COD HVACR coordinator Bob Clark named Region III Career Educator
College of DuPage Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration program Coordinator Bob Clark recently was named Region III Postsecondary Career and Technical Educator of the Year by the Association for Career and Technical Education.
Clark was previously named Postsecondary Career and Technical Educator of the Year in Illinois by the IACTE. As a regional winner, Clark is a candidate for the National ACTE Postsecondary Teacher of the Year. National winners will be announced at the ACTE's CareerTech Vision Conference in December.
Clark said he was pleased with receiving the award and the recognition it brings to the college.
"It is great to represent our college for Region III," he said. "I believe that our school is a beacon for all career and technical education programs in America. I am honored to receive the award, but I receive this award for the College of DuPage and our community."
The ACTE Excellence Awards recognize postsecondary career and technical educators who have demonstrated innovation in the classroom, commitment to students and dedication to the improvement of career and technical education in their institutions and communities. Winners are recognized at three levels: state, regional and national.
College of DuPage Dean of Business and Applied Technology Kris Fay said Clark's award is well-deserved.
"Dr. Clark's educational background, expertise and professional experience are matched only by his passion for teaching and learning," she said. This award is clear recognition of his contributions to the College, his dedication to enhancing the HVACR program and his leadership in advocating for Career and Technical Education."
Clark earned an associate degree in Electrical and Electronic Automated Systems, Industrial Maintenance Technology and HVACR; a bachelor's degree with a double major of Business and Communications; an MBA in Energy and Sustainability; and a doctorate in Career and Technical Education. He also holds multiple building automation certifications, including an electrical license and Chicago Stationary Engineers License; and numerous other certifications, including EPA Universal, HAZWOPER OSHA 40, Industrial Firefighting, NFPA 70E, Solar Energy, Sporlan Valve, VRF, and Bell & Gossett certifications in chilled water design, hydronic design and steam design.
Additionally, he is president of the Illinois Council of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Educators and works with educators at state and national levels to improve HVACR education.
Before he became an instructor in the HVACR program at COD, Clark worked in industrial maintenance and industrial refrigeration and ran his own HVACR business.
COD's HVACR program provides students with the theory of refrigeration, air conditioning and heating, electrical circuitry, control equipment, and system design. Students can choose from a variety of certificates, including Energy and Analysis, a Service Technician and a Stationary Operator certificates, as well as A.A.S. degrees such as Contractor, Service Technician and Facility Maintenance Mechanic.
Learn more about the HVACR program at College of DuPage.
College of DuPage is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Serving approximately 25,000 students each term, College of DuPage is the largest public community college in the state of Illinois. The college grants seven associate degrees and offers more than 170 career and technical certificates in over 50 areas of study.