Meet the Faculty

Gene Crook

Gene Crook is the 100% owner and founder of Arclabs, LLC, an S Corporation d/b/a Arclabs Welding School. Gene has a long history in the welding trade. He is a graduate of Virginia Tech, a member of the American Welding Society, has served on the national committee for the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA), and once served as the Vice-Chair for the Welding Advisory Committee at Greenville Technical College. In 1975, Gene founded Task Industrial as a precision machining and fabrication company. He grew the company to over 100 employees with annual sales more than $10 million dollars. Task quickly became one of the largest metal working job shops in South Carolina.

In addition to his role at Arclabs, Gene owns and operates a recruiting and staffing service for welders and other metal working tradesmen and a welder testing and consulting service. Gene’s unique industry perspective has led him to the conclusion that there is a severe shortage of highly skilled welders available to meet business demand. His entrepreneurial skills combined with a vision to be able to provide welders with enhanced skills training have been a key component in the formation of Arclabs.

• B.S., Virginia Tech, 1969
• Certificate, Mechanical Contractor, South Carolina Labor, Licensing and Regulation, 2007

David Crook

David Crook is the Chief Operating Officer at Arclabs Welding School. David is responsible for the daily operations of the company. He started his career at General Electric in the manufacturing management program (MMP). He then accepted an opportunity at GE Capital that began a successful finance career in Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (CMBS), and he continued this work with CW Capital. David moved forward from there, becoming a founding executive with ICON Aircraft, a sport aircraft startup company that built a unique, high-tech aircraft, purpose-built to attract new pilots to adventure flying. Starting as ICON’s initial CFO and founding investor, David was an integral part of the executive team that led ICON from concept through full-scale production. He was a versatile executive with responsibilities ranging from leading finance and strategy to EVP Revenue over sales, marketing, service, and flight operations. David is known for his ability to enter a new environment, understand the fundamentals of the opportunity, then recruit and lead key talent toward a successful outcome. David is excited to be an integral part of the growth of Arclabs Welding School.

• B.S., Clemson University, 1992
• M.B.A., UCLA, 2003

Heidi Bray

Heidi Bray is the Executive Vice President at Arclabs Welding School, and her duties include overseeing the schools and education experience for all Arclabs students. Heidi is a magna cum laude graduate of North Greenville University where she earned a B.A. degree in Business Communications in 2004. While attending NGU, she was a Campus Ambassador Officer, member of the Business Society, and part of the praise team. After working as a Human Resource Manager for several years, she went back to graduate school to pursue her M.B.A. She graduated from NGU in December of 2008. Heidi is a member of SHRM and participates in the local chapter. When she’s not helping others pursue their dreams, you can find her baking, bargain shopping, or spending time with her family and friends.

• B.A., North Greenville University, 2004
• M.B.A., North Greenville University, 2008
• Certificate, Specialty Craft Instructor, NCCER, 2010

Kyle Davidson

Kyle Davidson is the Chief Financial Officer at Arclabs Welding School and is responsible for overseeing the financials for each school location. With over 30 years of financial management experience, Kyle has worked with publicly traded international companies, a private equity sponsored management buyout and in public accounting. Kyle’s previous roles included Director, International Accounting and External Reporting for KEMET Corporation, Global Business Unit Controller for Hexcel Corporation and Corporate Controller for Clark-Schwebel, Inc. Kyle is a graduate of the University of Illinois with a BS in Accounting, has passed the CPA exam and started his career in public accounting with PricewaterhouseCoopers.

• B.S., University of Illinois, 1983

Jennifer Harrison

Jennifer Harrison is the Director of Finance at Arclabs Welding School. With more than 25 years of accounting experience, Jennifer has worked with small businesses for tax and financial accounting and non-profit organizations. Jennifer’s previous roles included General Ledger Accountant, North Greenville University; Manager of Budgeting, Payroll and Financial Reporting, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; and many years as a self-employed tax preparer for individuals and businesses. Jennifer is a graduate from Middle Tennessee State University with a BS in Accounting. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband, four children, and her amazing church family.

• B.S., Middle Tennessee State University, 1995

Ernie Galloway

Ernie Galloway is the Controller at Arclabs Welding School. With 10 years of accounting experience, Ernie has worked at an accounting firm that specializes in providing small businesses with outsourced accounting services as well as in public accounting. Ernie’s previous roles include providing financial accounting services while at OnPoint CFO & Controller Services and working in public accounting while at James H. Stuckey, Jr., PC and Woodruff Accounting. Ernie was a stay-at-home mom for 20+ years before returning to school in 2010 and earning her master’s degree. She enjoys traveling with her husband, reading, crafts and kayaking.

