The Explore the New Manufacturing Program announced today that Kevin “Doug” Sands has been recognized with an Outstanding Industry Educator award for his dedication in the classroom. Sands is a teacher at United Technical Center, where he teaches machine tool technology and industrial robotics. Sands will receive a $500 award designated for classroom enhancement. He will also be presented with a commemorative wooden plaque and gift basket featuring products made in West Virginia. Procter & Gamble Company, a Gold Patron, along with Technimark, a Bronze Patron, are sponsors of the 2022 awards.
“Mr. Sands is an innovative instructor who supplies his students with a curriculum that prepares them with the industry standards required to be successful,” stated Ray Frazier, Assistant Director, at United Technical Center.
Launched in 2020, the Emerging Elite in Manufacturing and Outstanding Industry Educator awards celebrate the skills and dedication of students and educators across West Virginia. “Mr. Sands is a selfless champion for his students and is dedicated to providing a more engaging approach to education,” said Program Director Monica Cross, who oversees the Explore the New Manufacturing Program on behalf of the West Virginia Manufacturing Association Educational Fund’s efforts to create student awareness and excitement about careers in manufacturing and the training opportunities for these positions in their local areas. “A highly respected educator among his peers, Doug Sands has equipped his students to excel on statewide and national scales. This spring, Mr. Sands’ students led a successful Manufacturing Innovation Challenge project with Aurora Flight Sciences. We are fortunate to work with such a high-caliber, dedicated educator and we’re honored to recognize Doug with this award."
OUTSTANDING INDUSTRY EDUCATOR awardees are making positive impacts in the classroom. Student success is often the result of a dynamic teacher who inspires pupils to work harder to pursue a rewarding future. Awardees have championed students in manufacturing-related technical and STEM courses and participate in the Explore the New Manufacturing or other affiliated programs.
Sands’ award is part of Explore’s Emerging Elite in Manufacturing and Outstanding Industry Educator awards. Profiles of all award recipients will be available on the Explore the New Manufacturing website after they have been announced. https://www.exploremfgwv.com/awards
