Mr. Winstead, or HR as others know him, is this week’s chosen faculty for our Faculty Focus. Mr. Winstead has been working at RMA for the past three years and has even been the head of the technology department for two years. Not only does he work in Rocky Mount, but is a Rocky Mount local as well. HR has one of the most crucial roles at RMA. He keeps everything that has to do with technology running smoothly. Without him, and knowing our clumsy RMA students with a knack of breaking everything, the computers would be permanently out of service. Luckily, he is the master at fixing them. Not only is he talented when it comes to electronics, but he also knows his way around a guitar. Being a lover of music helped him when he was previously a radio DJ by trade. He is truly an interesting man and is always guaranteed to make you laugh with a witty joke.

To learn more about Mr. Winstead read the questions and answers below:  

1. What is your favorite part about being at Rocky Mount Academy?

I love the atmosphere here and the opportunity to learn new things about technology.

2. Where are you from originally?

Rocky Mount is my birth place.

3. Where did you go to college and what major did you pursue? Graduate school? Beyond?

I am a graduate of Nash Community College – Electrical Maintenance,  North Carolina Wesleyan College – Computer Science, BS. I’ve also studied computer networking at Edgecombe Community College.

4. Have you had any careers previous to your time at Rocky Mount Academy?

I’ve been a radio DJ, Computer Operator for Peoples Bank, Quality Control agent for Abbott Labs

5. What are your hobbies/interests?

My interests are rhythm guitar and electronics.

6.  Have you been involved in sports, music, art, etc. growing up? If so, elaborate.

As a kid I played baseball and guitar in a high school band.

7. Have you had any experiences abroad?

No experiences abroad.

8. If you had to select one moment in your life that defined you, what would it be?

That defining moment of my life was marrying my second wife.

9. What made you want to pursue a career in teaching?

I taught basic computer for Edgecombe College for two years as an evening course but found it more satisfying to build and program computers.

10. What is something that nobody knows about you?

Few people know I was named a hero for preventing a friend from committing suicide.

11. Describe a person who has made the biggest impact on your life.

A former personnel manager made the biggest impact on my life. He encouraged me to expand my horizons.

12. What are your biggest pet peeves?

One of my greatest pet peeves is someone not willing to learn or apply themselves.

13. Describe your dream vacation.

My dream vacation – sandy beach, blue skies, oldie-goldies on my mp3 player, and a cold ginger ale.

14. What is your favorite TV show and why?

Love the old Perry Mason TV shows. Proof that we should not be deceitful.