Pittsburg State University to Enhance Automotive Program with $20 Million Expansion

Pittsburg State University of Pittsburg, Kansas, is looking to implement a $20 million expansion to its automotive program, reports KSN 16.

The expansion will provide a new facility, bringing students a laboratory space to use heavy equipment in, such as hydraulic systems and electric vehicles.

Currently, the collision repair and insurance technology lab lacks space, with hybrid electric technology forced to be in the automotive service facility. The expansion will allow all the school’s automotive programs to improve.

“We’ll be able to move this equipment that’s directly right outside our lab, allowing the automotive foyer to expand. And so it has a very large domino effect on all of the programs,” said Professor Tim Dell, diesel and heavy equipment coordinator.

The facility will be built through a two-phase project, funded by private gifts and state and federal funding the university is seeking to gain. Once those funds are secured, architectural plans are set to be finalized in 2026, with construction completed in 2027.

“I’m so excited for not only our students, but our industry,” said Madisyn Hite, PSU Crossland College of Technology director of development. “Industry needs hires. They need our students. So if we can up our numbers and put out more students, what better way to help our community and the surrounding communities.”