Page 17 - Academic Report FINAL VERSION WEB

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

Dr. Randy Steinmann

School of Aviation Randy Steinmann is a lecturer in the School of Aviation. He joined the MGA fac-
ulty in 2008.

In what circumstances would I come to you for something?
I help students of all ages prepare to enter a career as an aviation maintenance

or sheet metal professional. I try to help students any way I can. I’m glad to give stu-
dents a different perspective on class materials they may be having a hard time with,
even if it’s something outside of my normal subject area. I’ve helped students look
at the pros and cons of future careers of jobs. I’ve served as an ear to listen when
student are having a hard time such as struggling with school or even during the loss
of a loved one. I strive to be not only a teacher, but a mentor to help students achieve
their goals. If there is something that I may not know or don’t feel comfortable with,
I’ll do my best to direct students to where they can get the help they need.

What energizes you at work?

I love the learning process. I enjoy helping students put the pieces of the proverbial puzzle together to get
a better understanding of the aviation maintenance field. There’s nothing better than to see the moment of
clarity on a student’s face when they experience an aha moment and the little cartoon light bulb above their
head lights up.

What led you to this career?
I worked as an aircraft sheet metal worker while I attended and completed both Aircraft Structural and Air-

craft Maintenance Technology programs. After getting my airframe and powerplant certifications I worked in
general aviation as an aircraft mechanic. The recession of the early 2000’s later led to the closing of the small
FBO I was working for, so I went back to school. As I was completing an A.S. in Business Administration and
A.A.S degrees in both Aircraft Structural Technology and Aircraft Maintenance Technology I was informed that
Middle Georgia College had an opening for an instructor to teach in their AST and AMT programs. It seemed
right up my alley, so I figured I’d give it a shot.

What’s the biggest misconception people have about your position/job?
Many people seem to think that teaching is a “gravy train.” People look at teaching and only see the week-

ends and holidays off; they don’t see the 2-3 a.m. nights up preparing presentations, grading papers, research-
ing topics, etc. People don’t see the grass that goes uncut, the family time that is sacrificed, or the personal
projects that are set aside so that responsibilities to your student an co-workers can be met. People often over-
look the hours and effort that are used to attend meetings, catch up on paperwork, attend seminars, take part
in continuing education, and the like. In many professions when you clock out you’re done until the next work
day. Often in an education career, you’re not done when you leave work. It’s not really a 9-5 job, it’s a lifestyle.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I would have to say that my greatest achievement is my family. I have a wonderful wife and three awesome

children that I would do anything for. My wife and I have worked hard to create a structured, loving household
that seems to be more of a rarity each passing year. While we definitely butt heads more often that I care to
admit, I hope that my kids see home as a safe, stable place they can go when times get tough. I contribute that
stability, in part, to my great career at Middle Georgia.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
Before returning to college to complete an A.S. in Business Administration, I came very close to attending

culinary school. I have always liked to cook and considered making a career out of it.

What book(s) are you reading now?
I recently started reading Ghosts of the Shadow Market by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan, Maureen

Johnson, Kelly Link, and Robin Wasserman.

What’s something—big or small—that you’re really bad at?
I’m a really bad dancer...I mean REALLY bad!

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My wife, Edie.

Which talent would you most like to have?
I would love to have musical talent. I like to sing even though most people around me would probably pre-

fer that I didn’t. I would also like to learn to play multiple musical instruments.

Academic Affairs Annual Report 2019 | Middle Georgia State University 13