• B.S., Midwestern State University, 1985
• MPAcc, Clemson University, 2012

Stacy Goeringer

Stacey Goeringer is the Accounting Manager at Arclabs Welding School. Stacy has 20 years of experience in accounting and finance. She began her experience in the trucking and manufacturing industries. She worked as a business analysis for Prisma Health before joining Arclabs. In her free time, Stacy enjoys hiking, gardening and spending time with her sons.

• B.S., College of Charleston, 1993

Emilee Crooks

Emilee Crooks is the Student Account Manager at Arclabs Welding School. Emilee has more than 10 years of experience in various accounting roles, with a heavy focus in real estate and property management. She enjoys playing golf, watching the Clemson Tigers, cooking, and camping in her free time.

• B.S., North Greenville University, 2008
• M.B.A., North Greenville University, 2012

Nic Olson

Nic Olson is the Accounts Payable Specialist at Arclabs Welding School. Nic is a recent graduate with a servant’s heart, working as a Worship Director at his church. His customer service, organizing, and networking experience is valuable to our team. Nic is passionate about music, movies, and sports, with a particular affinity for all things Clemson. Above all else, he hopes to live a life that is worthy of hearing, “Well done.”

• M.A., North Greenville University, 2024
• B.A., North Greenville University, 2021

Sherrone McCord

Sherrone McCord is the Director of Financial Aid at Arclabs Welding School. Sherrone has over 13 years of experience in Financial Aid Administration for proprietary schools, including time as an interim Director of Financial Aid at a large proprietary school. When she is not busy helping students get the financing they need to attend school, Sherrone enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.

Amber Gibson

Amber Gibson is the Compliance Officer at Arclabs Welding School. Amber has been in proprietary education since 2010 and has held roles in compliance, student admissions/recruitment, career services, and office management. She has several years of experience in staffing, recruitment, and human resources. Amber enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, cooking, restoration work, and camping in her free time.

• A.S., Greenville Technical College, 2009
• Certificate, Core Curricula Instructor, NCCER, 2021

Will Crosby

Will Crosby is the Human Resource Generalist at Arclabs Welding School. Will comes to Arclabs with an impressive nine years of HR experience under his belt. Will’s journey in HR commenced in the realm of non-profit management, where he honed his skills in HR and continuous improvement. With a passion for optimizing processes and enhancing workplace environments, Will’s expertise transcends industries, including restaurants and third-party logistics. His commitment to finding innovative solutions and making things better is a driving force behind his role as a valued member of our team.

• B.A., North Greenville University , 2014

Lydia Bennett

Lydia Bennett is the Assistant Director of Career and Student Services at Arclabs Welding School. Lydia has previously held roles in account management, hiring, training, process development and marketing for start-up and franchise companies; she is currently also responsible for career and student services in the Piedmont campus. In her spare time, Lydia enjoys spending time with loved ones, visiting local coffee shops, and going on adventures with her dog, Lewis.

• B.S., Arizona State University, 2017
• Certificate, Specialty Craft Instructor, NCCER, 2021

Samuel Chance

Samuel Chance is the Director of Education at Arclabs Welding School. Samuel works as the educational lead and is responsible for curriculum development, forging industry partnerships, and continuing education for our instructors. He is a welding engineer, welding educator, an AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), and an AWS Certified Welding Educator (CWE). Samuel’s welding engineer experience includes multiple fields: defense, naval nuclear, power generation, aerospace, agriculture, and heavy equipment manufacturing. He also serves as a member of several welding code committees with the American Welding Society and is the chairman for sub-commission XV-C “Design, Analysis, and Fabrication of Welded Structures” at the International Institute of Welding.

