Building project impacts five agricultural, transportation programs
The public is invited back to the Mitchell Technical College campus Thursday to celebrate the completion of its new Ag Power Diesel Lab Building, a facility officials say is impacting numerous programs at the college.
“We hit the ground running, with students and faculty working in the new facility since the beginning of the new semester, and now it’s time to celebrate,” Mitchell Tech President Mark Wilson said. “We are thrilled to have all of our programs on one campus now, and we are thrilled about the opportunity this new building means, not just for the Diesel Power program, but for all of the programs in our Agriculture and Transportation Division.”
Because of the 36,410-sq. ft. diesel program expansion, those students are able to experience an enhanced education during which collaboration across both the agriculture and light truck division is possible and commonplace. And five other programs in the Nordby Trades Center – Agricultural Business, Agronomy, Animal Science, Precision Agriculture and Power Sports Technology – are now able to better utilize their own spaces to provide better education and training for those industries.
“This really is just a great move all around,” Wilson said, “and it allows us to better respond to the needs of industry in South Dakota and beyond.”
Diesel Power Program Director Joel Rassel echoed Wilson’s sentiment.
“Right now, there are far more jobs for diesel mechanics than graduates,” he said. “This expansion gave us the space we needed to grow the program, introducing students to more equipment and work-based scenarios under one roof and providing them with the skillset they need to succeed in industry.”
Funding for the project was secured through a combination of private and state funds. McGough Construction of Sioux Falls led the project, and Puetz Design + Build was the architect. Wilson added that the project would not be possible without strong support from industry leaders, as well as the governor’s office, legislators, South Dakota Board of Technical Education and the Mitchell School Board.
“This event is an opportunity for us to celebrate the hard work of those folks who have helped make our vision a reality, and to celebrate the bright future that it means for our students and our program,” he said.
The ribbon-cutting is open to the public and will be followed by an open house, during which instructors and students will provide tours and demonstrations. It will take place Thurs., March 21, in new facility on the Mitchell Tech campus at 2 p.m. Signage will direct the public to the building, with the best route being via the third entrance to campus off Spruce Street.
