SUNY Canton Associate Professor Races Toward Instructor of the Year Title
Associate Professor Brandon J. Baldwin uses his passion for cars, music, engineering, the environment, and people to drive the Automotive Technology program at SUNY Canton.
Now, Baldwin has emerged as a strong contender in the prestigious 2023-2024 Instructor of the Year Program, presented by Tomorrow’s Technician and sponsored by B’laster Products.
The contest was designed to honor educators who demonstrate an unconventional approach to education, tackle challenges with creativity and passion, and are dedicated to shaping the future of automotive technicians.
Baldwin was initially interested in becoming a music teacher or an agricultural engineer.
“I grew up around cars and tractors,” Baldwin said during a video interview with B’Laster. “I prefer being a technician to being an engineer.”
With his foundation in agriculture, he obtained his associate degree from SUNY Morrisville. He furthered his education with a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University. While working at a Goodyear dealership, he pursued a master's in Career and Technical Education from Buffalo State University.
Since joining the Automotive Technology program at SUNY Canton's Canino School of Engineering Technology in 2006, Baldwin has played a pivotal role in the program's continuing success. The college attained National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) certification, fostering partnerships with industry giants like Subaru Distributors Corporation, Ford Motor Company, and Volkswagen of America, among others. The program also maintains close relationships with numerous area dealerships.
“When a student graduates from this program it shouldn't matter whether they're looking at a Lexus, Subaru, Toyota, or Mercedes,” he said. “They should be able to figure out how to fix it.”
The most recent development in the Automotive Technology program mirrors the industry’s integration of electric and hybrid vehicles. Baldwin has developed new courses to encompass the new technologies.
In addition to vying for the title of B’laster Instructor of the Year and teaching full-time, Baldwin also races rallycross and is the Secretary for the Seaway Cruisers Classic Car Club.
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 23 comprehensive degree programs offered completely online. The SUNY Canton Kangaroos compete at the NCAA Division III level and will be transitioning to the SUNYAC in Fall 2024. In addition to its 15 traditional teams, SUNY Canton offers coed varsity esports and cheerleading.