• B.S., Mechanical Engineering Technology, Purdue University, 2023
• A.A.S., Welding Engineering Technology, Ivy Tech Community College, 2016
• Certificate, Certified Welding Inspector, American Welding Society, 2019
• Certificate, Certified Welding Educator, American Welding Society, 2019
• Certificate, Level II VT, MT, PT, & PAUT, American Society for Nondestructive Testing, 2015- 2018

Bob Fellers

Bob Fellers is the Curriculum Specialist and Purchasing Manager at Arclabs Welding School. In addition, Bob works as an adjunct Welding Instructor at the Piedmont Main Campus, a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), and an authorized OSHA trainer for OSHA 10- or OSHA 30-Hours for Construction. Bob has been welding since 1981 and has a long history in the welding trade; he was president and primary owner of a steel erection company prior to joining Arclabs. Bob enjoys woodworking, playing guitar, and spending time with his grandchildren in his free time.

• A.S., Welding, Tri-County Technical College, 1981
• Certificate, Certified Welding Inspector, American Welding Society, 2003 Certificate, OSHA #500 Trainer Course, OSHA, 2021
• Certificate, Industrial Welding Instructor, NCCER, 2009
• Certificate, Pipefitting Instructor, NCCER, 2009
• Certificate, Core Curricula Instructor, NCCER, 2009

Chase Cooley

Chase Cooley is the South Carolina Director of Admissions at Arclabs Welding School. Chase has over 13 years of admissions and recruitment experience. He is a magna cum laude graduate of Lander University and has worked at a large public university and for proprietary schools. When he is not working, Chase spends his time with family and enjoys playing golf.

• B.S., Lander University, 2008
• M.S., Liberty University, 2015

David Garretson

David Garretson is the Marketing Director at Arclabs Welding School. Following his honorable service in the United States Marine Corps, Dave chose to pursue a creative education in graphics and marketing. For more than a decade Dave has dedicated his creative talents to the outdoor sporting industry. By committing his marketing and creative skills to brand building, Dave has worked to elevate many key brands in the outdoor sporting space, such as – Remington, Sig Sauer, Nightforce Optics, Kimber, Nosler, SilencerCo, and many others.

• B.S., Lander University, 2010
• A.A., Greenville Tech, 2008

Logan Jones

Logan Jones is the Digital Storyteller at Arclabs Welding School. Logan’s journey began over a decade ago in the world of television where he filmed and produced reality TV shows and commercials across the United States. He brings both a passion for storytelling and a wealth of creative experience to his role, having honed his skills in captivating audiences through compelling video content. Outside of work, Logan channels his creativity into music and actively engages with his community.

• B.A., Hampshire College, 2013

Ashley Kozikowski

Ashley Kozikowski is the Social Media Manager at Arclabs Welding School. Ashley is a recent college graduate, graduating with honors with the distinction of Summa Cum Laude. She gained valuable experience through college during her year-long internship as a Graphic Designer for the South Carolina Small Business Development Center. She enjoys drawing and has always been an art-oriented person, which defined her career path from a young age. In her free time, Ashley enjoys playing video games and navigating the creative space they have to offer.

• B.A., University of South Carolina, 2024
• Undergrad Certificate, Digital Studies, 2024
• Certification, Adobe Certified Associate, 2017

Jesse Hayes

Jesse Hayes is the Lead Welding Instructor at the Main Campus in Piedmont. Jesse has over eight years of experience in the welding field. He is a certified welder who has worked in the construction, manufacturing, and fabrication industries. In his free time, Jesse enjoys fishing and spending time with his family.

• Certificate, Welding Instructor, NCCER, 2020
• Certificate, Core Curricula Instructor, NCCER, 2020
• Certificate, Pipe Fitting Instructor, NCCER, 2020 

Thomas Waters

Thomas Waters is a Welding Instructor at the Main Campus in Piedmont. Thomas has several years of experience in the welding field, mostly as a pipe welder. He has worked for Goodrich, B.F. Shaw, Nuclear Pipe, Jack Neckman Tube and General Electric. Thomas has experience welding on gas turbines and boiler tubes, and he has welded on various materials from carbon steel to chromoly steel. In his free time, Thomas enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with his wife.

• A.S., Welding, Greenville Tech, 2007

Charles Irby

Charles Irby is a Welding Instructor at the Main Campus in Piedmont. Irby has pipe welded in the nuclear field for 12 years and has performed boiler tube and emergency work for three years. He brings a wide range of knowledge and skills to the table. In his free time, Irby enjoys spending time with his daughter and working in his wood shop.

• Welding Certificate, Greenville Technical College, 2008

Emma Vinson

Emma Vinson is a Welding Instructors Aide at the Main Campus in Piedmont.

