SUNY Canton’s Brandon Baldwin Wins Instructor of the Year Title
Associate Professor and resident automobile enthusiast Brandon J. Baldwin has won the prestigious 2023-2024 Instructor of the Year Program, presented by Tomorrow’s Technician and sponsored by B’laster Products.
“Brandon exemplifies the qualities we strive to instill in our students,” said SUNY Canton Dean of the Canino School of Engineering Technology Michael J. Newtown. “His dedication, innovative teaching methods, and commitment to staying ahead of industry trends make him an invaluable asset to our institution. We are incredibly proud of his achievements and this well-deserved recognition.”
The contest honors educators who take an unconventional approach to education, tackle challenges with creativity and passion, and are dedicated to shaping the future of automotive technicians. Baldwin said he channels his passion for cars, music, engineering, the environment, and people into the Automotive Technology program at SUNY Canton.
“It’s quite an honor to be recognized among some of the best educators and technicians in the United States,” Baldwin said. “This award means a lot because it is associated with a product that we use frequently in the classroom.”
The Canino School of Engineering Technology’s Automotive Technology program is often used as a premiere example of the trades-focused educational programs offered at the college. It stands alongside Civil and Environmental, Mechanical, Electrical, and Mechatronics for students considering a hands-on, career-focused education.
“I’ve asked students many times, ‘How many of you feel uninspired in high school and thought, why am I doing this?’ I like to be able to answer that question," Baldwin said. "Automotive is a great place to answer those questions. Even when it comes to biology or chemistry, obviously physics, automotive is a good answer.”
He said most of the graduates from his program go on to become certified technicians. Others will enter other trades or continue in the college’s four-year programs. Whatever they do, Baldwin said he instills in them the ability to solve a problem rather than just replace parts.
Since joining the program in 2006, Baldwin has been instrumental in its success. Under his guidance, the college attained National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) certification. The program will also be up for review by Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) during the upcoming year.
Baldwin has helped facilitate partnerships with industry leaders, including Subaru Distributors Corporation, Ford Motor Company, and Volkswagen of America. The program also maintains close relationships with numerous area dealerships.
He has developed new courses to encompass electric and hybrid vehicles. He’s also actively involved in the North Country’s Green Living Fair and advocates for sustainability on campus and in the community.
On weekends, Baldwin races rallycross in second-hand Subarus or works on extensively customized vehicles at his Parishville home workshop. He serves as the Secretary for the Seaway Cruisers Classic Car Club and authors a monthly "Ask a Tech" column for their newsletter, partially based on his classroom experiences.
He noted his favorite B’Laster product is the Surface Shield Rustproofing, which he has used extensively on his pickup truck.
Discover SUNY Canton, where innovation meets opportunity. The college’s career-focused educational programs emphasize hands-on and applied learning opportunities in digital design, engineering technology, health, information technology, management, public service, and veterinary technology. Faculty members bring real-world experience and exceptional academic expertise to the classroom. As a leader in online education, SUNY Canton offers unmatched flexibility with hundreds of courses and 25 comprehensive degree programs offered completely online. The SUNY Canton Kangaroos compete at the NCAA Division III level and are members of the SUNYAC. In addition to its 15 traditional teams, SUNY Canton offers coed varsity esports and cheerleading.