For Zachary Millsap, the educational process at Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus didn’t stop with the fundamentals of air conditioning and refrigeration. It extended into how to translate those skills into a career.
“Kenny Beeler, my instructor, helped me learn a lot about the trade,” said Millsap, “but not only that…how to carry myself, how to answer questions and how to stand out not by just knowledge, but by how well I acted and how I carried myself.”
That extra level of student support made all the difference. Millsap aced the interview process and is now employed at Trane Technologies in Fort Smith as an HVAC service technician apprentice.
“I knew I wanted a job that was never the same two days in a row,” said Millsap. “I prayed about it and ended up choosing HVAC because you do a little bit of every trade. You have to know about plumbing and electrical, and you even get to weld in the form of brazing.”
Millsap enrolled in the HVAC program at ATU-Ozark in fall 2024. To finish his degree, he is taking evening and online classes so he can work at Trane during the day.
Beginning in 2026, Millsap will enter a four-year apprenticeship program with Trane where he will learn the role of a full service technician.
Millsap credits Beeler, who serves as ATU-Ozark HVAC program chair, with helping him prepare for success.
“That’s what makes Mr. Beeler…Mr. Beeler,” said Millsap. “He cares about his students and wants them to succeed. He would stay late or come in early, to give students one-on-one time to better themselves in the trade.”
Beeler indicated Millsap’s attitude and work ethic stood out in class.
“Zach was one of the most enjoyable students to teach,” said Beeler. “He was always eager to learn and volunteer for any extra work or learning technique. Zach was a leader among the other students and always had a good attitude toward whatever I put before him.”
With that good attitude and the skills he gained at ATU-Ozark, the sky is the limit for Millsap.
“I thank God for the opportunity to attend ATU-Ozark basically free with the AR Future Grant,” said Millsap. “I got to learn from the best in the business with Mr. Beeler, have been blessed with many friendships and received the position at Trane Technologies.”
Learn more about ATU-Ozark Campus at www.atu.edu/ozark.