• Welding Certificate, Arclabs Welding School, 2024

Josh Allen

Josh Allen is a part-time Welding Instructor at the Main Campus in Piedmont. Josh has been welding since 1995. Currently, he is the Welding Supervisor at Watson Engineering. Josh has experience in all types of welding processes and is an American Welding Society certified structural welder in aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon steel. In his free time, Josh enjoys hunting, fishing, and going to the lake.

• Welding Certificate, Greenville Technical College, 1999
• Certificate, Welding Instructor, NCCER, 2017
• Certificate, Core Curricula Instructor, NCCER, 2017
• Certificate, Pipefitting Instructor, NCCER, 2017

Chet Rowan

Chet Rowan is a part-time Welding Instructor at the Main Campus in Piedmont. Chet has 43 years of experience in the welding field in oil and gas, nuclear, boilers, gas turbines, fabrication, and teaching. He has worked for General Electric, BF Shaw, PCI Energy Services, and Zurn. In his free time, Chet enjoys fishing, traveling, and hunting.

• A.S., Business Administration, Southern Wesleyan, 2003 Certificate in Welding, Crawford County Vocational School, 1974
• Certificate, Welding Instructor, NCCER, 2020
• Certificate, Core Curricula Instructor, NCCER, 2020
• Certificate, Pipe Fitting Instructor, NCCER, 2020

Mike McCall

Mike McCall is a part-time Welding Instructor at the Main Campus in Piedmont. Mike has been welding since 1975 and is an experienced pipe welder. He started his welding career at BF Shaw and worked in power plants prior to his General Electric tenure. Mike worked at GE for 28 years before retiring and hitting the road to weld again. While there, he trained GE’s new welders. He has previously taught welding at several South Carolina Technical Colleges and really enjoys teaching students how to weld. In his free time, Mike likes to fish and spend time with his family.

Brandon McCall

Brandon McCall is a part-time Welding Instructor at the Main Campus in Piedmont. Brandon has over ten years of welding experience. He has worked for companies such as SpecFab, Jennings-Dill, Duke Energy, Crowder, and Thompson Construction Group with experience in fabrication and pipe welding. Brandon enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, and fishing in his free time.

• Welding Certificate, Arclabs Welding School, 2018

Corrie Williams

Corrie Williams is the Student Recruiter at the Main Campus in Piedmont.

• Welding Certificate, Arclabs Welding School, 2020

Jeremy Rushing

Jeremy Rushing is the Lead Welding Instructor at the Columbia Branch Campus. Jeremy joined the US Army in 2003 and quickly became a decorated soldier. Two of his proudest honors were when he received the Bronze Star Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal. Before serving his country, Jeremy was a welder/fabricator (2nd generation), and after coming home from the military he completed a training course with Arclabs. He has worked in fabrication welding on boilers and pressure vessels as well as working several shutdowns and outages as a combo welder, which has gained him a wide variety of experience. Jeremy enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time with his boys in his free time.

• Welding Certificate, Arclabs Welding School, 2013
• Certificate, Industrial Welding Instructor, NCCER, 2014
• Certificate, Core Curricula Instructor, NCCER, 2014

Brett Johnson

Brett Johnson is a Welding Instructors Aide at the Columbia Branch Campus.

• Welding Certificate, Arclabs Welding School, 2023

Bobby Livingston

Bobby Livingston is a Welding Instructor at the Columbia Branch Campus. Bobby brings seven years of hands-on experience to our school, having gained significant knowledge in pipe, structural, and nuclear submarine welding. Bobby finds joy in sharing his acquired expertise with students, which is reflected in his engaging instructional style, making the learning experience both insightful and enjoyable.

• Welding Certificate, Arclabs Welding School, 2017

Wyatt VanBrocklin

Wyatt VanBrocklin is a Welding Instructor at the Columbia Branch Campus. Wyatt brings seven years of welding experience in the manufacturing and fabrication industries to our school, having gained experience with welding and fabricating heavy framed maintenance equipment made of materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, ballistic plate, and heat-treated tool steel. He is certified to EN15085 European standards and has held many certifications in mild and A514 steel welding. Wyatt has worked at Metals and Alloys Co., Kat Mechanical, and Harsco Rail. In his free time, Wyatt enjoys fishing, hunting, off-roading, motocross racing, and restoring his classic truck.

