Jul 19 2023
This article was published on Jul 19 2023 and was archived on Jul 01 2024. The information below may be outdated or inaccurate.
NRCC Class of 2023
Adam Toler
Hometown: Richmond, Va.
High School: Benedictine College Preparatory
Degrees/Certificates/Diplomas earned: associate of applied science in instrumentation and control automation technology; career studies certificates in mechatronics fundamentals, practical electronics technician I, and practical electronics technician II
Adam Toler, an Eagle Scout from Richmond, Va., came to New River Community College specifically for the college’s instrumentation and control automation program He had heard about the well-known program from his father, an electrical salesman in Richmond.
Although he was a few hours from home and now in a much smaller community, Adam was still able to find his place at NRCC. He became involved in NRCC’s honor society, Phi Theta Kappa, where he was named chapter president. He was also named to the top ten of the Phi Theta Kappa All-Virginia Academic Team and was awarded a PTK scholarship in 2023.
He credits much of his success to his instructors.
“Montie Fleshman was the most influential professor I have had in my time at New River Community College. Montie had a large effect on my education, this was because he taught in a way that made you learn and understand a subject. In class we spent most of our time working with our hands. Everything that we learned we would have to apply through labs and projects.”
The instrumentation program was time-consuming and intense and required dedication and focus. But Adam enjoyed the hard work.
“…I worked extremely hard, and the results followed.”
Adam would also mentor his instrumentation peers once he had completed his own projects.
“In order to help others and better my understanding of each subject, I would help my classmates so that they could understand the parts of the subject they were struggling with and finish their work.”
After graduation in May, Adam began interning at WestRock ‘s WestPoint VA paper mill. Adam enjoyed his time at NRCC so much that he plans to return in the fall to complete two more degrees in electrical engineering technology and electronics technology.
“My favorite part of being a student at New River Community College is the learning environment in the instrumentation program. Working with my hands almost every day was a huge benefit, and the best part of attending NRCC was being able to not only learn concepts but to actually apply and use them in the classroom was a nice change to traditional learning.”
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