Rooted deep in America's heartland, in Lima, Ohio, is an educational institution that is uniquely positioned to provide our young people with the skills needed to excel in the workforce. We are referring to the University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH), an organization that is familiar to our regular readers as the host of the annual AMSOIL Engine Masters Challenge. Founded in 1920, UNOH is a private, not-for-profit institution with an enrollment of approximately 4,500 students, and authorized by the Ohio Board of Regents to grant master's degrees, baccalaureate degrees, associate degrees, and diplomas. The university offers programs through three separate schools: the College of Technologies, College of Business, and College of Distance Learning. Of particular interest to us is the College of Technologies, which represents roughly two thirds of the student body, and presents educational opportunities in six distinct fields.
This doesn't look like any...
This doesn't look like any classroom we've had the pleasure to experience, but at UNOH each department is well invested in the curriculum with the equipment needed for true hands-on experience. These circle track cars are part of the school's in-house race team for the High Performance Motorsports program.
The truth is that vocational and technical educational programs in our public schools have been steadily reduced, while at the same time the need for competent and skilled professionals in these fields has increased. This circumstance has led to a situation where there is a true need for an educational institution to take up the slack. UNOH's College of Technologies takes up that slack with their accredited programs in Automotive Technology, Diesel Technology, High Performance Motorsports, Alternate Fuels Technology, Agricultural Technology, and HVAC/R Technology. The demand for instruction in these varied fields is evident from the growth of the College of Technologies to encompass six modern buildings, which contain more than 163,000 square feet of classroom and shop space, as well as student and faculty lounges to accommodate the increasing enrollments in the programs.
While the shop floor provides...
While the shop floor provides a major component of the educational experience, the classroom at UNOH provides the solid foundation of knowledge critical to a well-rounded understanding of the subject matter.
Hitting the ground running in today's job market means bringing real skills to a potential employer. At UNOH, both theoretical classroom knowledge of the subject matter and real-world experience go hand in hand. The state-of-the-art programs at UNOH provide students with the fully rounded experience in their field of studies that equip them to handle advanced professional technology within the industry. Bringing that knowledge to the forefront are experienced instructors who develop and teach a curriculum designed to prepare students for success in their professional careers. In our own interactions with the UNOH faculty and instructors in preparing for running the AMSOIL Engine Masters Challenge, we are continually impressed with the professionalism and capabilities of the university personnel.
Inside the enormous Agricultural...
Inside the enormous Agricultural Technology center, you'll find all manner of modern farm equipment at the student's disposal. Agricultural technology is at the center of one of our nation's most important industries.
Although our major interaction at the school centers upon the High Performance Motorsports program, we had the opportunity to both meet with the deans of the other College of Technologies departments, as well as tour their various facilities. As with the Motorsports program, it was clear that UNOH is serious about providing the students with the facilities, tools, and instructions required of a top-notch program. In the High Performance Motorsports program, students are given access to shop facilities and equipment that would make the nation's leading race teams proud. This carries through to the other fields of instruction, with each department outfitted with outstanding facilities using up-to-date technology.
Diesel technology has applications...
Diesel technology has applications that are vital to the transportation industry. Here students gain a thorough understanding of these behemoths that are vital to keeping our economy rolling.
We have seen many programs directed at training in the technical fields, from the humble auto shop classes of our youth, to various local instructional courses. When we brought the Engine Masters Challenge to UNOH, nothing could have prepared us for the experience this relationship has provided-from the outstanding facilities to the exceptional faculty, and, most of all, the competent, skilled, and disciplined student body. As given by their mission statement, the school's goal is, "To provide a positive and diverse learning experience which develops students' knowledge, skills, and attitudes, enabling success in their fields and personal growth through lifelong learning." From what we have seen of the College of Technologies at UNOH, they deserve high marks for living up to those objectives. For more information on the varied programs and educational opportunities at UNOH, visit their extensive website at www.UNOH.edu or call them at 419-998-3120.
The larger-than-life diesel...
The larger-than-life diesel dyno facility at UNOH shows the commitment of the school to invest in the equipment required to provide a world-class experience to a student's education.
Racing may be a hobby to some,...
Racing may be a hobby to some, but it is a professional pursuit at the higher levels of the sport, and requires experienced and skilled manpower. This Mercury Cougar is one of the many cars that serve as instructional tools for the High Performance Motorsports students.
The spacious, clean, and well-equipped...
The spacious, clean, and well-equipped machine shop facilities at the school represent another example of UNOH's commitment to practical experience that will pay off in the job market. Experience gained in this shop will translate directly to any machine shop in the country.
The Automotive Technology...
The Automotive Technology courses cover all aspects of an automobile's function. Here students are instructed in the operation and repair of transmissions and the drivetrain.
While the educational opportunities...
While the educational opportunities at UNOH speak for themselves, the social and networking opportunities bring another layer to the campus experience. The friendships made here last a lifetime.