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Meeting a high benchmark…Del Mar College’s Automotive Applied Technology Program receives ASE Training Program Accreditation
Article by Melinda Eddleman On July 24, De Mar College (DMC) Automotive Applied Technology majors demonstrated why the college recently received the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation’s Training Program Accreditation. The accreditation runs through May 1, 2030. Enrolled in the Engine Repair and Automotive Engine Performance Analysis class this summer, the 10 students showed off their hands-on skills using Consulab trainers to practice diagnostics system testing in a controlled lab setting as well as applied other skills on actual fleet vehicles for assessment to ensure they can perform real-world automotive service and repair tasks that meet ASE standards. The need for skilled automotive technicians and mechanics continues to grow and will exceed 60,000 nationally by 2032 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Locally, the Coastal Bend region shows high demand among employers to fill these positions in part due to a growing population generating increased vehicle registrations, along with a growing number of experienced technicians retiring from the field, according to Paul Creacy, Del Mar College (DMC) Interim Chair of the Architecture, Aviation and Automotive Department. ASE accreditation acknowledges that a training program meets industry-recognized standards for quality and prepares students for successful careers in the automotive service field. The accreditation ensures students’ training aligns with the skills needed for ASE certification testing. In a letter from the ASE Education Foundation, President Mike Coley stated, “We compliment you for attaining the level of excellence recognized by the ASE Education Foundation. Both the educational and automotive communities should be proud of your commitment to [offering a] quality automotive training program.” The foundation also sent a plaque. “Employers recognize ASE accreditation as a mark of quality and consistency, increasing the employability and earning potential of our graduates,” said Creacy. “It confirms that our students are trained on up-to-date vehicles, technologies and diagnostics and have been taught by instructors with real-world expertise.” Creacy also noted, “Our students are employed across a wide range of dealerships, independent repair shops, fleet services and government agencies.” Examples include AutoNation, General Motors, Hicks Automotive and Mike Shaw dealerships; the City of Corpus Christi’s Fleet Services; the Nueces County Maintenance Department and the Corpus Christi Independent School District’s Transportation Department, among others. To become ASE certified, individuals must meet certain qualifications and pass a series of online tests, including those covering brakes, steering/suspension, engine repair, electrical systems, heating/air conditioning and automatic transmissions. The National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence, or ASE for short, conducts testing at Prometric Testing Centers across the country in a controlled environment with a certified proctor, and ASE certification is directly awarded to applicants who successfully complete each test. The Corpus Christi Prometric Testing Center is located at 6001 S. Staples. DMC Automotive Instructor Duane Beadle said, “We encourage our students to take exams at the appropriate time as they complete relevant courses.” On average, the DMC Automotive Applied Technology Program serves 20 to 30 students per semester with approximately 5 to 10 graduating annually, earning either Level 1 or 2 Certificates or their Associate of Applied Science degree. Creacy says these numbers are steadily increasing as the program continues to expand its dual credit offerings to high school students and engages in outreach and recruiting events at their schools. In the Corpus Christi area, the typical starting pay for entry-level automotive technicians is between $16 and $20 per hour. Experienced ASE certified technicians earn $25 to $35-plus per hour depending on their specialization. To become an ASE accredited program, the process is rigorous and comprehensive. Over several months, DMC faculty and staff compiled and submitted documentation covering the following: Curriculum alignment with ASE standards, Instructor credentials and ASE certifications, Advisory committee feedback and industry input, Facility, tool and equipment inventory, Student learning outcomes and job placement rates, and Classroom safety procedures and lab practices. Additionally, an on-site evaluation was conducted by a team of industry professionals who verified that the program met national benchmarks in all required areas. To learn more about DMC’s Automotive Applied Technology Program, learn more by visiting www.delmar.edu/degrees/automotive-applied-technology/index.html or contacting the Architecture, Aviation and Automotive Department at 361-698-1725 or pcreacy@delmar.edu. Fall 2025 registration is currently underway with classes beginning Monday, Aug. 25. Learn more by visiting www.delmar.edu/registration or contacting the DMC Student Enrollment Center at 361-698-1290 or enroll@delmar.edu.
