{"id":2335,"date":"2026-10-21T09:38:18","date_gmt":"2026-10-21T13:38:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.monroecc.edu\/news\/?p=2335"},"modified":"2026-10-15T14:31:20","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T18:31:20","slug":"mcc-proud-meet-willis-major","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.monroecc.edu\/news\/2026\/10\/21\/mcc-proud-meet-willis-major\/","title":{"rendered":"MCC Proud: Meet Willis Major"},"content":{"rendered":"

In recognition of National Manufacturing Month, we are proud to feature Willis Major of the FWD Center.<\/em><\/p>\n

Willis Major serves as the Manager of Advanced Manufacturing Programs at Monroe Community College\u2019s Finger Lakes Workforce Development Center (FWD Center).<\/p>\n

A long-time member of the MCC family, Major spent five years teaching mathematics as an adjunct instructor before joining the FWD Center leadership team. Next month, he\u2019ll celebrate two years in his current role.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I joined the FWD Center as a manager, I taught the Introduction to Advanced Manufacturing pre-apprenticeship course,\u201d he said. \u201cI also took the SACA C-101 exam alongside the students, earned a score of 97%, and received my SACA Silver Certification.\u201d<\/p>\n

Major became interested in higher education after spending more than 30 years as a manufacturing engineer at General Motors and Tesla. \u201cWhen I saw the lab at the FWD Center, I fell in love with the opportunity to lead a program that helps people build skills and prepare for careers in advanced manufacturing,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Looking back on his MCC career, Major has many fond memories. \u201c<\/strong>I\u2019m proud of how we\u2019ve expanded our programs, grown revenue, and earned SACA Gold Certification,\u201d he said. Yet, for Major, the most rewarding moments are often the most personal. Seeing students\u2019 excitement when they pass their SACA exams and recognizing how their training is opening doors to new opportunities reminds him of the impact the program has on individual lives.<\/p>\n

When asked what advice he would give current or prospective MCC students, Major said, \u201c<\/strong>MCC offers many ways to learn, including credit programs, non-credit workforce training, and certifications. Education comes in many forms, so if one path doesn\u2019t feel right, don\u2019t give up\u2014adjust your direction and find what works for you. Learning is a lifelong journey. Look for skills that are in demand, then build on them to create a strong career.\u201d<\/p>\n

Outside of MCC, Major remains actively involved in the community. He serves on the board of the Greater Rochester Quality Council and is a Life Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., as well as a member of its Theta Omicron Chapter.<\/p>\n

He is also an author and songwriter. \u201cI\u2019ve written and hold patents, copyrights, and trademarks,\u201d added Major. \u201cSongwriting is my greatest passion.\u201d<\/p>\n

Major was the valedictorian of Thomas Jefferson High School (Rochester, NY). He earned his bachelor\u2019s degree in electrical engineering from General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan, and a master\u2019s degree in applied statistics from Rochester Institute of Technology.<\/p>\n

Fun Facts About Willis<\/strong><\/p>\n