RichmondCC Hires Automotive Technology Program Coordinator

March 19, 2026 – Richmond Community College has hired a program coordinator to develop the new automotive technology program it will begin offering this fall semester in the Hendrick Center for Automotive Training, which is in the final stages of construction.

Larry Frye of Rockingham started this week as the Automotive Technology Program Coordinator at RichmondCC.

Frye is an Automotive Service Excellence Master Technician and has more than 35 years of experience in the automotive industry, including 22 years with General Motors and 13 years with FirstHealth Fleet Maintenance.

“Larry’s extensive background in diagnostics, repair and management, along with his commitment to excellence, will be a tremendous asset to our program and our students when we begin classes in August,” said Dean of Engineering and Trades John Kester. “In this role, he will lead the development and growth of our automotive training program, support student achievement and strengthen our connections with industry partners. His real-world experience will play a key role in preparing students for successful careers in the automotive field.”

Frye described this switch from industry to education as a lifetime opportunity, and he is looking forward to taking what is currently a blank slate and building it from the ground up.

“I know that there has been a lot of groundwork laid, but this is an amazing opportunity. I have been in the automotive industry for 35-plus years, and there are a lot of guys in this area who are slowing down. It can be physically hard to keep up, so there is a great need for younger technicians in the workplace.”

Not only are younger technicians needed, but people who are interested in the evolving technology that is used extensively in today’s cars.

“Vehicles have changed so much in my career alone. We need more tech-savvy guys who have an interest in cars, too,” Frye said. “I remember growing up watching ‘The Jetsons’ that was set in the year 2062 with flying vehicles. That kind of technology is around today. With self-driving vehicles and advanced driver safety systems, the demand for understanding the electronic side of things is continuously increasing.”

As Frye is developing the curriculum for the automotive training program, his goal is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the basic areas of a vehicle, with an emphasis on the electrical systems and components. Students will learn the Automotive Service Excellence standards for systems A1-A8, be able to read and understand wiring schematics, and learn to use scan tools and read voltmeters.

“If they don’t have a good grasp on electronics, they will be lost in today’s automotive industry,” Frye said.

When students complete the program, they will have the knowledge and skills that will put them ahead of an entry level employee and provide them with the foundation to progressively advance in the automotive industry.

Construction of the Hendrick Center for Automotive Training is on schedule to wrap up this summer. RichmondCC will be releasing admission details for the program at that time. For more information or to be added to an interest list for automotive training, call (910) 410-1700 or text (910) 518-9685.