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The Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence announced Tuesday 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, his early fascination with fixing and repairing farm equipment led him to pursue a career as an automotive technician. His entrepreneurial spirit shone through when he purchased a local Conoco gas station with two bays while still in college. This venture, Elysian Auto Service, grew under his leadership, eventually expanding to a larger facility with four bays and an alignment rack, serving the surrounding communities and providing employment opportunities for many technicians.

Throughout his career, Morsching has amassed an impressive array of certifications, including ASE Master Automobile Technician, ASE Service Consultant, ASE Refrigerant Recovery & Recycling, and specialized training in Ford and GM Engine Performance, Enhanced Ignition Diagnostics, Electronic Fuel Injection and more. His commitment to continuous learning and professional development is evident through his participation in various Automotive Training Institute programs, covering service advising, shop ownership and marketing.

Morsching’s dedication to the automotive field extends beyond his business. 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. His 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.

What Morsching enjoys most about working with students is witnessing their transformation. He loves seeing students evolve from curious and sometimes uncertain individuals into confident, capable automotive technicians. He cherishes being part of their journey, helping them build a future they can be proud of.

He enjoys challenging them with real-world scenarios, sharing stories from his years in the industry, and helping them connect the dots between classroom learning and shop realities.

With over 40 years in the automotive repair industry, Morsching brings real-world knowledge, hard-earned lessons and practical skills into the classroom every day. His 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 — just as he has done throughout his career. He shares stories from his time at Elysian Auto Service, both successes and mistakes, to help students see that learning is a journey. He wants them to feel proud of choosing this career, to understand the value of skilled hands and sharp minds, and to leave his program not just as technicians, but as professionals ready to represent the automotive industry with pride.

Outside of his professional life, Morsching enjoys spending time with his family, including his wife, Susan, their two children and twin granddaughters. He has also been a dedicated member of the Elysian Fire Department for 40 years, serving as assistant chief and EMT. His hobbies include hunting, fishing, boating and ATVing, reflecting his love for the outdoors and his commitment to community service.