LUMBERTON – A Robeson County Career Center instructor was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame of the National Masonry Instructors Association.
Jimmy Brown, a Masonry instructor at the Robeson County Career Center, was inducted into the NMIA Hall of Fame during the National Masonry Instructors Association 33rd Annual Summer Conference in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina held in July.
Brown was nominated by the founders of the organization, which was formed in 1989. The Masonry instructor also serves as the newly elected president of the NMIA.
“To be honored by your peers is incredibly gratifying and I am so thankful to my colleagues across the nation for this recognition. I hope I can stand up and be an example that helps change the narrative,” Jimmy Brown said.
This year marks the NMIA organization’s last independent summer conference before it merges with the Mason Contractors Association of America, according to information from Brown.
Brown is a former vocational student and understands the value of vocational education.
“I have been in my students’ shoes before. I am a firm believer that hard work pays off,” he said.
“I am now the president of the National Masonry Instructors Association. This was a dream that came true,” Brown added.
He attributes the recognition and role as association president to a higher power.
“If we believe and doubt not, we shall see the handiwork of God,” he said. “I truly thank God for allowing me to stay committed to the service in which I was called.”
Brown has been employed as a PSRC Career and Technical Education Masonry instructor for 17 years.
“I’m very proud of Mr. Brown,” said Herman Locklear, PSRC CTE director.
Locklear describes Brown as an “excellent teacher” who is meticulous in his craft and teaches his students to take pride in their work.
“I enjoy teaching masonry to young boys and girls that are just starting out into the trade,” Brown said.
“I can truly say that it takes dedication, passion, commitment and a strong love for the trade to bring out your best. I bring these qualities to the classroom each and every day. I am training the hands and the minds of our students that build the future,” he added.
NMIA Secretary Eugene Johnson said Brown has been “faithful to our organization” and is a dedicated instructor.
“The Public Schools of Robeson County congratulates Mr. Jimmy Brown on his induction into the NMIA Hall of Fame and for his excellence as an educator and professional,” said PSRC Superintendent Dr. Freddie Williamson.
“We are proud to have dedicated professionals like Jimmy on our team of educators,” Williamson added.
According to its website, the NMIA seeks to “develop collaborative partnership with the education community, business and industry” to generate “awareness of the professionalism of the masonry occupation by promoting quality masonry programs and keeping members informed of innovative trends and changing technology.”