JUSTIN BURNETT
Hanceville
Summary
Higher education leader with progressive experience in academic administration, career and technical education, workforce development, industry engagement, accreditation, grant experience, enrollment growth, and strategic planning. Proven ability to lead faculty, develop industry-aligned programs, secure external funding, manage capital equipment investments, and build partnerships that support student success and regional workforce needs.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Department Chair, Machine Tool Technology/CNC
Wallace State Community College
Hanceville, AL
08.2021 - Current
- Provide leadership for program operations, curriculum, scheduling, recruitment, assessment, and instructional quality.
- Lead strategic initiatives supporting program growth, workforce alignment, and student success.
- Manage grant-funded projects, equipment acquisition, laboratory enhancements, and facility planning.
- Direct NIMS accreditation and continuous improvement efforts.
- Serve on Administrative Council, Curriculum Committee, Instructional Council, and Calendar Committee.
- Mentor faculty and staff while strengthening partnerships with employers and workforce stakeholders.
- Lead planning efforts for the future Gene Haas Center for Advanced Machining.
Instructor, Machine Tool Technology
Lawson State Community College
Birmingham, AL
08.2020 - 08.2021
- Led program instruction, curriculum delivery, student recruitment, SLO assessment, and industry engagement.
Head Machinist
Boxx Gear Manufacturing
Decatur, AL
12.2018 - 08.2020
- Supervised machining operations, production workflow, CNC programming, quality assurance, and process improvement.
Machinist / Apprentice Machinist
Metrology South
Hanceville, AL
02.2016 - 12.2018
- Advanced from apprentice to machinist while supporting precision manufacturing operations.
Education
Master of Science in Education - Career Technical Education Leadership
Athens State University
Athens, AL01-2024
Bachelor of Science in Education - Post-Secondary Technical Education
Athens State University
Athens, AL01-2021
Associate in Applied Science - Machine Tool Technology
Wallace State Community College
Hanceville, AL01-2016
Skills
- Academic Administration
- Strategic Planning
- Workforce Development
- Faculty Leadership
- Budget & Resource Management
- Enrollment Growth
- Accreditation & Compliance
- Curriculum Development
- Industry Partnerships
- Capital Projects
- Data-Informed Decision Making
Accomplishments
- Led planning and development efforts for Wallace State's future advanced manufacturing facility.
- Secured and managed workforce development funding supporting equipment expansion and student recruitment.
- Implemented curriculum redesign to expand advanced CNC and manufacturing technologies.
- Expanded employer partnerships, apprenticeships, advisory board engagement, and workforce placement opportunities.
- Increased student exposure to automation, robotics, additive manufacturing, multi-axis machining, HUNCH, SkillsUSA, and Project MFG initiatives.
Certification
- NIMS Certifications
- NC3 Precision Measurement Instruments Certification – Certified Trainer
- Haas Operator Certification – Trainer
- HTEC Council Member
- SkillsUSA College Advisor
- Faculty Mentor for New Hires
HONORS & AWARDS
Magna Cum Laude – Athens State University
Magna Cum Laude – Wallace State Community College
SkillsUSA Technician State Champion (Student)
ProjectMFG Advanced Manufacturing 2nd Place (Instructor)
Timeline
Department Chair, Machine Tool Technology/CNC
Wallace State Community College
08.2021 - Current
Instructor, Machine Tool Technology
Lawson State Community College
08.2020 - 08.2021
Head Machinist
Boxx Gear Manufacturing
12.2018 - 08.2020
Machinist / Apprentice Machinist
Metrology South
02.2016 - 12.2018
Master of Science in Education - Career Technical Education Leadership
Athens State University
Bachelor of Science in Education - Post-Secondary Technical Education
Athens State University
Associate in Applied Science - Machine Tool Technology
Wallace State Community College