Apr. 30—LIMA — The University of Northwestern Ohio has been named the 2024-2025 School of the Year by WIX Filters, O’Reilly Auto Parts and Tomorrow’s Technician.
The university is the 16th recipient of the annual award, which salutes and celebrates the best technical training schools in the country, according to a University of Northwestern Ohio press release.
University staff and many students filled the room as they were celebrated for their accomplishments.
“What an incredible honor it is,” said University of Northwestern Ohio President Dr. Jeffrey Jarvis. “It’s a collection of the dedication of our faculty, staff and most importantly our students. Every day we are educating the technicians of tomorrow.”
The university has played a pivotal role in education for many years.
“For more than a century, UNOH has helped define technical education in this region,” Lima Mayor Sharetta Smith said. “It has also built a strong pipeline of talent not only for the automotive and diesel industries but for the broader workforce across Ohio and beyond.”
Smith encouraged students to remain in the area as they continue to work towards careers.
“Consider staying right here in Lima, where your skills and leadership are needed and valued,” Smith said.
As automotive technology advances, students are becoming more adaptable in the classroom.
“Due to the rapidly expanding use of technology in today’s vehicles, the transportation service industry is one of the toughest careers to remain educated about,” said Doug Kaufman, Babcox Media editorial director of brake, front-end import car and underhood service. “Definitely not the grease monkey persona that a lot of people still believe exists.”
Along with the award, the university received a $10,000 donation from WIX Filters and a $500 gift card from O’Reilly Auto Parts during an award ceremony in the High Performance Motorsports Complex, 1744 Hartzler Road, Lima, on Wednesday.
“We understand how vital it is to invest in future generations of tradespeople to spark inspiration and innovation in our global automotive community, as well as those leading the charge — the dedicated professionals in the classrooms,” said Carmina Lopez, brand manager for WIX Filters.
According to Tomorrow’s Technician’s website, judges from Babcox Media, Tomorrow’s Technician and WIX Filters narrow down the list of finalists to 20 before deciding on the winner. The 20 schools then create a video showcasing students, faculty and projects and answer a list of questions about the automotive program.
For more information about the University of Northwestern Ohio visit unoh.edu.
Reach Cade Higgins at 567-242-0351
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