Ferris State University’s Jeff Hardesty was recognized for his dedication to quality
classroom instruction as he was honored with the 2009-10 American Welding Society
District 11 District Educator Award.
“It’s a nice recognition and it feels great to have been recognized by my peers,” said Hardesty, an associate professor in the College of Engineering Technology, who has been employed by Ferris since 2004. “There are many well-known welding professors in the state of Michigan. For me to be picked is an honor.”
From a young age, Hardesty knew he wanted to pursue a career in welding engineering as it combined many types of engineering. He decided to give it a try, and has never looked back. Hardesty earned both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Ohio State University as the foundation for his career as an educator.
“I enjoyed the background that I had in graduate school and enjoyed being with young people,” said Hardesty, who resides in Big Rapids. “Choosing to teach Welding Engineering was a good career change.”
Currently, Hardesty is pursuing a master’s degree in Career and Technical Education from Ferris as his desire to pursue higher education continues.
The American Welding Society’s district 11 includes Michigan’s Lower Peninsula and northeast Ohio.