April 8th, 2026 Local News
Park Hills, Mo. (KFMO) - Mineral Area College is celebrating a major milestone after its MAC Tech Automotive Technology program received accreditation from the ASE Education Foundation, a designation that recognizes programs meeting the highest national standards for automotive technician training.
College officials say the accreditation followed a rigorous evaluation process that reviewed the program’s curriculum, facilities, and equipment to ensure they align with strict industry standards. The recognition confirms students in the program are receiving training that is current, relevant, and highly respected throughout the automotive industry.
In an official notification, the ASE Education Foundation praised the achievement, stating, “We compliment MAC Tech 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 a quality automotive training program.”
The accreditation is expected to benefit both students and the local workforce. For students, it means classroom instruction is closely matched to the skills and technology used in today’s repair shops and dealerships. For employers, it creates a stronger pipeline of trained, career-ready technicians entering the field.
Mineral Area College says the accreditation also brings several key advantages, including national recognition for the program, an up-to-date curriculum that reflects modern vehicle technology, and stronger career readiness for graduates.
Automotive Technology Instructor James Whaley said the designation will also create new scholarship opportunities for students on a nationwide level.
Dr. Keith Zoromski, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, said the recognition reflects the hard work and dedication behind the program.
“This accreditation is a testament to the hard work of James Whaley, the ASE Advisory Committee, and their shared commitment to student success,” said Zoromski. “At MAC, our mission is to provide an excellent, affordable education that prepares students for real-world careers. This proves that our automotive program meets the highest national benchmarks, ensuring our students gain the specialized skills necessary to thrive in today’s workforce.”
Applications are now being accepted for the Automotive Technology program’s fall cohort, which begins in August.
Those interested in scheduling a facility tour can contact Career and Technical Education Navigator Adam Martin at 573-518-2195 or by email at amartin@MineralArea.edu. More information and online applications are available at MineralArea.edu/MACTech.