The North Dakota State College of Science Auto Body Repair and Refinishing Technology program recently received reaccreditation by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF).

To achieve this coveted recognition, the College’s Auto Body Repair & Refinishing Technology program underwent rigorous evaluation by NATEF. Nationally accepted standards of excellence in areas such as instruction, facilities and equipment were used.

“This is great news for automotive-minded young people and their parents,” said Donald Seyfer, former NATEF Chair. “Because this program increases cooperation between local education and industry leaders, it gives added assurance that NDSCS graduates will be employable entry-level technicians. As a result of the quality education provided by NDSCS, the motoring public will benefit since better repair technicians will join the work force.”

Upon completion of the evaluation, the College became reaccredited by NATEF, a non-profit, independent organization that evaluates and accredits entry-level technician training programs against standards developed by the automotive industry.

“During the past few months, we have worked closely with NATEF to make certain that our program would meet strict industry standards and we are pleased to once again join the ranks of the NATEF accredited training programs,” said James Erdahl, NDSCS Automotive Repair & Refinishing Technology Program Chair and Associate Professor. “NDSCS students are guaranteed to receive a quality education while shop owners can be confident of obtaining quality job applicants.”

To learn more about the NDSCS Automotive Repair & Refinishing Technology program, including certificate and A.A.S. degree options, visit www.ndscs.edu/autobody or call 1-800-342-4325 ext. 2521.

Thirty-two North Dakota State College of Science Collegiate DECA members recently competed at the North Dakota Career Development Conference in Fargo, N.D. NDSCS Chapter members participated in 16 separate events, ending up with a finalist in 11 events.

One-hundred-twenty students representing both two and four-year colleges and universities from across the state competed against one another in a variety of simulations, case studies and prepared events.     

The 11 NDSCS finalists include:

• Nate Wier – Accounting (Finalist); Business Ethics (2nd Place)
• Marcus Karsky – Accounting (Finalist)
• Ali Schoneman – Banking and Financial Services (Finalist)
• Thia Uhren – Fashion Merchandising (Finalist)
• Rowdy Borman – Restaurant Management (3rd Place); Human Resource Management (3rd Place)
• Noah Dobmeier – Retail Management (3rd Place); Business Ethics (2nd Place)
• Amy Stevens – Travel and Tourism (Finalist)
• Katlyn Hilbrand – Marketing Management (1st Place)
• Ian Uhrich – Sales Manager Meeting (3rd Place)

In addition, Ian Uhrich was elected to serve as the 2016-2017 State Association President while Dana Anderson was elected to serve as next year’s State Vice President.

NDSCS will now be sending a delegation to the International Career Development Conference to be held in Washington D.C. this April.

Collegiate DECA at NDSCS prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. Nationwide, Collegiate DECA includes over 15,000 members in 275 colleges and universities.