Faculty
James Houston
James Houston a GM ASEP and Lead ATEP instructor at Nashville State Community College. He is an ASE certified Master Automobile Technician, Collision Repair Technician, Parts Specialist, and Fel- Pro certified sealing expert. He has completed 100 percent GM training in all categories.
James, a 2005 GM ASEP graduate, graduated top of his class receiving the Leadership Award. While in the ASEP program, he was sponsored by a local dealership, Tom Bannen Chevrolet. After graduating he continued working in that service department until coming to his current position. While at the dealership James received the technician of the month award on more than one occasion. While in the dealership he expressed the importance of career training by participating in several training exercises.
James continuingly strives for excellence by maintaining the highest level of training. He is also very familiar with the latest technologies. He uses his “up to date” training experiences to implement the newest methods and processes in the classroom.
Claude Whitaker
Claude Whitaker has been a GM ASEP coordinator/ instructor at Nashville State Community College for the past 7 years. He is ASE Master Certified, certified as an Advanced Level Specialist in engine performance, and GM Master certified in the areas of Engine Performance, Engine Repair,HVAC, Brakes, Electrical & Electronics and Suspension & Steering .
Claude was recently selected to participate in the Advanced Automotive Hybrid Technology Summer Institute. Among the fastest-growing segments in the automotive industry is the advancement of hybrid technology. College professors participating in the seminar were selected on a competitive basis, with the workshop limited to 40 participants. This five day faculty development workshop was held in Dayton, OH at Sinclair Community CollegeÕs state-of-the-art automotive facility. Experts from Toyota Motors Corporation, American Honda Motor Company, Ford Motor Company, and General Motors Corporation provided participants with the necessary technology and hands-on experiences to successfully implement an automotive hybrid programs.
Claude was also named an outstanding 2003 GM ASEP/BSEP Instructor. This award is giving to instructors who have completed over 90 percent of GM ASEP/BSEP training. To be qualified for the award, the GM ASEP program has to be National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) certified, the instructor had to teach GM ASEP/BSEP classes, and must have completed training for all Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) areas taught.
Claude enjoys racing tenth scale electric and nitro powered vehicles in Nashville, Mt. Juliet, Dickson and Columbia TN and has won two points championships at Thunder Raceway in Nashville, TN. He and his wife have a daughter who is a sophomore at Spellman College in Atlanta, GA. He and his family are members of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Nashville.
