LINN — “Even though it’s a Saturday work day, this is one of our favorite days of the year, because we get to show you why State Tech is the number one two-year college in the country,” Director of Marketing and Instructor Brandon McElwain told prospective students and their families at Show Me State Tech Saturday, Oct. 24.

The open house offered visitors opportunities to explore State Technical College of Missouri’s programs, meet instructors and students, try equipment, and learn about life on campus.

President Dr. Shawn Strong rode in on a Harley provided by the Powersports Technology program, continuing his annual tradition of making an entrance on two wheels.

Visitors could explore the program in the Vehicle and Power Center, alongside automotive technology, automotive collision technology, diesel technology, and electric power generation technology.

Those interested in larger equipment could head to Heavy Equipment Operations & Management, where activities included operating an excavator to pick up duck decoys out of a small pool. Utility Construction also offered equipment operation activities.

Visitors rode on the back of a semi truck to the new operations complex, home to Heavy Equipment Operations & Management and Agriculture Operations. McElwain and Dr. Strong called the transportation a “Hey! Ride,” because there’s no hay. He encouraged families to see the facilities, which opened this fall. The route also offered a view of Lake State Tech.

Agriculture offerings included an opportunity to visit livestock, while demonstrations elsewhere on campus featured welding, material testing, and civil engineering technology.

Dr. Strong encouraged prospective students to explore beyond the programs they already had in mind and visit their preferred programs last. “And by the time you get to your top choice, the crowds have all thinned out, and you’ll get more individual attention from the faculty,” he said.

Explore Technical Careers recruiters helped visitors consider their options.

Dr. Strong said WalletHub ranked State Tech the nation’s top two-year college again this year, marking seventh time in the past eight years.

He encouraged students to take high school seriously and prepare for college-level math and English. State Tech’s admissions testing helps determine whether students are ready for their coursework, he explained. Those who do not initially qualify can work with the college to explore other testing options or find a program that better fits them.

Dr. Strong also urged students considering college to recognize how difficult returning to school can become after entering the workforce. “Once you start working, life takes over, and it becomes very hard to come back to school,” he said.

Dr. Strong described a degree as preparation for more than a first job, giving graduates opportunities to advance into supervision, change positions, or enter another field. “A degree is something that can never be taken away and will benefit you for the rest of your life,” he said.

“But there’s another reason to come to State Tech, and that is to have a college experience. We believe everyone should experience college,” Dr. Strong said.

Students can golf and swim for free at Osage View, fish or kayak at Lake State Tech, use the campus fitness center, and participate in clubs, intramural sports, and bonfires. Osage View offers additional recreation, including bowling, a theater, esports, and golf simulators.

Dr. Strong also described a recent cardboard boat race won by the Powersports Technology program and a spring hog roast competition that drew 24 teams representing 21 programs last year.

During the second week of classes, the college cooks a whole steer on its “overkill grill.”

“In other words, we work hard and we play hard,” Dr. Strong said.

Visitors could take a shuttle to explore the Commercial Turf & Grounds Management program and Osage View.

Food was available across campus, including Central Dairy ice cream in the Building Technology Center, popcorn in precision machining at the Willett Automation Center, and homemade doughnuts at the Utility Technology Center. The college also provided free lunch at Founder’s 1961 in the Information Technology Center.

A “Nuts and Bolts of State Tech” session addressed parents’ questions, and staff assisted with admissions, financial aid, and academic records.

On-campus and off-campus housing representatives gathered in the Housing Commons, and several larger off-campus properties offered open houses. Dr. Strong urged seniors to arrange housing promptly and submit their transcripts and test scores, saying nearby housing and academic programs would begin filling within the next few months.

“We set enrollment records for 10 years in a row,” he said.

Applications were free, with staff available to help visitors complete them before leaving. Dr. Strong encouraged families to get their questions answered and determine whether the college fit their goals.

“I know a college decision has to feel right, and the best way to do that is to get out on campus,” he said.