POWAY, Calif. – Frank Adkins of Greenwood, Del., was named the 2011 Educator of the Year during the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) Conference held recently at Red River College in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Each year, Mitchell 1 recognizes one of the nation’s top teachers for excellence in automotive repair instruction. Adkins was presented with a check for $500 and a recognition certificate. He will also receive a one-year, complimentary subscription to Mitchell 1’s popular OnDemand5.com for the school where he teaches.

“Mitchell 1 is proud to join with NACAT for another year to honor those who have demonstrated a commitment to educational excellence in the automotive repair industry,” said Karen Wagner, senior marketing manager for Mitchell 1. “Frank Adkins has an outstanding reputation as an instructor and we feel he is an excellent choice for this award. Everyone at Mitchell 1 would like to extend our sincerest congratulations to Frank on his achievement.”

Adkins recently accepted a full-time position at the Delaware Technical and Community College in Stanton, Del., where he will be teaching automotive technology while developing and implementing the hybrid vehicle program with the start of the fall 2011 semester. Prior to his new position, Adkins taught automotive technology classes at the Caroline Career and Technology Center in Ridgely, Md., for several years. His automotive career also includes experience working at independent repair shops as well as dealerships, where he achieved Chrysler Master Tech status and served as the shop foreman.  

Adkins graduated from the Automotive Training Center in Exton, Pa., and earned a degree in automotive technology from the Delaware Technical and Community College in Georgetown, Del. He maintains Master Technician status and holds L-1 certification.

In addition, Adkins has written numerous automotive technical articles for national publications as well as published several automotive-related books. He and his wife, Kristan, are active in the Northeast Hemi Owners’ Association, the Delaware Valley Mopar Association and the Delaware Antique Police Car Association. Adkins has been building and modifying cars since his teenage years. He currently owns several muscle-era cars in various stages and enjoys working on them in his spare time.

"Throughout my careers as an automotive technician and as an instructor, I’ve used Mitchell 1 reference materials, and they’ve always been top notch,” said Adkins. “But being recognized by Mitchell 1 and receiving the Educator of the Year award is quite an honor. I’d like to thank Mitchell 1 for recognizing my dedication to helping educate our future generations of automotive technicians."

Selection criteria for the Educator of the Year award requires that a master automotive technician excel on all ASE automotive tests, including A1 – A8 (Engine Repair, Automatic Transmission/Transaxle, Manual Drive Train and Axles, Suspension and Steering, Brakes, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Heating and Air Conditioning, Engine Performance) and the L1 (Advanced Engine Performance Exam).