Luke Howell of Union was recently selected collision repair technology instructor at East Central Community College in Decatur, announced ECCC President Dr. Phil A. Sutphin.

Howell, who begins his new duties on Aug. 12, served the past two years as a collision repair technician at Marshall Ford in Union. He held the same position at Charlie Beddington Perfect Collision in Meridian in 2007-08.

Howell serves as student minister at Noxapater Baptist Church and is also a member of the County Line Volunteer Fire Department. He is a former music minister at Linwood Baptist Church.

A graduate of Newton County High School, Howell holds two degrees from ECCC: an Associate in Arts in music received in 2005 and an Associate in Applied Science in collision repair, in 2007.

While a student at ECCC, Howell was actively involved in the music program, participating in various groups including the Wall O’ Sound Marching Band; the Ac’cents, the College’s show choir; and the Collegians, ECCC’s rock ‘n’ roll band. In addition, he was a member of various musical productions.

He was also a first-place winner in collision repair technology during both years of competition in the Mississippi SkillsUSA Contest. He finished as high as seventh in the national event.

Howell is married to the former Aubrie Cleveland of Union. They have two children, Jacob, five; and Annley, two.