Education
- Bachelor of Arts – Business Administration, Fresno Pacific University - 2023
- Associate in Science – Welding/Metal Fabrication, Fresno City College - 2009
Courses Taught
- ENGR1311-1 Manufacturing Processes Lab
Other Professional Credentials, Certifications and Licensing
Certified Welding Educator, 2025
License #2501007E exp. 01/2029
Quality Control Inspector – Los Angeles County, 2021
- CORA training, 2019
- Career Technical Education Instructor Training, 2019
- AWS 3F 232 FCAW Qualification, 2020
- AWS 6G Stainless Steel GTAW Qualification, 2019
- Yaskawa Basic Robot W/Arc welding, 2024
- Forklift Operator Safety Training, 2025
- Lincoln Electric Education & Training Certificates
Motorsports Advanced Materials Program, 2024
VRTEX Customer Training, 2019
REALWELD Customer Training, 2019
Beyond the Booth Instructor Course, 2022
- NC3 Certifications/Lincoln Electric
Welding Safety 2023
Introduction SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW 2022
Advanced SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW 2023
Tape and Rule Measurement 2022
Thermal Cutting 2024
Print Reading 2024
- Certificate of Achievement in Welding Technology – Metal Fabrication - 2009
- Certificate of Achievement in Welding Technology – Design and Fabrication - 2009
- Certificate of Completion in Welding Technology – Multi Purpose - 2007
Experience
- 2023 – Present, LeTourneau University
Welding Lab Technician, Adjunct Instructor
Organizes, Updates and Maintains all activities of Kielhorn Welding Engineering Lab
Develop curriculum and instruct in Manufacturing Process Course
- 2018 – 2023, Fresno City College
Welding Instructor – Applied Technology
Develop curriculum for and instruct in the metals fabrication/welding technology program
Assist in coordination of program
Instruct in oxy-acetylene and plasma cutting, SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, manual and semi-automatic equipment in the flat, horizontal, vertical, overhead positions with mild steel, aluminum, and stainless steel.
- 2016 – Present, Avoiding Mediocrity
Owner, welding/metal fabrication shop
GTAW, GMAW, SMAW, FCAW
- 2015 – 2016, Superior Machine Work Inc.
Lead welder/ Production welding
GTAW, GMAW, and SMAW
- 2012 – 2015 JS Industrial
Sanitary stainless welding/pipe fitting
GTAW, GMAW, and SMAW
- 2007 – 2009, Kent Performance Center
Welding and Metal fabrication
GTAW, GMAW
- 2002 – 2006, United States Navy USS ROSS (DDG-71)
Damage Control Work Center Supervisor, Maintenance Mechanic for gas turbine engines
Contributions to the Discipline
- WEMCO/American Welding Society, 2024
Excellence In Welding Award
- LeTourneau University-SEET, 2025
Dean’s Award for Staff Excellence
State Center Community College District, 2023
Extraordinary dedication and service
- 2023, State Center Community College District
Heart of Education
- 2022-2023, American Welding Society
District Educator of the Year
- 2021-2022, American Welding Society
Section Educator of the Year
- 2023-2024, American Welding Society
Section Meritorious Award
2020 – Present, American Welding Society (AWS)
2025 - Present, Section 150-Treasurer, Secretary
2025 - Present, District 17- Deputy District Director
2024 - 2025, Section 150-Secretary, Program committee chair
2022 – 2023, Section 176-Secretary
2018 – 2023, Fresno City College
Welding Internship
- California State University, Fresno January 2018
Civil Engineering/Steel Bridge Competition Team
Personal Bio
Charles Jeffress III, the Kielhorn Welding Engineering Lab Technician, is known for his legendary TIG welding. A Welding business owner, a craftsman, an Adjunct instructor, and a Certified Welding Educator, he has a positive attitude and a willingness to use his broad and deep skills. He can regularly be seen contributing broadly and does this because of Christ’s call on his life.
He was recognized with an Excellence in Welding Award by the American Welding Society and WEMCO as a veteran that elevates the image of welding and bolsters the industry. He has served a key role in setting up the new Yaskawa Robotics Training Center, the new welding robots, the new CNC Plasma cutter, and numerous other improvements in the welding lab. He promotes a culture of safety, contributes to the department in numerous ways, and is known for uncomplicated prayers that are filled with gratitude and trust.
Charles and his wife, Danielle (our Registrar here at LeTourneau University) moved here from California in 2023. They have two children. As an experienced welder, he would like to utilize his fifteen plus years of experience to develop and pass welding skills to the next generations.
