Campus auto shop caters to students, community

For years, Southern has been home to an auto shop run by the university’s technology department and located on Industrial Drive behind Ledford Hall. The full-service auto repair shop performs basic automotive care from brakes and tires to engines and transmissions. The auto shop is home to many mechanics in training and allows them to get a grasp on what the real world will be like after college.

Southern has two degrees from which automotive service students can choose: an associates of technology degree in automotive service and a four-year bachelor’s degree. A requirement for each degree is that students spend eight to 10 hours a week working in the shop as a part of their last semester practicum.

Senior business administration major Owen McKenzie said, “SAU’s auto shop differs from the local Pep Boys and Tire Plus because it is people we know working on the cars. We know they won’t try and rip us off.”

McKenzie remembers a time when his car stopped working. When he outsourced his car to a local mechanic, they told him it would cost thousands to fix. He then took it to the SAU auto shop, and they agreed to fix it for significantly less.

Southern alumnus Brandon Strachan said, “I graduated two years ago, and I still take my car to the campus auto shop. Maybe it is because I am cheap, but I also like to think it is because I know what I am paying for.”

Business manager Emiko Marr said, “What we are doing is a great way to gain experience and gives them [students] great opportunity. It is rewarding to see students grow up and give back to the community. Many have left and have gotten jobs locally, some even running their own shops.”

The SAU auto shop is open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and can be reached at 423.236.2863.

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