• Welding Certificate, Arclabs Welding School, 2017 

Shane Roberts

Shane Roberts is a part-time Welding Instructor at the Columbia Branch Campus. Shane started his career as an apprentice, and ultimately finished his apprenticeship as a Journeyman Pipe Fitter and Pipe Welder. He has over 15 years of experience as a welder in a wide range of industries: pipe fabrication, nuclear power plants (both live and offline), paper mills, food grade plants, pharmaceutical plants, and oil and gas refineries. Shane has traveled throughout the US with specialty welding outfits, both as a foreman and field hand and has run automatics and fusion orbital machines. He has professional experience with Wachs, CB&I and Thomas Mechanical. When Shane is not spending time with his family, he enjoys dirt racing.

• Certificate, Welding Instructor, NCCER, 2020
• Certificate, Core Curricula Instructor, NCCER, 2020
• Journeyman Pipe Fitter and Pipe Welder, 2012

Tristan Price

Tristan Price is a part-time Welding Instructor at the Columbia Branch Campus. Tristan joined the US Army in 2005 and served his country for six years, doing two deployments to Iraq; he welded and fabricated various items while in the military. Before serving his country, Tristan was a welder/fabricator working on farm equipment with his uncle. Tristan is also a certified gunsmith; during his education with gunsmithing he learned how to oxy-acetylene weld, braze, and silver solder. He then attended Arclabs Welding School to broaden his knowledge and welding capabilities, earning four certifications using various filler metals and weld positions. In his spare time he enjoys gunsmithing, hunting, fishing, four-wheeling, spending time with his wife and children, and fabricating/welding various projects.

• Welding Certificate, Arclabs Welding School, 2014

Brett Vaughn

Brett Vaughn is a part-time Welding Instructor at the Columbia Branch Campus. Brett learned how to weld at the Lexington Career and Technology Center when he was in high school. After high school, Brett enrolled at Arclabs and completed the 900 Hour Advanced Welding course, successfully completing pipe welding. After graduation, Brett advanced to a local fabrication shop for two years, then chose to become a Nuclear Power Plant Welder. Brett brings his field experience, as well as his knowledge as an instructor, back to Arclabs. In his free time, Brett enjoys hunting and fishing.

• Welding Certificate, Arclabs Welding School, 2014
• Certificate, Welding Instructor, NCCER, 2017
• Certificate, Core Curricula Instructor, NCCER, 2017
• Certificate, Pipefitting Instructor, NCCER, 2017
• Certificate, Curriculum Performance Evaluator, 2017 

Andrew Garrison

Andrew Garrison is a full-time Lab Tech at the Columbia Branch Campus.

• Welding Certificate, Arclabs Welding School, 2016

Jerel Hall

Jerel Hall is a Student Recruiter at the Columbia Branch Campus.

Seth Riggsbee

Seth Riggsbee is a Student Recruiter at the Columbia Branch Campus.

Kennedy Bailey

Kennedy Bailey is the Financial Aid Coordinator at the Columbia Branch Campus.

• B.S., Lincoln University of PA, 2020

Christine Miller

Christine Miller is the Career and Student Services Coordinator at the Columbia Branch Campus.

• Education Administration M.Ed., University of South Carolina, 2019
• M.T., University of South Carolina, 2015
• B.S., University of South Carolina, 2014

Chuck Meek

Chuck Meek is the Lead Welding Instructor at the Charleston Branch Campus. He provides over 25 years of experience to the students of Arclabs. Chuck is a native of Rhode Island and moved to South Carolina in 1993. He has worked in a multitude of various welding environments, which has given him the stable platform for his welding expertise. His journey began in vocational classes offered in high school and mastered stick and flux core welding at Metal Trades in Charleston while building cranes for the State Ports Authority. From there he journeyed around to different companies and landed a major spot at Force Protection building Mine Resistant Ambush Protecting Vehicles for the military. Over the years he has obtained certifications in FCAW, GMAW, GTAW and SMAW in structural and pipe. In addition to basic metals, Chuck has certifications in Aluminum and Inconel as well as Nuclear Welding. When Chuck is not sharing his wisdom with others, he uses his talents to make useful things or metal art.

• Certificate, Welding Instructor, NCCER, 2017
• Certificate, Core Curricula Instructor, NCCER, 2017
• Certificate, Pipefitting Instructor, NCCER, 2017

Pete Burgett

Pete Burgett is a Welding Instructor at the Charleston Branch Campus. Pete is a US Marine Veteran who has over 20 years of experience in the welding field, including over 14 years in education. He learned to weld in high school, and he continued his training during his time in the Marine Corps. His welding experience includes extensive industrial and government maintenance construction projects. Pete enjoys riding his motorcycle, kayaking, and being in the woods.

