In the Spotlight: Automotive Applied Technology Program
Welcome to Viking News’ In the Spotlight, a new Q&A series highlighting how Del Mar College departments, programs and offices are using technology and innovation to enhance services, strengthen partnerships and improve student success.
Each post “spotlights” a different author sharing – in their own words – how these advancements shape their work and benefit our Viking community.
Program Rep: Paul Creacy
Interim Department Chair and Instructor of Air Conditioning Applied Technology
Department of Architecture, Aviation and Automotive
Q: How are advancements in technology and platforms changing how your area delivers services or instruction?
A: Automotive technology changes every year, and our instruction must keep pace. Vehicles today are built with advanced electronics, computer-controlled systems, and hybrid technology that require new methods of teaching. In our labs, students train on modern diagnostic scan tools, computerized alignment systems, and electronic service platforms that replicate what they’ll see in the workforce. These advancements allow us to move beyond just mechanical repair and ensure students gain the diagnostic and problem-solving skills that are critical in today’s industry.
Q: What is the most impactful innovation you’ve implemented, and what problem did it solve?
A: The most impactful innovation has been achieving Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation accreditation for the Automotive Applied Technology Program. Accreditation sets a national benchmark for curriculum, equipment, and instructional quality. Before accreditation, there was no formal assurance among employers that our students were being trained to industry standards. Now, accreditation validates our labs, tools, and teaching method and, gives employers confidence and students a credential that carries weight across the country. Accreditations and our advanced training equipment solved the credibility problem and ensures our students’ training is nationally recognized.
Q: How has this innovation improved student success?
A: ASE accreditation has raised expectations and outcomes across the board. Students now graduate from a program that employers trust, which helps them secure jobs more quickly and often at higher wages. Our accreditation achievement also drives us to continually update equipment and training methods so that students are always learning on current technology. That connection between classroom learning, lab practice, and industry standards has built confidence in our students and improved retention, completion, and job placement results.
Q: How has technology helped you build or strengthen partnerships with employers, schools, or other organizations, and how do these connections support the region’s workforce and economic growth?
A: Technology has made it easier to keep employers engaged and ensure our program stays aligned with workforce needs. Through advisory boards and industry feedback, we adapt our labs to include the newest diagnostic tools and electronic repair processes. By producing graduates who are job-ready on day one, we help local employers fill critical positions and strengthen the overall workforce and economy of our region.
Q: Looking ahead, what advancements do you foresee impacting your area, and what new skills will DMC graduates need?
A: Our graduates will need strong skills in electronics, computer software troubleshooting, and high-voltage safety in addition to traditional mechanical knowledge. The ability to adapt and keep learning will be essential because technology in this field changes quickly. Looking ahead, we will continue investing in lab upgrades and new equipment so that our students are prepared for the vehicles of tomorrow and can remain competitive in the workforce.
Q: If talking to a prospective student, what are the top benefits or opportunities you’d highlight about your program or service?
A: The Automotive Program offers hands-on training with modern equipment, national ASE accreditation, and direct pathways into high-demand careers. Students learn in fully equipped labs that replicate real-world shop environments, guided by faculty with extensive industry experience. Employers in our community are actively looking to hire our graduates, and the demand for skilled technicians continues to grow. The program not only prepares students for immediate employment but also gives them a foundation for advanced certifications and long-term career growth in the automotive industry.
Additional information:
Program Location: Windward Campus, 4101 Old Brownsville, Corpus Christi, TX 78405
Web link: www.delmar.edu/degrees/automotive-applied-technology/index.html
Phone: 361-698-1725
Email: pcreacy@delmar.edu
Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.
rn