Motlow State Community College’s Automation and Robotics Training Center (ARTC) in McMinnville has helped many Motlow students find successful careers, but it has also become a way for Motlow to connect with the children of the Warren County Community. Grade school students have the opportunity to visit the facility and enjoy hands-on learning experiences with robots so they can see the world of possibilities that awaits them. The ARTC has played a particularly influential role in the life of Jenna Mullins, a student whose passion for learning has led her to promote the ARTC and its offerings to her community.

Jenna Mullins is a 10th grader at Warren County High School and has grown up in the ARTC. Her friendship with Director Larry Flatt began when she was a small child and led him to teach her about binary numbers and give her books about robotics. He allowed her to visit the ARTC and put her love of robots in action, fueling her love for the subject until she was able to spread it to others.

She stated, “Mr. Larry has become like family, always holding me to high expectations. His passion for his career has shown me the importance of education, and his success has inspired me to work hard toward my own goals.”

Flatt added, “Motlow’s mission of inspiring young students to obtain skills that will lead to a better quality of life while helping others is exemplified in Jenna’s story. Her innate abilities and interest in robotics were obvious as she attended some of the summer programs hosted by Motlow at the Automation and Robotics Training Center.  As we planned for the 2024 summer student events, we felt the presentation and training might be more engaging from someone who is closer to the students’ grade level.  Jenna was the obvious choice, given the abilities she has gained since first coming to the ARTC as a fourth grader. Our decision was validated by the enthusiasm and willingness to learn that we saw in the more than two hundred students with whom she engaged.  We encourage others to look for opportunities to grow their skills in areas that may not be comfortable at first.”

Mullins’s dedication has allowed her opportunities to help teach magnet school students, Warren County’s gifted students, Warren County eighth grade students at career day, and high school students touring the ARTC/TCAT about the subject of robotics. Her love of learning has led her to inspire others, and she is a perfect example of why Motlow State prioritizes student success at every age.

Learn more about the ARTC at Motlow.edu/artc and find out how you can have a unique and exciting career.