Frank Adkins Named 2011 Educator of the Year

Auto repair instructor Frank Adkins of Greenwood, Del. has been named the 2011 Educator of the Year.

He was presented with a cheque for $500 and a certificate of recognition during the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) Conference held recently at Red River College in Winnipeg.

He will also receive a one-year subscription to Mitchell 1’s popular OnDemand5.com for the school where he teaches. Mitchell 1 is a sponsor of the prize, which recognizes the top automotive repair instructors in North America.

“Mitchell 1 is proud to join with NACAT for another year to honor those who have demonstrated a commitment to educational excellence in the automotive repair industry,” said Karen Wagner, senior marketing manager for Mitchell 1.

She said Adkins has an outstanding reputation as an instructor. He’s employed at the Delaware Technical and Community College in Stanton, Del. teaching automotive technology while developing and implementing the hybrid vehicle program with the start of the fall 2011 semester.

Prior to this new position, Adkins taught automotive technology classes at the Caroline Career and Technology Center in Ridgely, Md. for several years. His automotive career also includes experience working at independent repair shops and dealerships, where he achieved Chrysler Master Tech status and served as the shop foreman. 

He has written numerous automotive technical articles for national publications as well as published several automotive-related books.

“Being recognized by Mitchell 1 and receiving the Educator of the Year award is quite an honor,” he told the NACAT gathering. “I’d like to thank Mitchell 1 for recognizing my dedication to helping educate our future generations of automotive technicians."

Selection criteria for the Educator of the Year award requires that a master automotive technician excel on all ASE automotive tests, including A1 – A8 (Engine Repair, Automatic Transmission/Transaxle, Manual Drive Train and Axles, Suspension and Steering, Brakes, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Heating and Air Conditioning, Engine Performance) and the L1 (Advanced Engine Performance Exam).