Since taking over as Mississippi Delta Community College’s president in 2013, Larry Nabors has overseen large new construction and renovation projects, totaling millions of dollars.
The soon-to-be retired Nabors might look back on the money spent to improve the community college’s automotive program as the most near to his heart.
Nabors told representatives from Toyota and the program’s advisory board members on Monday that his father was a car salesman, and he purchased his first car when he was 13 and replaced the engine in it himself.
“I grew up around the business,” Nabors said. “I appreciate what goes into it and how much the industry has changed over the years.”
MDCC has invested over $200,000 into renovating the automotive mechanic shop, and the school recently unveiled two newer cars, along with parts, that were donated by Toyota to help train workers for jobs that are in high demand.
“It takes a special kind of student,” Nabors said. “It’s not just something you’re going to pick up.”
Toyota sales representatives were on hand and said that they have job openings right now that need to be filled, but they need qualified workers who also understand the business aspect of car maintenance.
Nabors said that the college, along with the advisory committee for the automotive program, saw the need to improve things, and the college was able to find money, along with donations, to improve the facilities and hopefully provide students with the tools necessary to complete their tasks.
One of the focuses, Nabors said, has been on technology, which is changing rapidly in the automotive industry.
He says he hopes MDCC’s students will be able to use these resources to better keep up with changing automobiles.
