Robert Cothran, 2012
- Instructor, Performance Engine Technology
- DSC employee since 2008
Degrees and schools where awarded: A.S. in Business Management and A.S. in Business Merchandising from Rutledge College in South Carolina; ASI Engine Builder Diploma from Advanced Schools, Inc., Chicago, Ill.
Career/Professional honors: I’ve been involved with racing for 14 years, with the last few in NASCAR’s Modified Sportsman Division, Tri-City Champion and Tri-State Champion;
Outside interests: Golf, racing and building show cars.
What did you do prior to joining Daytona State College? I worked for 20 years as manufacturing manager with John Deere and Crane Cams, Inc.
What professional projects are you working on right now? Writing articles for Engine Builder Magazine and restoring a 1965 Jaguar XKE.
What has been the most rewarding thing about your Daytona State College experience? Starting the Performance Engine Technology program from an empty room with no equipment and transforming it into a complete engine machine shop with 11 classes in less than a year.
What is one goal you still hope to achieve in your career? To build engines for the local race tracks.
In life? To be a snowbird and travel more.
One thing people are surprised to find out about me is: I sang for a gospel quartet for seven years.
Last book read: I like to read books on Christian travel.
If they could bottle your personality what would the label read? The same as the Boy Scout motto: Be prepared.
If you could have a dinner party and invite any four people, dead or alive, the guest list would be: My father, mother, brother and my friend who was killed in Viet Nam.
The Daytona State of Mind to me is: Someone who wants a better future and the goal is within reach.
