The Automotive Restoration Program at McPherson College

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Every fall a new batch of enthusiastic students make the trek to McPherson, Kansas to begin their first semester in the Automotive Restoration Program at McPherson College. Why is it so special? Because the McPherson College AR Program stands alone as the only program in the country to offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Restoration Technology.

Every student in the AR Program takes the same core group of courses. Included among the courses are classes in engine rebuilding, electrical systems, drivetrain rebuilding, sheet metal restoration, chassis restoration, automotive paint, and automotive trim. These classes are taught by eight members of the AR faculty. Each faculty member has an area of expertise and is eager to share their knowledge with the students in the classrooms and lab spaces.

The program also prides itself in creating a well-rounded student. Besides all of the automotive classes, students are required to take General Education courses. This allows them to take such classes in (but not limited to) literature, mathematics, science, and history. It also gives them to the opportunity to get to know students in other majors from across the campus.

Students can tailor their experience in the program by being able to choose from five different emphases within the AR Program: Historic Automotive, Automotive Restoration Management, Automotive Communication, Automotive Restoration Design, and Automotive Restoration Technology. Within each emphasis is another core group of classes. This allows students to specialize in areas that they are really passionate about. It also gives them the opportunity to focus their attention while on campus to what they may want to do after they graduate.

Outside of class, students in the program have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities. The most prevalent being a member of the C.A.R.S. (College Auto Restoration Students) Club. Students in the club meet weekly and may enjoy an ice cream social, a visit to a local collection, or a trip to the drive-in theater. A large part of their time is spent on the C.A.R.S Club Car Show that is held the first Saturday of May each year on the grassy lawn of McPherson College. Every year is bigger and better with automobiles represented from the Brass Era up to modern times. The show is entirely student led – even the car show trophies are painted sculptures made by students from various car parts.

Chances are that a student who enrolls in the AR Program has a restoration project themselves. Fortunately, directly across the street from the restoration facilities is a storage-unit facility in which many AR students rent space. The lights of the various garages are lit well into the night as the sound of ratchets are turned as they work on their prized four-wheel possessions.

What makes the McPherson College Auto Restoration Program so special are the students. The future of the classic car industry is brighter because of their desire, passion, and work ethic.

For more information please visit the website.

Words and photographs by Mike Dudley – Auto Restoration Department Chair.

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