Mitchell 1 has named Jay Kuykendall, an automotive instructor at Portland Community College in Portland, Oregon, as its 2024 Educator of the Year, according to a press release.

Kuykendall has 32 years of experience in the automotive industry, with his interest first beginning as a child visiting the racetrack with his family. He began participating in drag racing during high school, and after graduation went to trade school and began a career in the automotive field.

Since then, Kuykendall has opened his own repair shop in Molalla, Oregon called Green Flag Auto Repair, and co-founded the Northwest Automotive Technicians Society.

A certified ASE Master Technician, Kuykendall oversees the auto shop lab at Portland Community College, where he teaches engine performance classes and elective courses including Subaru U, electrified vehicles, and light duty diesel.

Kuykendall was named the 2024 Educator of the Year at the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) awards luncheon in Indianapolis, Indiana, on July 24. 

Along with the title, Kuykendall was also awarded a one-year subscription to Mitchell 1's ProDemand information software, a one-year membership to NACAT, and a paid trip to this year’s NACAT conference.

“With 32 years of experience in the automotive industry, Jay is not only an outstanding teacher and a master automotive technician, but he is also a successful business owner,” said Nick DiVerde, senior director of product management for Mitchell 1. “We are pleased to acknowledge Jay’s exceptional contributions to the classroom and the auto care industry as a whole.”