Baker College is already the largest private college in Michigan, and now, its Owosso campus is growing even more. Baker unveiled its new, $6.5 million, 43,000 square foot
Auto/Diesel Institute of Michigan in September, which is already home to approximately 450 students.
“In the short-term, the new Auto/Diesel Institute is about providing additional capacity for two growing programs at Baker College of Owosso,” says Peter Karsten, president of Baker College of Owosso. “In the long-term, the expanded facility – with its eye-catching exterior and high-tech interior – stakes our claim as a national provider of quality technicians and as a recruiter of students from across the United States.”
The 20-month process of developing the facility began with the purchase of an 11-acre parcel of land adjacent to the Baker College of Owosso Welcome Center. Ground was broken in September of 2011, and the project was completed four days prior to fall classes starting in September of this year.
The Auto/Diesel Institute includes two automotive labs, three diesel labs, four engine and transmission labs and three classrooms. Baker College offers automotive service and diesel service certificate and associate degrees at the new facility, as well as a new program as of 2011, automotive diesel service management bachelor’s degree. Alternative energy and collision repair programs may be added in the future.
“We are enormously pleased to be investing in the growth of Owosso and mid-Michigan,” says Karsten. “The Greater Lansing region and mid-Michigan overall will benefit from having a program like this within commuting distance from home.”
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