William serves as the Dept. Head/Instructor for the Machine Tool Department at Augusta Technical College. William is a native of Columbia county, Georgia and graduated from Evans High School in 1975. He worked in industry as a machinist and supervisor at TRW and Hydreco, manufacturers of cutting tools and hydraulic components. William started his career with Augusta Tech as a Machine Tool Instructor in 1982. In 1989 he began teaching Industrial Maintenance before returning to the Machine Tool Program as Department Head in 1995. During his tenure at Augusta Tech he has served on the President's Faculty Advisory council, SACS Accreditation Steering committee, Student Council Faculty Advisory Committee, Safety committee, and as Coed Softball Coach. He has assembled the Machine Tool Lab with new equipment and the latest technologies in manufacturing to stand second to none in Georgia. he was instrumental in developing the statewide curriculum for Machine Tool Technology.
Areas of his expertise include Conventional Lathes, Mills and CNC Reading, Hydraulics Pneumatics, and Mechanical Devices. Mr. Blackledge is actively involved with several publishing companies in reviewing textbook manuscripts. William was nominated and named i Who's Who Among Americas Teachers for three consecutive years. He works closely with area industry to insure their needs in the education of future employees. His passion for education allows him to maintain high standards and dedication to his students' achievement of goals.
