Start Your Engines: DSU's Diesel Tech Program Powers Up
With workforce issues an ever-growing problem in western North Dakota, Dickinson State University is focusing on addressing those needs through the Southwest Area Career and Technical Education Academy.
This fall, the university will launch a diesel technology associate degree program that will integrate theoretical learning with hands-on experiences to prepare students for careers in the diesel technology industry.
“Dickinson State continues to transition to training skilled workers to meet the demands of industries in southwest North Dakota,” Dickinson State University Acting President Ty Orton said. “We are excited about the diesel technology program and other future collaborations within Career and Technical Education (CTE).”
The university has hired Nicholas Lacher to develop the program from the ground up. “I’m gathering classroom materials, creating lesson plans, and working with local businesses to secure donated equipment for hands-on student experience,” Lacher said.
On-site training will be conducted at the Southwest Area Career and Technical Education Academy, a facility shared with high school CTE programs. According to Lacher, this collaboration is a win-win for both programs.
“The high school has the other half of the shop. We’re encouraging students to stay in Dickinson, move to the other side of the shop to earn a diesel tech degree, and build their careers in western North Dakota. The only other school offering this is the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, and if they go there, they might not come back, and we desperately need technicians here.”
Dickinson State Vice President Holly Gruhlke expects 15 students to enter the program this fall, and Lacher said he can accept up to 20.
Diesel tech is the second CTE program, following welding, that supports the university’s dual mission, Gruhlke said. “The CTE aspect complements our dual mission,” Gruhlke explained. “In 2019, DSU transitioned from a regional liberal arts institution to a regional comprehensive institution. This allows us to offer everything from certificate programs to graduate degrees, focusing particularly on the needs of western North Dakota. Career and Technical Education programs were a priority once we gained that distinction.”
“I really enjoyed teaching and mentoring the younger technicians at the local Ford and GM dealerships,” Lacher said. “There is such a desperate need for technicians. Once this program is up and running, it will be highly beneficial. I want these students to be the best they can be out there.”
While the two-year program will focus mainly on general diesel engines, Lacher wants to expand it to include agricultural and construction equipment.
Full Throttle Community Support
Gruhlke said diesel tech was a tough program to get off the ground, taking four years of planning. Partnerships were established, a location at the Southwest Area CTE Academy was secured, and most importantly, the right leader was found.
“That was the tricky part,” Gruhlke said. “We knocked it out of the park when Nick stepped up and offered his assistance, and the high school provided guidance. The high school instructor and Nick worked together. We have some of the strongest diesel technology faculty in the state.”
Orton echoed those sentiments. “Nick is an extremely hard worker who has the passion we need to start this important program.”
Gruhlke said community support was critical to the program’s development. “We received a lot of feedback to make sure the program is meeting the needs of a diverse group of industry professionals. Our industry partners stressed the importance of students being the right fit for any company.”
“We need the right equipment because things change quickly in that industry,” Gruhlke stressed. “That’s where the DSU Heritage Foundation plays an important role. It helps us maintain the relationships necessary to acquire the resources we need to keep the program relevant and cutting edge.”
Orton, Acting President of Dickinson State and Executive Director of the DSU Heritage Foundation, praised the Dickinson community for its support. “We have great community support with many donations to start the program. We will continue to grow this program to help fulfill the community’s needs.”
BY: Scooter Pursley
Communication Specialist
DSU Heritage Foundation
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