May 18, 2021

TUCSON – Pima Community College has cut the ribbon to officially open its Automotive Technology and Innovation Center on the Downtown Campus.

The ceremony was by invitation only to ensure physical distancing but everyone is invited to watch virtually on PCCTV Stream on YouTube. 

Chancellor Lee Lambert and Governing Board Chair Demion Clinco joined in person at the Automotive Center by a few invited guests, including industry partners, who helped mark the occasion. Among them were Jim Click of Jim Click Automotive Team, Snap-on Inc., and Roger Tadajewski, Executive Director of NC3, National Coalition of Certification Centers. In addition, many elected officials and community members attended virtually.

The Automotive Technology and Innovation Center is the first structure completed as part of the Center of Excellence for Applied Technology, one of a series of Centers of Excellence being developed by the College. 

The two-story, 50,000-square-foot Center will enable faculty to add programs in diesel, electric and autonomous vehicles and to increase brand-specific training.

“This facility, developed in partnership with industry, will help ensure that students are prepared for high-quality, high-paying jobs in Pima County and the surrounding region,” Chancellor Lambert said. “It will play a key role in our area’s economic recovery and growth by setting the standard for automotive education.”

“As one of NC3’s early adopters, Pima Community College’s Centers of Excellence will create a long-lasting generational impact for Pima County’s students, families, community, and future workforce. These state-of-the-art facilities elevate the look, feel, and vision of career and technical education which is important to promote the professionalism of skilled trades across Arizona and nationwide. NC3 is proud to have Pima Community College driving the future of Applied Technology as an NC3 Leadership School,” stated NC3 Executive Director, Roger Tadajewski.

Pima’s Centers for Excellence pair state-of-the-art facilities with industry partners and expertise to prepare students for current and future careers. Centers are being developed in Applied Technology, Information Technology, Health Professions, Public Safety & Security, Hospitality & Tourism, and Arts & Humanities.

Media Contacts:

Hannah Peltier
Executive Project Manager | NC3
Hannah.peltier@nc3.net
608.220.7408

Libby Howell, APR,
Executive Director Media, Government and Community Relations | Pima Community College
520-488-7528, ehowell1@pima.edu

About Pima Community College

Founded in 1969, Pima Community College offers degrees and certificates in more than 100 transfer and occupational programs at teaching sites throughout Pima County. To learn more, visit www.pima.edu or call (520) 206-4500.