Congratulations to Dean Taylor, College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Staff of the Month for October 2021. Taylor is a Shop Assistant for the Automotive Technology program and has been with the College for nearly a decade.
Taylor’s love for the automotive industry began as a teenager growing up in New York.
“I have worked on cars and trucks since before I started my job as a gas station attendant when I was a junior in high school,” he said. “I joined the Air Force right out of high school and spent 20 years traveling the country working as a mechanic in many places and in several countries, including at my own auto repair center.”
As a Shop Assistant at CWI, Taylor spends his time assisting students in the lab and maintaining and repairing hand and power tools, program equipment inventory, and supplies.
“I was drawn to CWI by a friend who worked here at the time. He spoke highly of the school and how rewarding his job was. Looking back, it was the best decision I could have made. I didn't know it then, and it didn't take long to realize, but I found that CWI had some pretty lofty goals when it came to making student success its number one priority. During my time here, I have grounded myself in the belief that if I am a successful part of the team, it will be that much easier for the students to achieve success also.”
“Dean deeply cares about his students,” said Lab Materials Specialist, Kelly McDaid. “He is always eager to go the extra mile to make sure everyone’s needs are met. His efficiency benefits all involved! Dean is a huge asset to CWI; the school of Industry, Engineering, and Trades; and our Automotive Technology program.”
“When I think of Dean, I think of a human filing cabinet – organized and fully functional,” said Assistant Professor of Automotive Technology, Eric Anderson. “He is amazing and does it all with a smile.”
“My job is not monotonous to say the least,” said Taylor. “The people I work with are some of the most talented, gifted professionals I have ever known. Their dedication and loyalty are infectious, and I believe the success of the students who pass through our programs year after year are the proof of these efforts. Because of CWI, I have a place where my experience and knowledge is put to the best use possible as part of a team truly dedicated to achieving goals and ensuring the success of every student.”
Outside of the shop, Taylor enjoys hunting, fishing, and anything related to motorsports. He is a crew member on a local sprint car racing team that travels to and races at tracks throughout the Northwest.
