Faculty Member Sparks Innovation to Enhance Welding Program

We want to stand out and build this up into a world-class program and in that process, we want to become a leader among all welding programs.

Welding Instructor/Coordinator James Crowder likes to challenge his students on test day with a deceptively difficult extra credit question: “What is one thing that we use that has not been touched by a welder in one way, shape or form?”

With this question, Crowder seeks to combat the common notion that welding is a limited trade, synonymous with nothing more than messy workshops and grimy equipment. In fact, he stresses that no industry can survive without the work of skilled welders, leading to far more career possibilities within the field than one may expect.

“There’s really no end to what type of job you can have and what type of environment you can work in as a welder,” Crowder explained. “These days, you can even weld together computer parts from an office cubicle.”

Growing up in Paxton, Illinois, Crowder was first introduced to welding through his grandfather’s trucking and excavating businesses. From here, he developed a fascination for the field and ultimately decided to pursue a welding career of his own. As a professional welder, Crowder worked across the globe in a wide range of settings for companies such as Exxon Mobil, Westinghouse Electric, GE-Hitachi and many more.

After retiring, Crowder shifted his focus to helping the next generation of welders and joined Lake Land College as the welding instructor and program coordinator before the Fall 2023 semester. In just his short time in this role, he has made a lasting impact on the program and become a beloved mentor to his students. He shares with them a unique mindset, one he describes as equal parts artist and mechanic. And, while he admits that the welding skills are difficult to master, he enjoys seeing his students learn and grow throughout the process.

“It’s a little like riding a bike,” Crowder said. “They might stumble a bit when the training wheels come off, but seeing them finally grasp it and take off is such a rewarding feeling.”

Moving forward, Crowder is eager to find new ways to develop and enhance the welding program. His goal is to set a new standard for welding programs in general, creating the greatest student experience possible and demonstrating the full capabilities of the field.

“We want to stand out and build this up into a world-class program,” Crowder said. “And in that process, we want to become a leader among all welding programs.”

MANUFACTURING AREA OF STUDY

• Applied Engineering Technology

• Electronic Control Technician

• Electronics Engineering Technology

• Industrial Maintenance

• Manufacturing Skills

• Mechanical-Electrical Technology

• Programmable Logic Controllers

• Renewable Energy

• Robotic and CIM Automation

• Sustainable Energy

• Welding

• Manufacturing Exploratory Area of Study

LEARN MORE

For more information or to get started in a Manufacturing Area of Study visit LakeLandCollege.edu.