Curt Ward brings a wealth of talent, experience and knowledge to his work. Curt is an automotive professor at Joliet Junior College and serves as a visiting automotive instructor at Southern Illinois University. Previously he was an adjunct professor at other area community colleges. Before his work at the college, Curt worked as a technical training instructor for Chrysler Corporation for fifteen years. Prior to his years at Chrysler, he has worked as a technician, shop foreman and service manager in the retail sector of the automotive industry for thirteen years. During this time Curt became a Chrysler Master Technician. Curt has an Associates of Applied Science in Automotive Service Technology from Southern Illinois University. He has a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Organizational Communications from North Central College. He earned his Master’s degree in Adult Education at the University of Phoenix.
Curt has presented technical seminars at numerous conferences around the country. He has presented for the Illinois College Automative Instructor Association (ICAIA), the California Automotive Teachers (CAT) and the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT). Curt is an active member in the Illinois Automotive Instructor (ICAIA) and the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (CACAT). He currently serves as the President of the NACAT organization. In 2015 Curt was named the NACAT MVP award winner for his outstanding contribution to the NACAT organization.
Curt and his wife Tammy have five children and two grandchildren. Together they enjoy traveling and exploring historical sites. In his spare time, Curt enjoys modeling 3-rail O-gauge railroads.
Curt holds the following ASE certifications:
- ASE Master Automotive Technician
- Automobile Advanced Engine Performance “L1”
- Alternative Fuels Technician “F1”
- Light Vehicle Diesel Engines “A9”
- Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair “G1”