Student Experience: Matt Mitchell

“When the construction market tanked, I was looking around looking for houses to build. Custom building work was so scarce that I figured it was a perfect time to get more education. I wanted to be a better builder and sharpen my skills to be better prepared when the market turns, so I started researching construction programs and found North Lake’s Construction programs. 

“As a builder, you know who to call to get stuff done, but that doesn’t mean you know how to do it. I didn’t come through a big product company with a great deal of practical training, so there are just certain gaps in my knowledge. 

“This program is giving me lots of practical skills. These instructors have been in the business a long time, and they have a lot of practical information to share.” 

Matt Mitchell is earning an Associate in Applied Sciences degree in Construction Management at North Lake's West Campus and taking courses in Construction Technology as electives. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration from the University of Texas and a master’s degree in biblical studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. He has co-owned his own custom home building company since 2002; is a Realtor for Gilchrist and Company; and is a manufacturer’s representative for Vantem Panels, selling structural insulation panels (SIPs).


Read More

Alonzo Adams

Alonzo L. Adams

Self-Employed Mechanic Adjunct Automotive Technology Faculty Cedar Valley
“I was eager to learn, and the Diesel program really excited me. The more I learned, the more I realize it’s not so hard. All of my instructors have been knowledgeable; any questions I had for them, they were pretty much able to answer everything. These are great courses if you want to work on diesel engines.”
Automotive, Automotive Technology, Automotive Technology - Diesel and Heavy Equipment
Rafael Merren

Rafael Merren

Owner/Operator Grump’s Rod Shop
“It’s great to have intelligent capabilities, but if you don’t have the skillsets to back them up, what’s the point of going out into the real world? If you have a practical skill, you can always put bread on the table.”
Auto Body Technology
Kathryn Jaeger

Kathryn Jaeger

Technician, Trophy Nissan of Mesquite
“People look at a car and open the hood and see all the hoses and connections, and maybe think, ‘I am never going to figure this out.' Then you learn the basic concepts, and it’s more simplistic than you would think.”
Automotive Technology
Doug Jochum

Doug Jochum

Art Teacher Skyline High School
“The students here are also attentive and helpful — I found out right away that there’s a group of them who have been here a while and who will chip in to help you do anything you don’t understand or help hold something you’re working on. I think that attitude is a reflection of the teaching here as well.”
Welding
Matt Mitchell
Matt Mitchell
Co-Owner James Andrews Custom Homes, Realtor, Manufacturer’s Rep Vantem Panels

Construction Management
School of Manufacturing and Industrial Technology
Updated July 28, 2026