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Waubonsee Community College continues its tradition of excellence in Career and Technical Education (CTE), earning national recognition at the 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) held in Atlanta, GA, from June 23-27, 2025.
Eight Waubonsee students competed among more than 6,500 participants from across the country, with seven earning top honors in Automotive Refinishing, Automotive Service Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Collision Damage Appraisal.
Pictured from left to right: Dr. Nour Al Naber, Instructor of Business; Waubonsee NLSC gold winners Briana Harris (with child); Ennis Ballines; Kevin Bustamante Fontanel; Sarah Pawlus; Andy Clements, Instructor of Business; Dr. Tamekia Smith, Dean for Business and Social Science
National Ranking of Waubonsee Students
Gold
- Aleah Sauder, of Marengo, Automotive Refinishing Technology
- Joshua Stover, of Maple Park, Automotive Service Technology
- Entrepreneurship Team: Briana Harris of Yorkville, Sarah Pawlus of Elburn, Kevin Bustamante Fontanel of Yorkville, Ennis Ballines of Aurora Bronze
- Benjamin Swanson, of Aurora, Collision Damage Appraisal
National Competitor
- Julian Flores, of Oswego, HVAC
“It’s a remarkable year for us. We have the most NLSC national champions the college has ever produced in one year, one of whom took silver last year and returned this year to take gold. This speaks volumes about the strength of our programs and the dedication of our exceptional faculty,” said Ne’Keisha Stepney, Assistant Provost of Workforce Development.
Waubonsee’s ongoing national success reflects the college’s commitment to providing hands-on, workforce-aligned education led by award-winning faculty. Retiring Associate Professor of Automotive Technology Ken Kunz, who built Waubonsee’s Automotive Technology Program over his 30-year tenure, has played a key role in developing one of the most respected and in-demand programs in the region. His leadership has led to strong enrollment, rapid program growth, and long-standing partnerships with industry.
The tradition of excellence continues with Waubonsee alumnus and Associate Professor of Automotive Technology Guy Tiberio, recently named the 2025 Mitchell 1 Educator of the Year. With over 20 years teaching in the classroom and more than 25 years in the field, Tiberio is recognized nationally for his dedication to student success and volunteer service in the automotive industry.
Waubonsee’s history of SkillsUSA achievement spans several decades and includes a number of state and national champions – most recently 2022 NLSC champion Liam Richardson, who earned top honors in Automotive Service Technology.
Accompanying this year’s national champions were faculty members Tiberio; Ramiro Cervantes, Instructor of Auto Collision and Refinishing Technology; Tyler Friedland, Assistant Professor of Automotive Technology; Joe Kloke, Assistant Professor of Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning; Ken Kunz, retired Professor of Automotive Technology; and Waubonsee’s Business Club Faculty Advisors and Instructors Dr. Nour Al Naber and Andy Clements, along with Waubonsee administrators and staff members Stepney; Dr. Alyson Gaspar, Career and Technical Education Services Manager; and Dr. Tamekia Smith, Dean for Business and Social Science.
The college’s award-winning CTE programs will soon have a new teaching and learning training ground. On August 18, the first day of the fall semester, Waubonsee will officially open its new 100,000-sq-ft Technical Education Center (TEC) at the Sugar Grove Campus. This state-of-the-art facility will feature advanced, industry-standard learning labs for students pursuing careers in Automotive Collision and Refinishing Technology, Automotive Technology, and Welding Technology programs. The public is invited to tour the facility during the TEC Grand Opening/Open House on September 12. To RSVP for the event and view the construction progress, visit waubonsee.edu/TEC.
The investment in the TEC is a key pillar of Waubonsee’s new strategic plan, RISE 2030. Created through a collaborative process that engaged students, faculty, staff, and community members, RISE 2030 will guide Waubonsee’s work over the next five years. The plan positions Waubonsee to lead in a rapidly changing higher education environment while meeting the evolving needs of District 516.
With four campuses and online learning options, Waubonsee serves as an educational and economic engine for developing a skilled workforce for the region and beyond.
To learn more about Waubonsee’s CTE programs and offerings, visit waubonsee.edu/CTE.