• Certificate, Welding Instructor, NCCER, 2019
• Certificate, Core Curricula Instructor, NCCER, 2019
• Certificate, Pipefitting Instructor, NCCER, 2019

Justin Alexander

Justin Alexander is a part-time Welding Instructor at the Charleston Branch Campus. Justin has 26 years of combined experience in a multitude of fields, including carpentry, masonry, electrical, welding, sales and more. He has traveled all over the US and overseas. Justin found a passion for sharing his welding knowledge with others as a student of Arclabs’ Advanced Welding program, which led to his decision to become an instructor at the Charleston campus. When he is not working at Arclabs, he enjoys building things with his hands from metal art to automobiles.

• Welding Certificate, Arclabs Welding School, 2017
• Certificate, Welding Instructor, NCCER, 2017
• Certificate, Core Curricula Instructor, NCCER, 2017
• Certificate, Pipefitting Instructor, NCCER, 2017

Ke’Sean Limehouse

Ke’Sean Limehouse is a part-time Welding Instructor at the Charleston Branch Campus. Ke’Sean has been welding since 2017 and is an Arclabs Alumnus. He has worked for Thompson Construction as a pipe welder, Structural Top Cor, Jacobs Field and Services, and Reeder. In his free time, Ke’Sean enjoys spending time with his son.

• Welding Certificate, Arclabs Welding School, 2017

Ian Barker

Ian Barker is a part-time Welding Instructor at the Charleston Branch Campus. Ian has over 45 years of experience in the welding field, including a variety of welding processes. He got his start in the welding field through on-the-job training at General Dynamics Electric Boat in 1974. He has worked at Triad Mechanical, Jacobs, Detyens Shipyard, and General Dynamics. In his free time, Ian enjoys golf, billiards, family time, and traveling.

• Certificate, Welding Instructor, NCCER, 2019
• Certificate, Core Curricula Instructor, NCCER, 2019
• Certificate, Pipefitting Instructor, NCCER, 2019

Jonathan Hill

Jonathan Hill is a part-time Welding Instructor at the Charleston Branch Campus. Jonathan has over five years of experience in the welding field, including time in industrial, commercial, and outage work. He has worked on projects such as the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, the Santee Cooper Cross Plant, and the West Rock Charleston paper mill. Jonathan has worked for companies such as Amalie Oil Company, Juba Aluminum, and Reeder Industrial. In his free time, Jonathan enjoys traveling with his wife and staying busy.

• Welding Certificate, Arclabs Welding School, 2017
• A.A.S., Business Administration-Small Business/Entrepreneurship, 2014

Morgan Long

Morgan Long is a Student Recruiter at the Charleston Branch Campus.

Jeremy Martin

Jeremy Martin is a Student Recruiter at the Charleston Branch Campus.

Chelsea Lusby

Chelsea Lusby is the Career and Student Services Coordinator at the Charleston Branch Campus.

• M.S., Walden University, 2013
• B.A., Longwood University, 1997

Jada Staton

Jada Staton is the Financial Aid Coordinator at the Charleston Branch Campus.

• B.S., Ohio University Southern, 2016

Trevor Owen

Trevor Owen is the Campus Director at the Houston Branch Campus. Trevor has fifteen years of experience working in education as a teacher, administrator, and campus director. He takes pride in our ability to change lives in under a year and believes strongly in the value of higher education. Trevor enjoys running, traveling, cooking, spending time with family, and, as a native of Wisconsin, cheering for the Packers, Brewers, and Bucks.

• B.A., Marquette University, 2007
• M. Ed., University of Notre Dame, 2009

Tyler Sutton

Tyler Sutton is the Lead Welding Instructor at the Houston Branch Campus. Tyler has been welding for about five years throughout the Houston area with experience in ASME pressure vessels, ornamental welding, and shipyard welding. He has worked for companies such as Texas Plate Fabricators and Metal Railing of America. Tyler is a graduate of Arclabs Welding School, and he is excited to teach at his alma mater and give back to the next generation of welders. In his free time, Tyler enjoys hunting and traveling the coastline to fish.

