PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – Northern Maine Community College welcomed a new faculty member to campus as the College recently began its Spring 2007 semester. Paul LaJoie, an NMCC alumnus, has joined the trade and technical occupations department as an automotive technology instructor.
LaJoie joins the team of current transportation program instructors, Dan Boyd (automotive technology), Bob Rice (diesel hydraulics) and Bob Collins (auto body repair), to help meet the growing needs of all three programs.
He will be teaching automotive electricity, automotive electronics, automotive heating and air conditioning, and motor vehicle inspection, all four of which are required classes for students in each of the three transportation programs. In addition, he is assisting Boyd during the automotive technology labs.
Prior to joining the faculty, LaJoie was a service technician for the past 16 years, most recently at Whited Ford in Presque Isle. He began 10 years ago at the Whited Ford Motors dealership in downtown Presque Isle, and then went to work at the Whited Ford Truck Center after the dealership closed. He also worked for the former Slipp Ford in Presque Isle and Acadia Motors in Madawaska.
In addition to performing inspections, LaJoie has experience troubleshooting electrical and electronic circuits, as well as diagnosing and repairing engines, transmissions, brake systems, climate controls systems, steering and suspension systems. He is a specialist in drivability, emission control and engine performance, as well as a preventive maintenance specialist.
LaJoie earned his associate degree in automotive technology from the College in 1991. He is a State of Maine certified inspection mechanic and has completed numerous Ford Motor Co. specialty-training courses.
“When you change careers, it’s a challenge, but it’s a very exciting challenge,” said LaJoie. “It’s more than just instructing the students, but understanding how everything works at the college. This semester is really a learning process, and I’m working hard to learn as much as I can in a short time.”
The Van Buren native currently resides in Presque Isle with his wife, Lisa.
