Automotive Faculty

Rob Holm

M.S.—Purdue University—2006
Rob Holm attended WWU, was the service manager for Wolfpack Automotive, and graduated with a B.S. in Automotive Technology. Before coming back to WWU to teach he worked for BMW of Bellevue as their main diagnostic technician, and for Blue Ridge Aircraft Service as an aircraft mechanic. He is an ASE certified Master Mechanic, a BMW Certified Mechanic, and has a FAA Airframe and Powerplant mechanic license. He just finished earning his Master's in Technology at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, where his research revolved around current curricula of four-year automotive technology programs in the U.S.

Rob is married to a lovely lady named Lorelei who he met at WWU. They have two terrific boys, Matthew and Robbie. The boys keep them highly entertained and busy.
Email: Rob.Holm@wallawalla.edu

Derik Larson

Graduating Senior—Walla Walla University
Derik Larson spent three years working as an automotive technician for Wolfpack Automotive before becoming the service manager this year. He is currently earning a B.S. in Automotive Technology as well as minoring in Business and hopes to someday work for BMW as a technician, get experience in rotary mechanics, and eventually open up his own automotive shop.

Derik enjoys cars at work, in class, and just for fun. He also likes to spend time doing water and snow sports, playing volleyball, and having as much fun as possible.
Email: Derik.Larson@wallawalla.edu

Automotive Faculty Goals

1. Establish a much greater demand for the program.
2. Expand class offerings within the program to offer some targeted and specific classes not available at any community college.
3. Establish some sort of partnership with one or more auto manufacturers so we can receive equipment and learning tools in exchange for manufactureer-specific training for students.
4. Grow the program to the point where we can make a strong and justifiable case to warrant our own building/facility, or at least expand the one that we currently use to accommodate the increased program size and enrollment.