“He keeps things interesting; he is always helpful and if you need something he’s there,” said Francisco Martinez, 19, a second year automotive student.

Ross takes great pride in the number of students that graduate from the program and is instrumental in helping his students find jobs at local employers. Ross laughed and said his wife told him they are always running into former students wherever they go. He said, “That’s what it’s all about—getting these students jobs.”

Ross also regularly visits the local high schools to recruit students for the automotive program through innovative presentations and open forums.

“I try to open the door to potential future students,” said Ross.

Another avenue for high school recruitment is the annual high school troubleshooting competition that will be held on May 5 this year. High school students from as far as Ukiah have attended the annual event that allows students an opportunity to compete and test their knowledge in the field. Ross said they make it fun for the students by offering great prizes including cash and everyone gets a hat and t-shirt.

The walls in Ross’ office are plastered with numerous certificates and awards of achievement leaving a wallpaper effect by the shear number of certificates he has earned. Ross’ dedication to the field and personal success are evident by his many contributions to Shasta College and the automotive industry.

He was instrumental in developing a “smart” classroom using computer technology and two computer labs for his industrial students. Ross also wrote curriculum for the State of California’s Integrated Waste Management Board.

The automotive program at Shasta College received the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation certification by the initiative of Ross, another of his major contributions to the program at Shasta College.

Outside his many accomplishments, Ross is also an ASE Certified Master Automotive Technician, ASE Certified Master Machinist and Bureau of Automotive Repair Certified Training Instructor.