Motorcycle Mechanics Institute Instructor Named 2007 Teacher Of The Year

PHOENIX, AZ — With a natural passion for motorcycles and teaching, Tom Dahl still can’t believe he has led a successful career doing what he loves. Each day, Dahl enters a classroom at Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI) and works with potential professional technicians on the high-tech systems of motorcycles. Recently, his commitment to education was recognized by the Arizona Private School Association (APSA) with its 2007 Best Practice Award for Best Teacher. Dahl was presented with the Best Teacher award at a luncheon of the APSA, the oldest and largest association of private post-secondary schools, with over 56 member schools in Arizona.

The APSA received more than 80 submissions for the award from colleagues of the nominees. Several industry judges, who have participated in the search for best teacher award recipients for more than 10 years, chose Dahl almost immediately.

“Tom’s story as an educator is very impressive,” said Fred Lockhart, executive director of the APSA. “His nomination was one of the strongest I have ever seen. It was bursting with positive feedback from the instructors and students whose lives he has helped change over the years.”
While a passion for motorcycles drew him to MMI, it is the joy of seeing students begin to understand and develop confidence that keeps Dahl committed to his job.

“I am still in awe that I earn a living working with students and motorcycles,” Dahl said after accepting the award. “I love talking about and working on motorcycles with other enthusiasts. This really doesn’t seem like a job to me.”

Dahl has been an instructor at MMI, a provider of technical education training for students seeking careers as professional motorcycle technicians, for more than 20 years. He was the original instructor for MMI’s K-Tech Specialist program, a 12-week elective sponsored and endorsed by Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) for students specializing in Kawasaki products, and played an integral role in launching the elective at the Phoenix campus in 1997.

When Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. executives learned of Dahl’s achievement, the company also recognized him, in a separate ceremony, with Kawasaki racing leathers as a sign of their appreciation for his an integral role in its K-Tech Specialist program.

“Much of the K-Tech Specialist program’s success at MMI can be attributed to Tom’s hard work, enthusiasm and dedication to student success,” said Don Church, Kawasaki Motors Corp. Director of Technical Services. “We’re proud of his accomplishments and are thankful that an instructor of his caliber represents Kawasaki in the education and motorcycle industries.”

Dahl feels very fortunate to receive the recognition, but doesn’t believe he deserves all the credit. “There are many people at MMI and KMC who have helped me in my career and made this possible. I am very proud to be part of a team that has accomplished so much,” he said.

About Universal Technical Institute, Inc. and Motorcycle Mechanics Institute
Universal Technical Institute, Inc. is a provider of technical education training for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians. The company offers undergraduate degree, diploma and certificate programs at 10 campuses across the United States, and manufacturer-sponsored advanced programs at 18 dedicated training centers. Through its campus-based school system, Universal Technical Institute, Inc. offers specialized technical education programs under several well-known brands, including Universal Technical Institute (UTI), Motorcycle Mechanics Institute and Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI), and NASCAR Technical Institute (NTI). For more information, visit www.uticorp.com.