Kenny Morris, a self-taught handyman with a knack for “figuring things out,” returned to Southeastern Community College after graduating from the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration technology program in 2017. Earning his associate’s degree with a 3.7 GPA and an academic excellence award, Morris is ready to lead a new generation into the world of HVAC-R. 

Morris said he is most excited about teaching students a trade – something they can “earn a living with.” Even if a student does not pursue a career in HVAC-R, he is proud to know that his students can save over $300 in repair bills if something were to go wrong.  

“I’m looking forward to teaching these students something that they’ll have forever,” Morris said. “No one will be able to take that away from them.” 

During the fall semester, Morris will visit South Columbus High School, West Columbus High School and Thomas Academy to instruct HVAC-R courses using the Workforce Development mobile lab. Students will gain maintenance, repair and electrical work experience and course credit for a certificate, diploma or degree as part of the Career and College Promise program.  

Morris’ favorite part of the job is interacting with the students. He has enjoyed learning the online component of his classes and uploading assignments. Morris said that fellow HVAC-R instructor Billy Chappell has been a “huge help” in getting him acclimated to the world of teaching

“It’s been interesting because I’ve never taught before,” Morris said. “I’ve been in management my whole life.” 

Morris is a 1987 graduate of A.C. Reynolds High School in Fairview, N.C. near Asheville. He moved to Columbus County to raise horses in 2002. For the past 11 years, Morris was employed at Max Pro Window Films and worked in the maintenance department.  

Morris grew up in the small town of Marshall, about 20 miles north of Asheville. He described his move to southeastern North Carolina as a culture shock. Moving right before a huge ice storm and during the hottest summer on record for that time, Morris said he was not accustomed to two extremes. 

Morris’ interest in HVAC stemmed from his maintenance work at Max Pro Window Films. He enrolled at SCC to gain unit repair knowledge and experience so that he could do his job with more efficiency and accuracy.  

“So, they sent me to school which was cool,” Morris said.  

Morris is married to Jenene Morris, and they have five daughters: Kari, Taylor, Chandler, Jazmine and Kinle and 12 grandchildren. In his free time outside of work, Morris likes building and collecting vintage cars. Morris is a deer and turkey hunter and enjoys the peace outside in nature.  

Interested in a career in HVAC-R Technology? Contact Valerie Register at 910-788-6397 or click here for more information.