FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 8, 2024
Mountain Gateway Community College welcomes Walt Johnson as head of Welding Program
Mountain Gateway Community College is pleased to announce that Walt Johnson will be joining the faculty as the head of the Welding Program starting in the upcoming Fall semester. Mr. Johnson brings with him an impressive 35 years of experience in the welding industry and as a welding educator.
"I am thrilled to be part of MGCC, where our primary goal is to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for high-paying jobs in a rapidly growing industry,” Johnson said. “We are dedicated to building strong connections with industry partners who actively seek skilled workers."
Prior to his appointment at Mountain Gateway Community College, Johnson served as the Director of Career and Technical Education for Byers Technical Institute in Buena Vista. Before that, he held various roles at New River Community and Technical College in Beaver, West Virginia, including welding instructor, Advanced Manufacturing Grant Coordinator, and AWS Quality Control Manager.
Johnson has experience and ongoing connections in the power industry (nuclear, fossil, and turbine), the pulp and paper industry, the pharmaceutical industry, the food and beverage industry, the semiconductor industry, the HVAC heating and cooling industry, and the fabrication industry. He also has hands-on welding and management experience in each of these industries.
Johnson's extensive background in business and industry, along with his certifications from the American Welding Society, solidify him as an outstanding addition to our faculty. His wealth of experience in welding consulting, management, and actual welding work at various notable businesses such as WestRock in Covington and Mathers Construction Teams in Waynesboro has prepared him well for this leadership role.
"Mr. Johnson's expertise and industry knowledge will be invaluable to our students and the Welding Program at Mountain Gateway Community College," said Ben Worth, Vice President of Academic Affairs. "We are confident that under his leadership, the program will continue to thrive and produce highly skilled industry professionals."
Johnson will be assisted by Welding Instructor Mike Bryant, who is transitioning into phased retirement this Fall. Mr. Bryant's dedication to the program has been greatly appreciated, and we are grateful for his years of service.
Please join us in welcoming Walt Johnson to the Mountain Gateway Community College family. His wealth of knowledge and experience will undoubtedly enrich the learning experience for our students and contribute to the success of the Welding Program.