Richard Cox: Giving 100% back

This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.

Q: How long have you been an educator? 

Richard Cox: Thirteen years.

Q: What got you started as an educator? 

Cox: Well, I graduated in ’92 from the school I now teach at. That teacher was my mentor, and I really liked him and what he did. I told him, “I’m going to come back one day and teach here.” He laughed and said, “Okay, boy. If you do, you let me know.”

When I got the job, I reached out to my previous mentor, and they did a write-up in the newspaper titled, “Graduate returns to give back to the next generation.”

I just love seeing students learn something—learn a career. When students don’t know something and then that lightbulb moment hits, and they get that look like, “Hey, I can do this.” I tell them, “Yes, you can—just pay attention and listen to what we’re teaching.”

I believe that teaching is the greatest thing in the world. You have to have passion and patience. Without patience, you’re not going to make it.

Q: Did you have any prior experience as an educator? 

Cox: When I first started, I truly didn’t know much about teaching. But I was told, “Don’t worry, we’ll teach you how to teach. Just take your knowledge and apply it.” I was fortunate to be mentored by some great educators.

Those mentors told me, “Richard, if you ever stop having fun, quit. You’re not doing the students any favors.” I really took that to heart, and now I wake up every morning excited for new teaching, the new sessions, and the new students.

There’s a shortage of good technicians. I believe that the more we share and help each other, the better our industry will become. I always tell my students: take what you’ve learned and apply it. If you see someone struggling, help them. The more you know, the more you can teach, and the better your shop will be.

Q: What does the automotive industry mean to you? 

Cox: I believe that the automotive industry is a good and rewarding career. It can be frustrating and physically demanding, but I was able to put two girls through college because of my career choices, and they’re both married and doing well. I’ve been married 36 years, and it’s been a blessing. Now, I’m giving back 100 percent to the industry that got me through life.

I tell my wife I’ve got 11 years left. She says, “You’re never going to retire. Even if you’re not teaching at the college, you’ll be doing something in the industry, you’ll be teaching, doing something with ASE.” And you know what, she's right.