North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) received its official Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 147 Air Agency Certificate today, formally authorizing the College to train the next generation of Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMTs). The certificate — presented during a brief ceremony inside the AMT Program Hangar — marks the final milestone in a 12-month application, inspection, and approval process. 

“We are honored to receive this FAA certification, and we’re excited to begin preparing students for high-demand careers in aviation maintenance,” said Terry Marohl, NDSCS Dean of Transportation. “This recognition reaffirms our commitment to hands-on, industry-driven education, and we’re ready to deliver.” 

Joining Marohl at the ceremony was Nathan Cowan, Aircraft Maintenance Technology (AMT) Program Coordinator, who accepted the certificate on behalf of the College. Representatives from the Fargo Jet Center and the FAA’s Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) presented the certificate to the NDSCS team. 

“With this certificate in hand, we can give students a direct, affordable pathway into one of the fastest-growing careers in aviation,” said Cowan. “Our students will graduate workforce-ready and in high demand.” 

Set to launch in Fall 2025, the program is the only FAA-certified offering of its kind in North Dakota. NDSCS will welcome its first class of AMT students to its 19th Avenue North Fargo location, with instruction taking place in both classroom and hands-on at the AMT Program Hangar in collaboration with the Fargo Jet Center. 

“This is more than a certification—it’s a commitment to students, employers, and the future of aviation in North Dakota,” added Marohl. 

For more information about the program, visit NDSCS.edu/Aviation. 

Photo caption (Left to Right): Darren Hall, Fargo Jet Center, VP Business Development; Gary Kwasniewski, Aviation Safety Inspector, FAA; Nathan Cowan; Terry Marohl; Joshua Rychener, Aviation Safety Inspector, FAA; Todd Roth, Frontline Operations Manager, FAA

Diesel Technology students from the North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) made a powerful showing at the 2025 Colorado TopTech Skills Competition, capturing the top four spots in the student division and winning 12 out of 14 competitive stations. 

Held April 12 at the Lincoln Tech campus in Denver and hosted by the Colorado Motor Carriers Association, the TopTech competition tested the skills of diesel technicians through a series of rigorous written and hands-on challenges, including diagnostics in brakes, electrical systems, preventative maintenance, and more. 

Tyler Sandberg claimed first place overall and was named the top student technician. As the winner, Sandberg has qualified to compete at the national level in Raleigh, North Carolina this September. 

Judges noted that this year’s NDSCS scores were among the highest ever recorded in the competition’s history. Joining Sandberg in the winners’ circle were fellow NDSCS students: 
• Zale Bushlack – 2nd Place 
• Nathan Olson – 3rd Place 
• Curtis Sauer – 4th Place 

The competition drew praise from industry professionals for the exceptional preparation and professionalism displayed by all NDSCS participants. Notably, one of the top scorers was a first-year student—an impressive feat in a field dominated by experienced competitors. 

"This outstanding performance speaks to the quality of training and commitment of our Diesel Technology program, our faculty, and most of all, our students," said Chad Hinkley, Diesel Technology instructor. 

The Colorado TopTech Skills Competition is one of the premier diesel skills events in the region, designed to evaluate and celebrate the next generation of technicians poised to lead the heavy-duty transportation and maintenance industries.

Photo Caption: Tyler Sandberg, Nathan Olson, Curtis Sauer, Zale Bushlack

Collegiate DECA members from around the globe gathered in San Francisco, California, from April 5-8, 2025, to participate in the annual International Career Development Conference (ICDC). Seven NDSCS DECA members attended the conference. 

This prestigious event showcased the talents and skills of the next generation of business leaders as they competed in various business-related events. Students participated in case studies, presentations, and simulations designed to challenge their knowledge in fields such as marketing, finance, hospitality, management, and entrepreneurship. 

The Collegiate DECA ICDC is more than just a competition. It's an opportunity for students to: 

• Network: Connect with peers, industry professionals, and potential employers.
• Learn: Attend workshops and seminars to enhance their business acumen.
• Grow: Develop leadership skills, build confidence, and gain real-world experience. 

"The International Career Development Conference is the highlight of the year for Collegiate DECA members," said Greg Anderson, NDSCS Collegiate DECA Advisor. "It's a chance to celebrate their hard work, recognize their achievements, and prepare them for success in their future careers. While we did not have any top place winners this year, it was more about these students giving their best effort and growing from that experience." 

Collegiate DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in colleges and universities around the globe. 

NDSCS Business students looking for professional growth and development are highly encouraged to participate in the organization annually. 

Photo Caption: (L-R Zoey Bohnenstingl, Leah Tibbetts, Sumer Roberts, Cooper Klosterman, Addison Gerdon, Ryan Otoole, Nicholas Langenwalter)