Another milestone…DMC presents special stole, recognizes first 14 graduates of new Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership degree during July 10 ceremony
Article by Melinda Eddleman They walked one-by-one to the front to receive a special stole that recognized their hard work after spending nearly a year completing Del Mar College’s (DMC) newest bachelor’s degree. The July 10 ceremony was in part a celebration of their accomplishment and as recognition of another “first” for the college. He noted that the first 14 graduates are what success looks like, saying “They now have in their arsenal the expertise in organizational management and leadership that can propel them to new horizons in their careers, whether they’re skilled technicians, seasoned professionals or aspiring entrepreneurs.” The college launched its newest bachelor’s degree program last fall; but the 14 honorees who began their studies 11 months ago completed the Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership (BAS OML) degree in less than a year. Those students include 13 who previously completed an associate’s degree––some more than one––from Del Mar College, along with one who earned her degree from Austin Community College (ACC). The college’s first BAS OML degree graduates include Justin Autry, Elizabeth Barron, Michael Castillo, Maria Elizondo, Loretta Garcia (ACC grad), Julia Lail, Nelly Lopez, Monica Martinez, Diana Mireles, Alfred Olivarez, Roxette Ramos, Ryan Rios, Christa Yda and Marisol Ynfante. The BAS OML degree is the second bachelor’s degree that the college now offers. In fall 2021, DMC launched its first through the Nurse Education Department––the Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) degree––that provides for RNs holding associate’s degrees to complete their baccalaureate-level training. Of note, DMC administrators’ original expectation was to enroll 30 students in the new degree program last fall. However, more than 775 individuals requested information about the BAS OML degree during spring and summer 2024 with 256 beginning online studies last fall. Among those who start3d the program last fall was Elizabeth Barron, who received her stole July 10. Barron, who currently works in the Nursing Success Center with the college’s Nurse Education Department, earned her Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Management and Leadership from DMC last fall and chose to continue her studies to earn the new bachelor’s degree. The 1992 King High School graduate noted that “returning to school can feel intimidating; but with determination and a clear goal in mind, anything is possible.” She credits her husband, family, friends and Nurse Education Department faculty and students she works with for encouraging her to push forward and earn the BAS OML degree and says that “the support you’ll find […] along the way is what makes this program truly special.” How did Barron accomplish her goal to earn the new degree in such a short time? “I completed my prerequisites before entering the BAS program and set a personal goal to finish them early so I could fully focus on my [bachelor-level] courses,” she said. “However, the program is so well designed that students can balance prerequisite courses alongside their BAS classes if needed. This program offers incredible flexibility for working adults and busy families, and it’s built to help you succeed.” Approved by the DMC Board of Regents in spring 2024 and offered completely online through the Business Administration and Entrepreneurship Department, the BAS OML degree program targets individuals in the workforce who already hold an associate’s degree and are ready to expand their expertise in organizational management and leadership, including those working as skilled technicians, seasoned professionals, employees aiming for higher leadership positions or individuals considering becoming an entrepreneur. The BAS OML degree also targets new DMC students who are beginning their studies in any of the college’s 55 programs that can transition into the new bachelor’s degree after students complete their AAS degree in their selected major. The BAS OML degree is stackable, meaning it builds upon the foundation acquired by earning one of the applicable associate’s degrees currently available and offers a comprehensive skill set necessary in today’s competitive market. Of the first 14 students completing their BAS OML degree this summer and receiving their stole on July 10, Dr. Sramek said, “These graduates are already making an impact across industries, and their success sets a strong foundation for future generations For anyone interested in starting DMC’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership degree program this fall, information about program requirements, the admissions process and an online form to get started are available at www.delmar.edu/basoml. Interested individuals can also inquire about the program at basoml@delmar.edu or 361-698-1372. Fall 2025 registration is currently underway with classes beginning Monday, Aug. 25. Learn more by visiting www.delmar.edu/registration or contacting the DMC Student Enrollment Center at 361-698-1290 or enroll@delmar.edu.

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