Robotics Instructor at Hennepin Technical College Earns National Award for Student Learning

Brooklyn Park, January 23, 2020 – The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) will honor Brad Thorpe with the Dale P. Parnell Faculty Distinction Recognition. Thorpe has been a faculty member at Hennepin Technical College (HTC) for seven years.

“Along with his years of industry experience, Brad’s passion for teaching creates a valuable learning environment for his students and prepares them to be successful in today’s engineering technologies field,” said Dr. Merrill Irving Jr., president, HTC. “He demonstrates a high standard for technical education and professional achievement.”

The AACC will present the award to 55 educators from colleges nationwide during its 100th annual convention in the Washington D.C. area this spring. Criteria includes demonstrating a passion for students and going above and beyond what is required to ensure that students are successful in academic endeavors.

Thorpe teaches Automation Robotics Engineering Technology, an HTC program with a 100% job placement rate. Graduates typically work in the packaging industry and learn a wide range of skills such as mechanical, electrical, programming and robotics, which are needed to work in manufacturing.

By cultivating partnerships with the business community, Thorpe has secured numerous donations of equipment to ensure students are learning on state-of-the-art technology. He leads an advisorycommittee, which allows businesses to provide input on HTC’s robotics curriculum.

Thorpe maintains HTC’s credentials as an official training and education site for FANUC Robotics Material Handling Program Software, which allows HTC students to gain highly marketable training.

About Hennepin Technical College

Founded in 1972, Hennepin Technical College (HTC) is the largest stand-alone technical college in Minnesota. With campuses in Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie, the college has a diverse student population of more than 18,000 and offers degree and non-degree coursework in over 45 programs. Achieving a 99% job placement rate, HTC prepares students for in-demand and high-paying employment opportunities. HTC is a member of Minnesota State, which includes 30 colleges and seven state universities. For more information, visit HennepinTech.edu.

Media contact: Lisa Kiava, 612-559-8068, lisa.kiava@hennepintech.edu