UNDER THE HOOD
IWU OPENS DOORS FOR STUDENTS AND DEALERSHIPS ALIKE WITH NEW AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEGREE
IWU is paving a new road for workforce development with an apprentice-style approach to education. As colleges nationwide struggle to adapt to shifting workforce demands, IWU continues to lead with programs that connect learning to real career opportunities. Backed by a $1 million state grant and a $1 million IWU investment, the upcoming Associate of Science in Automotive Technology program, pending approval from IWU's accrediting body, will blend online coursework with hands-on apprenticeships to prepare students for careers in the automotive industry and address a local workforce shortage.
Driving Toward Opportunity
Across Indiana and the nation, automotive dealerships are struggling to fill service bays with qualified technicians. Meanwhile, students interested in skilled trades often must leave their communities for training.
“This is an answer to prayer for those students because it creates a local option for them,” said Linda Manganello, Ph.D., IWU chief of staff and associate professor of communication.
Through partnerships in Indiana with Rohrman Automotive Group, Mercedes-Benz of Indianapolis, Penske Honda, and Tom Roush Lincoln, students will gain hands-on experience alongside seasoned technicians in professional service centers equipped with the latest tools and technology.
In 18 to 24 months, students will earn an associate degree and certificates in engine performance, diagnostics, brake and suspension systems, and electrical repair. They will also develop relationships with employers that often lead directly to full-time jobs.
“This is a win-win,” Manganello said. “Dealerships get dependable, trained employees who already know their systems, and students graduate with job-ready skills and confidence.”
Education That Builds More Than Skills
True to IWU’s mission, the Automotive Technology program develops the whole person. Alongside technical training, students take courses in communication, leadership, business, and biblical studies.
“We’re about educating the whole person,” Manganello said. “We’re helping students understand who they are and how God made them. Then we help them use their skills not just as auto technicians, but as people who work well with others and live out their calling.”
Students will also build durable skills that help them grow both personally and professionally.
IWU'S AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY AT A GLANCE
TOTAL START-UP INVESTMENT
DEALER PARTNERSHIPS AT LAUNCH
MONTHS TO EARN AN ASSOCIATE DEGREE
APPRENTICESHIP-BASED LEARNING COMBINING ONLINE COURSES WITH ON-SITE TRAINING
LAUNCH YEAR PENDING APPROVALS
“DEALERSHIPS GET DEPENDABLE, TRAINED EMPLOYEES WHO ALREADY KNOW THEIR SYSTEMS, AND STUDENTS GRADUATE WITH JOB-READY SKILLS, CONFIDENCE, AND A CLEAR PATH FORWARD.”
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LINDA MANGANELLO, PH.D.
IWU Chief of Staff
Mentorship at the Core
Each student will train under an experienced technician who provides guidance, encouragement, and accountability. Dealerships were selected for their commitment to mentorship, not just hiring.
“They want to mentor young men and women who want a career in auto tech,” Manganello said. “They care about helping students succeed because it’s the right thing to do.”
Students complete a skills assessment before placement to ensure readiness, with flexibility to pivot into related fields such as business or communication if they find auto tech is not the right fit, without losing progress or adding debt.
“Dealerships are open to hire students in sales or management,” Manganello said. “It’s all about opening doors.”
Leadership with Vision
The program will be led by Chris Lagoni, Ph.D., formerly of IWU National and Global (N&G), who brings strong vocational and community connections. Working with Manganello and Michael Manning, Ed.D., vice president for academic affairs for N&G’s College of Adult and Professional Studies, Lagoni is building partnerships with local school boards, superintendents, and The Pursuit Institute, a Hamilton County, Indiana, career and technical education district that links students to workforce opportunities.
Recruiting will begin in Hamilton County and Lafayette, focusing on quality over scale. “I’m happy to start small to make sure we have a really good pilot before expanding,” Manganello said.
Paving the Road Ahead
In a rapidly changing higher-education and workforce landscape, IWU continues to lead with faith-driven innovation that meets real community needs. The university plans to expand the model into HVAC and electrical programs, creating a network of career-focused pathways grounded in Christian values. Each new step reflects IWU’s mission to help students thrive in turbulent times by pairing practical skills with purpose and faith.