Organization Is Key
Kevin Mathweg
A product of Umpqua Community College’s automotive program, Kevin Mathweg is an enthusiastic proponent of the College. “You leave UCC with a job,” he said. In the Toyota program, in particular, students have the support of a dealership which, among other things, pay for the textbooks and help with the $100 cost of the tests for the Automotive Service Excellence certification.
“Our job is to help every student succeed,” Mathweg said. “We strong teach the ‘soft skills’ such as customer relations and work habits.” But, each student leaves with a significant understanding of an automobile’s mechanical, electrical and structural systems. Mathweg grew up working on cars – he admits to a good mechanical aptitude. The first car he rebuilt was a ’27 Ford roadster, he still maintains the ’69 GTO he had in high school, and at a recent nostalgia event, at the closing of the Starlight Drive-in, he showed up in a 1951 Mercury “Rat Rod.”
His journey from UCC student to automotive instructor was one of awards and accomplishments. He has taken top awards in many Skills USA competitions, which test various aspects of technical coursework, and he received the renowned UCC Jacoby Award.
Mathweg graduated from Montana State University Northern with a Bachelor’s degree in Automotive Technology. He worked at the Clint Newell dealership while student teaching and completing his Master’s degree in Education at Oregon State University.
Speaking at new-student orientation in September, he told the first year scholars that 10 years ago, he was sitting right where they were. And just prior to coming to UCC, he was an instructor at Roseburg High School.
He shared with the students at orientation some of the secrets to his success. “In high school, it was more about the ‘seat time’ than the work you did, but in college, it is just the opposite. It is more about the work you do.”
He told them to be an active participant in the classroom. “The work you do is key,” he said; “it’s not sufficient to just show up.” Drawing distinctions between high school and college, he said, if you fall, it is your job to pick yourself up. “Faculty and staff will help, but we won’t do it for you.” Mathweg went on to say. “Simply put, you are the one who ultimately decides your success,” he told the new students.
During his speech, he redirected the focus to the non-traditional student – those who have not been in school immediately before entering UCC, for example – he encouraged them to use their life experience to their advantage. He noted three things important to success in college: (1) Organization is key; (2) be an active participant because you only get out as much as you put in, and (3) the friends, acquaintances and partners you choose to associate with can have as much affect on your success as you do.
Mathweg strongly believes that to get the most out of your college experience:
- Get involved in student life. The friendships and experiences will become unforgettable.
- Keep strong and consistent communication with your instructors. The information and support you will receive will be well worth the effort.
- Try a few classes outside of your degree area. The knowledge you will gain can broaden your ideas, confirm your future occupation, and you may even find a new hobby or interest.
Umpqua Community College is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
Umpqua Community College, PO Box 967, Roseburg Oregon 97470 Phone: (541)440-4600.
This page last updated 11-21-07.