Pendleton Wins Festo High Award
Sep 3, 2026Festo Didactic is proud to announce John Pendleton as the recipient of its 2026 Instructor of the Year Award. Pendleton, an instructor of Mechatronics Engineering Technology at Rockingham Community College, has been recognized for his outstanding leadership, innovative curriculum development, and deep commitment to technical education and workforce development.
“Personally, it’s a tremendous honor, because it reflects years of working to help students develop skills that lead directly into meaningful careers, sometimes life-changing careers,” Pendleton said. “While my name might be on the award, I view it as a recognition of Rockingham Community College, our students, and the faculty, as well as the industry partners and mentors who’ve helped build our program along the way.”
Before he became an educator, Pendleton spent 23 years working as an electrical engineer. While that career taught him the value of technical skills, he said teaching has allowed him to multiply his impact on a much broader scale.
“At RCC, I get to help many students build their careers, support their families, and contribute to our community. Some of the most rewarding moments are when a student reaches out and says they’ve got a new job, knowing that you played a small role. Helping someone create a better future is really fulfilling.”
In the classroom, Pendleton emphasizes a hands-on approach where at least 80% of class time is spent actively learning in the lab. Many students arrive unsure of their abilities at first, but soon find themselves troubleshooting advanced systems, programming PLCs, and operating robotics.
Under Pendleton’s leadership, and the guidance of David Dillard, dean of Applied and Industrial Technologies, RCC proves that smaller, rural institutions can set the standard for technical education and training.
“This award demonstrates that even a rural community college can be a national leader in advanced manufacturing and technical education,” Pendleton noted. “You don’t have to be a large institution in a major urban area to provide world-class training because our students have the same access to industry-recognized certifications, advanced technologies, and career opportunities as students anywhere in the country.”
As an NC3 Festo Master Instructor certified across FICP Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3, Pendleton has earned every advanced manufacturing teaching credential except for the newest one – which he said is next on his to-do list.
Pendleton has gone beyond teaching the Festo Industry Certification Program, he has contributed to shaping and expanding the curriculum. He authored a brand-new certification course from scratch: Fundamentals of Production Automation with the Festo Skills Conveyor. This hands-on certification allows students to wire, program, and troubleshoot a fully automated PLC-controlled conveyor system featuring sensors and pneumatics, mirroring real-world modern manufacturing facilities.
At RCC, NC3 industry credentials from Festo, Greenlee, and Snap-on are embedded directly into the Mechatronics associate degree curriculum. By the time students graduate, they have the opportunity to earn over 34 industry-recognized credentials completely free of charge.
“It really gives them a sense of accomplishment, but also confidence. Confidence is key for students at that age,” Pendleton explained.
Furthermore, Pendleton utilizes Festo LX to challenge advanced students. Rather than sending fast learners home early, he assigns higher-level digital modules to push their knowledge further and keep them engaged.
Since opening its state-of-the-art Center for Workforce Development in 2022, RCC has become a powerhouse for the local workforce talent pipeline. Pendleton and his colleagues are busy preparing graduates for high-demand roles such as automation technicians, controls technicians, robotics specialists, and mechatronics technicians.
The program’s reach and the transferable skills that students learn extend into emerging technological sectors across the region, including data centers, energy and utility companies like Duke Energy, and aerospace and avionics. Pendleton noted that three RCC graduates were hired at a local data center because they need skilled workers who understand electrical systems, automation, and the entire system as a whole.
“Across all of these industries, the common theme is a growing need for technicians who can troubleshoot, who can think on their own,” Pendleton said. “Employers are looking for individuals who can adapt to these increasingly automated facilities and help keep them running safely and efficiently.”
RCC also makes it a point to open its doors to 7th and 10th graders every year, giving them an early look at mechatronics labs and advanced manufacturing systems. Through plant tours, field trips, and hands-on lab visits, prospective students get a clear view of clean, modern, highly automated, and high-tech environments.
As Pendleton put it: “If I can just get the students who are thinking about mechatronics to walk through, let me talk to them for a few minutes, and show them the equipment… I haven’t lost one yet.”
Festo Didactic celebrates John Pendleton for his dedication to student success, his passion for expanding technical education, and his vision for building a stronger community.
For more information about RCC’s Mechatronics Engineering Technology program, visit https://rockinghamcc.edu/program/mechatronics-engineering-technology-a40350/ or call 336-342-4261 ext. 2333.
