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.
James Veverka
Instructor of Technology
(509) 527-2714 | james.veverka@wallawalla.edu
Canaday Technology Center
Education: B.S. Walla Walla College, 2007
Areas of Interest: Veverka discovered his love for teaching here at WWU when he instructed a course as part of his senior project. While he was with Marque Motors in Portland, Oregon, he specialized in Porsche, Audi, VW, and BMW repair, but he also enjoyed working on classic cars. In his free time, he likes off-roading with both 2 and 4-wheeled machines, karting, high-performance driving, fly fishing, and surfing.
Aviation
Shawn Dietrich
Associate Professor of Aviation
(509) 527-2323 | shawn.dietrich@wallawalla.edu
Education: S.I.C., Federal Aviation Administration, 2022; B.S., B.A., Walla Walla University, 2001.
Bio: Dietrich has flown as a cargo pilot, firefighter pilot, medical evacuation pilot, and corporate pilot. He’s also trained pilots for four different air carriers and served as director of operations at several aviation organizations. He enjoys camping, boating, and traveling with his two daughters and wife, Heather.
Stan Holm
Aircraft Maintenance Manager
(509) 527-2323 | stan.holm@wallawalla.edu
Education: A&P/IA Colorado Aero Tech,1976
Bio: Bio: Holm has owned Blue Ridge Aircraft Service in Walla Walla, was a corporate pilot for Computer Networking Service, and was shop foreman for the Beechcraft dealer in Seattle. He grew up in the tropics as the son of missionary parents, and has traveled extensively throughout his life—even being rewarded with a tour of duty in Vietnam.
Darryl Penney
Flight Training Manager
(509) 527-2723 | darryl.penney@wallawalla.edu
Education: S.E.S., Federal Aviation Administration; D.C., Palmer College of Chiropractic, 1988.
Bio: Penney was Andrews University’s assistant chief flight instructor for the past 10 years. He joined the WWU aviation team after holding his instructor certificate for 41 years. After so much time teaching, he says teaching people to fly is “new every day!”
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.
Dan Wolcott
Instructor of Technology (Woods)
dan.wolcott@wallawalla.edu
Education: Lifetime in construction and woodworking
Areas of Interest: Dan builds custom cabinetry and furniture; he considers teaching to be the highlight of his working week, and feels that he is blessed by God and the university for trusting him with the task.
Jacob Patterson
Instructor of Technology (CAD)
jacob.patterson@wallawalla.edu
Education: B.S. Walla Walla University, 2017
Areas of Interest: Patterson does professional CAD in the mechanical design industry. He enjoys cooking, playing pickleball, and working on house projects with his wife and their pup.
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.
Nathanael McCoy
Instructor of Technology (Metals and Machining)
(509) 527-2212 | nathanael.mccoy@wallawalla.edu
Areas of Interest: Nathanael enjoys fine craftsmanship in wood, metal, and fabric or leather. Being active is his passion, whether by wheel, sole, or oar, and he honors the Creator of the Universe for His guidance and wisdom.
Kris Margart
Instructor of Technology (Welding)
kristopher.margart@wallawalla.edu