Faculty
Automotive
WWU’s automotive faculty are highly qualified, with many years of real-world experience working on European cars at the dealership level, and long-lasting involvement with aftermarket modifications and tuning. Automotive faculty interface well with other technology instructors to provide a full and comprehensive education that gives students more options in career choice.
Rob Holm
Technology Department Chair
(509) 527-2713 | rob.holm@wallawalla.edu
Canaday Technology Center
Education: M.S. Purdue University, 2006
Areas of interest: Holm has always loved cars. He has worked on cars for BMW of Bellevue and on aircraft for Blue Ridge Aircraft Service. He enjoys waterskiing, motorcycles, golf, piano, flying, and high-performance cars.
Derik Larson
Instructor of Technology
(509) 527-2714 | derik.larson@wallawalla.edu
Canaday Technology Center
Education: B.S. Automotive Technology, Walla Walla University, 2008
Areas of Interest: Derik has a passion for high-performance and off-road vehicles, bringing real-world enthusiasm to his teaching. His professional experience spans automotive service and repairs as both a skilled technician and small business owner, with expertise in powertrain systems, chassis dynamics, and advanced diagnostics. He is dedicated to hands-on lab instruction that mirrors professional shop environments, preparing students for modern industry challenges through current technologies and practical problem-solving.
Aviation
Shawn Dietrich
Aviation Program Director and Associate Professor of Aviation
(509) 527-2323 | shawn.dietrich@wallawalla.edu
Education: B.A., Business Administration, Walla Walla University, 2001; B.S., Aviation Technology, Walla Walla University, 2001.
Bio: Dietrich’s aviation career spans cargo, firefighting, medical transport, and corporate operations, where he has served as a line pilot, training captain, check pilot, and director of operations. He has trained pilots for several commercial and charter organizations and holds an ATP with multiple type ratings, along with CFI, CFII, and MEI credentials. Outside of aviation, he enjoys camping, boating, and traveling with his wife, Heather, and their two daughters.
Product Design
Our team of faculty works closely with one another to ensure a positive experience for our students. As a student in the Department of Technology, you will get to know your instructors well in small classes, and benefit from their one-on-one coaching and assistance in our project-based learning environment. Learn more about our accomplished faculty below.
Jefre Humbert
Instructor of Product Design
(509) 527-2717 | jefre.humbert@wallawalla.edu
Canaday Technology Center
Education: B.S. Walla Walla University, 1984
Areas of Interest: Jefre’s background in business and manufacturing make him the man with the answers on prototyping, model making, CNC technologies, mold-making, plastics and more. His passions are teaching, product design, and manufacturing. He has started a couple of companies that create custom molds, and has developed software for various schools.
Josie Henderson
Assistant Professor
(509) 527-2712 | josie.henderson@wallawalla.edu
Education: M.A., Walla Walla University, 2020; B.A., Walla Walla University, 2018
Areas of interest: Josie has worked as a writer, designer, editor, filmmaker, producer, director, website creator and manager, TV show host, and photographer. She loves volunteering for outreach projects, playing music with church groups, and exploring the outdoors. But most of all, she likes to visit with family and friends.