Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence has announced that Carl Morsching, an automotive instructor at Riverland Community College, has been named Outstanding New Educator of the Year. 

This award recognizes early-career educators who demonstrate a deep commitment to, and potential for, excellence in the field of transportation teaching and learning.

Morsching has dedicated over four decades to the automotive industry, beginning his journey at South Central College in North Mankato. Raised on a dairy farm, Carl’s early fascination with fixing and repairing farm equipment led him to pursue a career as an automotive technician. 

His purchased a local Conoco gas station with two bays while still in college and Elysian Auto Service eventually expanded to a larger facility with four bays and an alignment rack, serving the surrounding communities and providing employment opportunities for many technicians.

Elysian Auto Service was known for its community involvement, offering scholarships to local students pursuing careers in automotive technology and providing internships in collaboration with Riverland Community College and South Central College. Morsching’s passion for education and mentorship naturally led him to a teaching position after selling his business in 2024. As an instructor, he leverages his extensive industry experience to prepare students for real-world challenges, emphasizing practical skills, efficient problem-solving, and effective communication.

Morsching’s experience allows him to bridge the gap between textbook theory and what actually happens in a busy, fast-paced shop. He teaches his students how to diagnose problems efficiently, work with confidence under pressure, and communicate clearly with both teammates and customers.