Left to right: Heather Pollet, Vice President for Career & Technical Education; Hal Daniels, Automotive Collision & Refinishing Technology Instructor; Kari Soper, Columbus Campus Director; Dr. Marlon Thornburg, CCC President.
Coffeyville, KS — Coffeyville Community College's Automotive Collision & Refinishing Technology program at the Columbus Technical Campus has successfully renewed its accreditation through the ASE Education Foundation, reaffirming its commitment to providing students with high-quality, industry-aligned training that prepares them for successful careers in the collision repair industry.
Following a comprehensive on-site evaluation, the ASE Education Foundation determined that the program met the requirements for accreditation renewal in four key areas: Non-Structural Analysis and Damage Repair, Structural Analysis and Damage Repair, Painting and Refinishing, and Damage Analysis, Estimating, and Customer Service. The accreditation remains valid through May 1, 2031.
The ASE Education Foundation, formerly known as the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF), works to ensure automotive and collision repair education programs meet rigorous industry standards and provide students with the skills needed to succeed in today's workforce. Through collaboration with educators, employers, and industry leaders, the organization helps strengthen workforce development and advance automotive education nationwide.
"The ASE Education Foundation accreditation helps keep our collision repair program aligned with industry standards and workforce needs," said Kari Soper, Director of the Columbus Technical Campus. "In addition to the resources and donations provided through the Foundation and its industry partners, accreditation helps us maintain current technology, materials, and hands-on training opportunities while managing costs. This partnership between education and the ASE Foundation is essential to preparing the next generation of skilled collision repair professionals."
Programs accredited by the ASE Education Foundation undergo extensive evaluation of curriculum, facilities, equipment, instructor qualifications, advisory committee involvement, and student outcomes. Accreditation ensures that students receive training that reflects current industry practices while providing employers with confidence in the quality of program graduates.
"As the instructor in an ASE Education Foundation-accredited program, I take pride in delivering training that meets rigorous industry standards," said Hal Daniels, Automotive Collision & Refinishing Technology Instructor. "Our goal is to ensure students graduate with the skills, knowledge, and professionalism that employers in the collision repair industry expect from day one."
The accreditation also provides valuable benefits to the program and its students. Instructors are required to complete 20 hours of continuing education annually, ensuring they remain current with evolving technologies, repair procedures, and industry best practices. The Foundation also offers free industry-specific webinars and provides access to Audatex estimating software, resulting in an annual savings of approximately $4,800 for the program.
In addition, the program has received significant support through donations of collision repair materials, safety equipment, tools, and instructional resources from industry partners. These contributions help ensure students gain hands-on experience using the equipment and materials commonly found in today's collision repair facilities.
In its accreditation renewal letter, the ASE Education Foundation commended the College for maintaining high program standards and continuing to meet the industry's requirements. The organization noted that as collision repair technologies and industry standards continue to advance, high-quality training programs remain essential to developing a skilled workforce.
The Automotive Collision & Refinishing Technology program is one of several career and technical education programs offered through Coffeyville Community College's Columbus Technical Campus. Through hands-on instruction, industry partnerships, and real-world learning experiences, the program prepares students for employment opportunities in collision repair facilities, automotive dealerships, and related industries.
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For details about the Automotive Collision & Refinishing Technology Program or enrollment information,
Or contact:
Rebeccah Stone – 620-252-7302 | [email protected]