HICKORY, N.C. — Angela Mayo has been tabbed to lead the new Marine Mechanical Technology program at Catawba Valley Community College.
Mayo, who also serves as the bass fishing coach at CVCC, is excited for the opportunity and sees the benefit of creating a program like this in an area
“I’ve seen some excitement from our local marinas and businesses,” Mayo said. “There’s a big need for boat mechanics in our area – not just fishing boats, but jet skis and other vessels.”
Mayo is tasked with developing the courses structure for this program as well as hiring instructors — many of which she believes are in the area.
“I’ve seen some excitement from our local marinas and businesses,” she said. “We want to make use of classes that are already established, but also build on our community relationships to fill other instructor needs.”
CVCC will be only one of a few colleges and universities that offer this particular program, including Brunswick Community College (N.C.), Tidewater Community College (Va.) and Universal Technical Institute (UTI) in Orlando, Fla.
“There was no hesitation in selecting Angela Mayo as the Program Director for our new Marine Technology Program,” said CVCC President Dr. Garrett Hinshaw. “Angela has a proven track record for developing successful programs as evidenced by the tremendous job she has done with our nationally ranked CVCC Bass Fishing Team. Coach Mayos knowledge of boating, fishing and connections with the regional marine industry makes her the ideal person to build another amazing program here in Red Hawk Nation.”
With the lack of this type of program in not only the state, but region of the United States, Mayo believes this program can grow not only locally, but throughout the southeastern United States.
“One of my goals is to not only have a two-year program, but offer in the continuing education for people who want to get re-certified,” Mayo said. “We can offer a certification on particular motors rather than a specific degree. This is going to be bigger than just a two-year program for your traditional students. This is bigger than just our area. I think we’re going to have a lot people from the area who can make use from this program. This is bigger than just our area. When we have send people to Florida to get trained, you think about other people who have to do that. The entire Southeastern part of this country has this need.”