Larry Paulsen

Larry Paulsen received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees and teaching credentials from California Polytechincal State University at San Luis Obispo.  His teaching career began at Escalon High School in charge of the Agriculture Mechanics program for 7 years. Larry has been teaching at San Joaquin Delta College for 23 years.

Larry has been involved with curriculum development in California for the past 20 years and was the founding president of the Power Equipment Technology Association.  He served as Agriculture Department lead person for 8 years during which the program was recognized as the Outstanding Large Program in Region 1 of the United States.  He has served on numerous standards and certification review committees while teaching at San Joaquin Delta College.

Larry continues to attend industry training programs and has hosted several Training Programs in the facilities here at San Joaquin Delta College in attempt to bring the latest information into his classroom.  He has been recognized as a "Teacher of Teachers" and has received the Outstanding Teacher award from the California Ag Teachers Association.  Most recently he received the Distinguished Service Award from the California Association of Future Farmers of America at the 2007 State FFA Leadership Conference.

Rich Dettloff

Rich Dettloff received his Bachelor of Vocational Education degree, teaching credential and Masters in Education from California State University, Sacramento.  His teaching career began at a private college in Detroit Michigan where he taught industrial robotics and electronic control systems.  He then worked for General Dynamics Land Systems as an Instructor and Field Service Engineer on the M1A1 Abrams Main Battle tank as well as other ground based weapon systems.  From there, he moved into the Industrial Hydraulics world as an instructor with Vickers Hydraulics Systems, training factory maintenance personnel all around the country.

Rich began his career with San Joaquin Delta College in 1997 as the Fluid Power Technology Instructor and then moved in 2002 into his current position as a Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician program instructor.  He teaches various hydraulics, math, and industrial technology courses in addition to the courses in the Caterpillar Program.

Ken Pekarek

Ken Pekarek received his Associate of Science degree from Reedley College in Automotive Technology and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Industrial Arts (Automotive/Metals) from California State University, Fresno.  He holds an ASE Master Medium/Heavy Truck Technician Certification, MACS Refrigerant and Recycling Certification, and California Council on Diesel Education and Technology (CCDET) state certification. 

Ken has been employed in the diesel equipment technology field for over 37 years.  He spent 8 years working as a truck technician for Fresno Truck Center and Freightliner dealership.  His teaching career started in Havre, Montana at Montana State University Northern, where he taught diesel technology for 3 years.  He then came to San Joaquin Delta College where he has taught diesel and truck technology for 26 years.  

Ken has been involved with local truck and equipment dealerships over the last 26 years, where he has worked as a technician and a trainer during the summer.  His main area of instruction at Delta College is in the general Diesel Technology Program where he teaches engines, transmissions, differentials, brakes, electronic and mechanical fuel systems, and air conditioning.  He also teaches air conditioning in the Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician Program along with assisting Dan Carter in the engine overhaul class.

Gillian Murphy Division Dean Applied Science, Business & Technology Division