• Welding Certificate, Arclabs Welding School, 2019
• Certificate, Welding Instructor, NCCER, 2020
• Certificate, Core Curricula Instructor, NCCER, 2020
• Certificate, Pipe Fitting Instructor, NCCER, 2020

Victor Arredondo

Victor Arredondo is a Welding Instructor at the Houston Branch Campus. Victor has seven years of welding experience, specializing in construction, oil and gas, pipeline and fabrication welding. He has worked for H&M Industrial, Turo Industrial and NEAL construction. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, baseball, fishing and hunting.

• Certificate, Certified Associate Welding Inspector, American Welding Society, 2021

Francisco Zavala

Francisco Zavala is a Welding Instructor at the Houston Branch Campus. Francisco has over seven years of welding experience, working in oil and gas, fabrication, and inspection for companies such as Zachry, TWS, and Stronghold Inspection Performance. He holds certifications in welding, NDT, and OSHA. Francisco enjoys teaching students and spending time with his family.

Jonathan Garcia

Jonathan Garcia is a Welding Instructor for the Houston Branch Campus. Jonathan has five years of welding experience, having worked in the construction and fabrication industries for companies such as Diamond Foundations and Fabrication, Robishaw Engineering, and Atkore. In his free time, Jonathan enjoys hanging out with family and friends and playing with his dog.

• Welding Certificate, Arclabs Welding School, 2020

Diego Velasco

Diego Velasco is a Welding Instructor at the Houston Branch Campus. Diego has five years of welding experience working in the oil and gas and construction industries for companies such as Zachry, Southwest Shipyard, JD Fields, and HDM. He is currently attending classes for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT). In his free time, Diego enjoys riding his motorcycle, overlanding, and off-roading.

• Welding Certificate, Arclabs Welding School, 2023

Rito Olivas

Rito Olivas is a Welding Instructor at the Houston Branch Campus. Rito has over 20 years of welding experience in the field, working in the oil and gas and construction industries. He has worked for companies such as Shamrock, PC, Tepsco, and Sunland. In his free time, Rito enjoys spending time with his family.

• Certificate, Advanced Pipe Welding, Houston Community College, 2001

Colin Gold

Colin Gold is a Welding Instructor at the Houston Branch Campus. Colin has over five years of experience in the welding field, specializing in fabrication. He has worked for companies such as Hercules, Hoover Ferguson, Specialty Engineering & Fabrication, and Vangar. Colin has had the opportunity to work with specialty metals such as tantalum, Hastelloy, and titanium. In his free time, Colin enjoys rock climbing, hanging out with his cat, and hunting for music records.

• Welding Certificate, Arclabs Welding School, 2018 

Ezequiel Cruz

Ezequiel Cruz is a part-time Welding Instructors Aide at the Houston Branch Campus.

• Welding Certificate, Arclabs Welding School, 2021

Denzel Buzon

Denzel Buzon is a part-time Welding Instructors Aide at the Houston Branch Campus.

Mike Treadway

Mike Treadway is the Maintenance Manager at the Houston Branch Campus.

• Certificate, CNC Programming, Gwinnett Technical Institute, 1996

Noah Brooks

Noah Brooks is the Cut Room Technician at the Houston Branch Campus.

• Welding Certificate, Arclabs Welding School, 2023

Dominique Deckard

Dominique Deckard is a Student Recruiter at the Houston Branch Campus.

• B.S., Prairie View A&M, 2010

Damian Guillen

Damian Guillen is a Student Recruiter at the Houston Branch Campus.

• Welding Certificate, Arclabs Welding School, 2019

Jennifer Alejos

Jennifer is the Financial Aid Coordinator at the Houston Branch Campus.

Doug Bartek

Doug Bartek is the part-time Financial Aid Coordinator at the Houston Branch Campus.

• B.S., University of Phoenix, 2011

Haleigh Howell

Haleigh Howell is the Career and Student Services Coordinator at the Houston Branch Campus.

Annie Cavazos

Annie Cavazos is the Office Coordinator at the Houston Branch Campus.

Eddie Veloz

Eddie Veloz is the Receptionist and Recruiting Liaison at the Houston Branch Campus.

