HFC welcomes Georgia Travis, an alumna teaching Automotive Technology

As a student enrolled in HFC’s Automotive Technology program, Georgia Travis was often asked to assist the instructor teaching the class, so it wasn’t a big surprise she was asked back to teach at her alma mater.

“I’ve always been interested in cars, and I’ve always liked working my hands and problem-solving. These skills and critical thinking are essential in the automotive field. I really enjoy the challenge of introducing students to the world of the automobile and working through problems every day,” she said.

Travis joined the HFC faculty full-time for the Fall 2025 semester. Her supervisor is HFC Faculty Chair of Automotive Technology/ASSET Ashley Smith, who was once her teacher and is now her mentor. This semester, Travis is teaching:

• Introduction to the Automotive Industry
• Automotive Electrical Systems
• Automotive Chassis Units
• Computerized Engine/Vehicle Network, Programming, and Security Systems

“It’s good to be teaching here full-time,” said Travis. “I find it very fulfilling to teach people in this field, especially because there is a lack of trained service technicians.”

Bringing real-world experience to automotive program

Born in Ontario, Canada, Travis is one of three daughters.

“My sisters and I are named after states. One sister is named Montana, and another is Virginia, yet we’re from Canada. Go figure,” said Travis, laughing.

Travis immigrated to the United States when she was 10. She is an alumna of Cass Technical High School in Detroit, where she was a member of the swim team and the Business Professionals of America chapter.

She graduated from HFC, earning her associate degree in automotive management. She is a Chrysler Certified Technician and holds an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification. For four years, she worked as a service technician at Feldman Automotive Group before joining HFC.

“HFC gave me the opportunity to pursue accessible higher education and work around my schedule,” said Travis. “What impressed me about HFC is the faculty encouraged us to stay in the program when we wanted to quit. They didn’t give up on me, and I’m grateful for that.”

“Georgia is a wonderful addition to the team,” said Smith. “She has vast knowledge and real-world experience coming right out of the field. Her take on the industry will help our students excel once they finish the program.”