Sinclair Dedicates Halderman Lab to Honor Legacy of Renowned Educator & Philanthropist

Sinclair Community College officially dedicated the newly named Halderman Lab in Building 20 (Automotive Technology) of the Dayton campus, celebrating the extraordinary legacy and philanthropic contributions of Professor Emeritus James "Jim" Halderman.

The dedication ceremony, which took place on Thursday, Nov. 5, recognized Halderman’s 30 years of dedicated teaching service in Sinclair’s Automotive Technology program prior to his retirement in 2005, as well as his ongoing commitment to student success and modern automotive education.

Over his lifetime, Halderman and his family have contributed more than $731,000, including equipment donations to Sinclair. Halderman’s support spans 11 funds across the institution, including the creation of four dedicated Foundation funds. Halderman’s contributions have directly funded professional diagnostic tools, shop machinery, student scholarships, and clean technology initiatives such as electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.

"Automotive education is deeply rooted in Sinclair’s history, dating back to 1906 as one of the oldest automotive programs in the nation," said Dr. Rena Sebor, Senior Vice President & Provost at Sinclair Community College. "Jim Halderman’s lifelong dedication as an educator, technician, author, and benefactor has shaped the future of automotive technology education. We are proud to honor his legacy through the dedication of this state-of-the-art facility."

The dedication comes at a time of record-setting growth for the program. Sinclair’s Automotive Technology program recorded 163 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) enrollments this Fall term, a 25% increase over the previous year and the highest term enrollment the program has achieved in 7 years.

Halderman’s career spans work as a flat-rate technician, business owner, ASE Certified Master Automotive Technician, and holder of a U.S. Patent for an electronic transmission control device. A prolific author, Halderman has written numerous industry-leading automotive technology textbooks published by Pearson Education. He was previously named Regional Teacher of the Year by General Motors, named Sinclair Professor Emeritus in 2017, and holds an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Ohio Northern University.

The Halderman family legacy at Sinclair spans four generations. Halderman’s daughter, Jill Williams, serves as a Senior Academic Advisor at Sinclair; his granddaughter, Leah Fulkerson, works in Financial Aid. Jim Halderman was joined at the event by his son, Brad Halderman.

The newly dedicated Halderman Lab will serve current and future students as demand grows for skilled technicians trained in both traditional and emerging electric vehicle technologies.

For more information about Sinclair’s Automotive Technology program or Foundation funds, contact Justin Morgan, Automotive Technology Chair, at 937-512-3242 or justin.morgan8747@sinclair.edu.