Allen Furr, a Computer-Integrated Machining graduate from SCC, is now a Manual and CNC Machinist at Technical Development Corporation. In this photo, Allen is working on a HAAS Mill Machine, very similar to the ones he trained on during his studies at Stanly Community College.
Albemarle, NC – In 2004, Allen had to quit taking college classes because he could not afford the gasoline. He lived in Concord at the time and was driving back and forth to Salisbury five days a week for classes. In 2004, the average price of gasoline per gallon in the United States was $1.85 and minimum hourly wage was $5.15. Life and circumstances can certainly dictate how someone’s educational journey will transpire
Jump ahead to the year 2017 where Allen finds himself living near Stanly Community College and gas money is not a problem anymore. He is taking machining classes at SCC and discovers college life is much easier than it was seventeen years ago.
In May 2019, Allen graduated (with honors and a 4.0 GPA) with his degree in Computer-Integrated Machining (CIM). He tells us that after all these years, he is glad he chose SCC to earn his degree. “Studying at SCC was a great experience. The faculty were very helpful and wanted to see you achieve your goals. They are still helpful to this day. I am definitely recommending that my family attend SCC to earn their degree or use SCC as a stepping-stone towards their transfer degree,” he noted.
Allen is currently employed as a Manual and CNC Machinist for Technical Development Corporation, which is an engineering and manufacturing firm that sells machinery and equipment to plants in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. “I absolutely love what I do,” he said. “I operate a HAAS Mill Machine which is very similar to the one I trained on at Stanly.”
When asked what he finds most exciting about his new career he replied, “Continuing to learn and grow in this field.” Allen confesses he would not change a thing about his educational journey. “I know God's plan was for me to take this route, and to be honest, I wouldn't have appreciated it enough or gave it the effort it deserved had I finished when I started in 2004.”
Allen wants those seeking an education to know the importance of hard work. “Give it 110%. Don't give a half-hearted effort because you will get a half-hearted result. You reap what you sow. Give your education the attention it deserves and it will reward you in the future.”
Allen is an avid drag racer and active in his church. He resides in Albemarle with his wife and three children.
For more information about the Computer-Integrated Machining program at Stanly Community College, please call (704) 991-0123.