Fred Alvarado

Fred Alvarado is the Campus Director for the Fort Worth Branch Campus and the Texas Director of Admissions for the Fort Worth and Houston Branch Campuses. Fred brings with him a wealth of experience in educational administration. Prior to joining our team, he has worked extensively in educational roles, honing his skills in student relations and academic oversight. At Arclabs, Fred focuses on enhancing our admissions process, ensuring that every student receives the guidance he or she needs to succeed. His expertise in strategic enrollment and passion for education make him a vital part of our community. Fred is committed to fostering an environment that supports both student growth and professional development.

Augustin “Junior” Encarnacion III

Augustin “Junior” Encarnacion is the Lead Welding Instructor at the Fort Worth Branch Campus. Junior has over a decade of experience in welding, working within the industry as a pipe welder, pipe fitter, millwright, and fabricator. Prior to joining our team, he made significant contributions to projects in both manufacturing and service industries at companies such as Petro Industrial Services, FSE Energy, and Spirit Construction. Junior’s bilingual ability and effective communication skills enhance his teaching, making complex concepts accessible to all students.

Nate Rushing

Nate Rushing is a Welding Instructor at the Fort Worth Branch Campus. Nate embarked on his welding journey after high school, enrolling at Arclabs in 2017. Following graduation, he wasted no time in making a mark in the industry, securing a position at MSI, where he honed his skills in pipe welding while traveling to various plants. Nate’s strengths lie in his hands-on experience, particularly in handling shutdowns and maintenance projects for multiple companies. His journey from a welding enthusiast to a seasoned professional makes him an invaluable mentor for students looking to forge a successful career in welding.

• Certificate, Arclabs Welding School, 2017

Alex Desfosses

Alex Desfosses is a Welding Instructor at the Fort Worth Branch Campus. Alex has over 15 years in the welding field, working in the oil and gas, automotive, manufacturing, and automation industries. He has worked as a welder, fabricator, mechanic, and in leadership for companies such as Joe White Tank, MMI Tank, and Metzfab. In his free time, Alex enjoys automotive fabrication.

Jorge Barrera-Jaime

Jorge Barrera-Jaime is a Welding Instructor at the Fort Worth Branch Campus. Jorge has eight years of welding and fabricating experience in the aerospace and structural welding industries. He has worked for companies such as Amentum, Homman and Barnard, and Desert Investments. Jorge is also a USMC veteran where he was a welding supervisor (Weld Shop Non-Commissioned Officer) overseeing welding operations in his unit, training, upholding military welding standards, and maintaining equipment. In his free time, Jorge enjoys off-roading and fishing.

• Welding Certificate, Workshops for Warriors, 2022
• A.A., General Studies, National University, 2022

Alex Serrano-Galarza

Alex Serrano-Galarza is a Student Recruiter at the Fort Worth Branch Campus.

• B.S., Texas A&M, 2023

Raquel Johnson

Raquel Johnson is a Student Recruiter at the Fort Worth Branch Campus.

Adelina Munoz

Adelina Munoz is the Financial Aid Coordinator at the Fort Worth Branch Campus.

Thomas Ochoa

Thomas Ochoa is the Career and Student Services Coordinator at the Fort Worth Branch Campus.

• B.A., Vanguard University of Southern California, 2022

Steve Wheat

Steve Wheat is the Director of Testing for the Accredited Testing & Inspection facility. Steve started in the welding industry in 1986 after he got out of the Army. Steve has worked for Thermo Kinetic, Sanders Brothers, and Gloenco. He has trained and certified all types of welders and welding operators and has developed welding procedures and processes for companies. Steve enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren, working in his garden and riding his Harley.

• Certificate, Certified Welding Inspector, American Welding Society, 2001
• Certificate, Certified Welding Educator, American Welding Society, 2002
• Certificate, Certified Welding Supervisor, American Welding Society, 2008
• Certificate, Level II PT, American Society for Nondestructive Testing, 2009
• Certificate, Industrial Welding Instructor, NCCER, 2010
• Certificate, Pipefitting Instructor, NCCER, 2010
• Certificate, Core Curricula Instructor, NCCER, 2010

Brandon Kelly

Brandon Kelly is the ATF Technician for the ATI facility.

• Welding Certificate, Arclabs Welding School, 2013

Christopher Crosby

Christoper Crosby is the Cut Room Technician for the ATI facility.

Benny Nalley

Benny Nalley is the Maintenance Manager at the Main Campus in Piedmont.

Thomas “Chunk” Brown

Thomas Brown is the Maintenance Technician at the Main Campus in Piedmont.

• Certificate, Welding, Greenville Technical College, 1984