MSF PROMOTES DR. RAY OCHS TO VICE PRESIDENT OF TRAINING SYSTEMS
Ochs Lauded for Leadership and Ingenuity in Motorcycle Safety Training
IRVINE, CA – May 21, 2012 – The Motorcycle Safety Foundation congratulates Dr. Ray Ochs on his promotion to vice president of Training Systems. Lead creator of the groundbreaking MSF Basic RiderCourse, Ochs is a lifelong motorcyclist, a safety professional and academician. He joined the MSF full-time in 2002 as director of Training Systems, where he developed multiple courses to address the needs of different types of motorcycles and motorcyclists. In his new role as vice president, Ochs will oversee MSF curriculum development projects and RiderCoach certification processes, as well as RiderCoach Trainer certification and professional development activities.
Included in Ochs’ pioneering application of contemporary educational theories that have benefitted not only the MSF, but also the motorcycling community at large, are the practices of emphasizing adult learning principles and placing a greater responsibility on the student in all MSF curricular programs. Ochs’ beliefs in individual development led to altering the focus of the overall MSF curriculum, so that the programs utilize RiderCoach judgment based on sound principles, as opposed to rote delivery of directions and instructions.
“Ray is a tremendous asset to the MSF,” said MSF President Tim Buche. “It was Ray’s academic background, innovative insight and forward thinking that have helped the MSF’s curriculum evolve into the learner-centered experiences they are today. We are so grateful for everything Ray has done for the MSF and for the motorcycling community, and we are pleased to contribute to this milestone in his career.”
Ochs has been involved with motorcycle-oriented instruction since 1973. He became one of the first MSF-certified instructors that year, and then a chief instructor in 1980. Ochs has conducted numerous RiderCoach preparation workshops around the country for MSF, and he was a charter member of the MSF Rider Education and Training System Oversight and Development Team. Dr. Ochs has authored and co-authored numerous papers and delivered presentations across the globe.
“Ray has a unique combination of skills that set him apart from others in the industry,” said MSF Vice President Robert Gladden. “He has been a constant presence in all aspects of motorcycle safety and rider training for more than 35 years. And, he is passionate about motorcycling, having ridden for more than 40 years. He also has a passion for safety, and a passion for learning as well as teaching. He communicates effectively with government and military officials, RiderCoaches, researchers, and most importantly, his fellow riders.”
Ochs began his career as a high school teacher in 1970, and then entered academia as a graduate assistant at the Driver Education Instructional Demonstration Center at Indiana State University. In 1972, he was appointed lecturer at Appalachian State University in North Carolina, where he taught undergraduate safety courses, managed laboratory functions for the traffic safety teacher preparation program, implemented a motorcycle safety workshop for driver education teachers, and served as a consultant for the North Carolina Department of Education.
Later, Ochs joined the faculty of Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), where he was appointed assistant professor at the Traffic Safety Institute. He went on to earn full professor rank and became the institute’s coordinator. Serving EKU for more than 27 years, he was responsible for expanding the undergraduate curriculum in driver and traffic safety education, implementing several new courses, assisting in the development of legislation for the state motorcycle safety program, and serving as project director for several state education projects.
Ochs and his wife Carolyn reside in Laguna Hills, Calif., and he works out of the Irvine, Calif., office of the MSF.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation® promotes safety through rider training and education, operator licensing tests and public information programs. The MSF works with the federal government, state agencies, the military and others to offer training for all skill levels so riders can enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible motorcycling. Standards established by the MSF® have been recognized worldwide since 1973.
The MSF is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by BMW, BRP, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. For safety information or to enroll in the RiderCourseSM nearest you, visit www.msf-usa.org or call (800) 446-9227.