Robert Townsend, Drafting Technology Instructor (307) 754-6142

Robert’s personal design experience began at an early age while living in both Holland and Germany and visiting ancient structures like cathedrals and castles. “It always amazed me just how these enormous structures were constructed”.  Later in life this interest eventually lead Robert into the construction field in constructing houses ranging in size from small 3-bedroom ranchers to customized homes, to large condominium complexes.

During this time Robert’s interests became diversified and changed direction. He attempted to seek a career that implemented his desires.  Robert began a new career as a machinist at a large machining company in Pennsylvania and also began taking flying lessons at the local airport. He received his pilot’s license and has logged in many hours of flight time since. Midway through his machining career he came to a crossroad in his life. Robert’s interests for architecture now were partnered with an interest in the engineering fields of manufacturing and electronics.

Robert transitioned into a new job to follow his growing interest in electronics by working for the Schlumberger Oil Company in Princeton, New Jersey in the electrical/ manufacturing department, manufacturing electrical probes for oil-well drilling purposes.

Robert soon figured out that he possessed a love for math and science as well as design; he would not be satisfied with just one career. He then realized that college would lead him down the chosen path. So he enrolled in college to pursue a study in electronics and received an A.A.S. in Electronics Technology from Burlington County College in New Jersey in 1989, and also began his affiliation with Drafting and Design by assisting in the implement of  AutoCAD software into the Engineering and Electronics program.

To supplement his college expenses Robert joined the Army National Guard and spent the next 14 years in an Artillery Battalion until his discharge as a 1st Lieutenant.

Shortly after graduation, now versed in the AutoCAD language, Robert began working full time in drafting and designing architectural, and mechanical drawings for the Burlington County College community. He applied his CADD skills to create hundreds of conceptual drawings for renovation projects and design concepts for several new college buildings.

To further his enthusiasm in CADD design Robert pursued the study of all his interests in these fields: architecture, manufacturing, and electronics. These studies were incorporated into the field of industrial technology and he obtained a B.S. degree in Industrial Technology from Roger Williams University in Rhode Island with an emphasis in manufacturing.

With the retirement of Robert’s mentor (a college professor) in 1999, the undertakings of the vacant position now fell into Robert’s hands and thus commenced his college teaching career. During his college level teaching assignment, Robert received his M.S. in Industrial Technology from Indiana State University where he concentrated on CADD design primarily, in the implementation in the educational fields of Mechanical and Architecture.

Robert and his wife Renee and two sons, Ian and Ethan, are excited about the prospects that exist at Northwest College and Robert plans on relocating his family to Powell next year after he finishes renovating the 1879 home that they currently own in the Historic town of Mt. Holly, New Jersey.

Now, with the added significance of becoming an educator, all facets of interests are incorporated into Robert’s teaching. As the instructor of drafting technology at Northwest College, Robert utilizes his 20+ years experience with computer Aided Drafting and Design while incorporating his other areas of knowledge and experience to provide students with the interest to learn the prescribed skills. Robert believes that networking the college, students, and local businesses together is a continuing circle of success for the entire community.