Campus
Accolades
The all‑electric semi, valued at more than $450,000, was donated by TLG Peterbilt and officially presented to students and faculty in the Diesel and Heavy Equipment program, part of the School of Automotive and Engineering Technology at Pitt State.
University leaders say the gift reflects the importance of industry‑education partnerships that keep curriculum aligned with evolving workforce needs.
“By giving our students access to the newest commercial EV technology, this donation ensures graduates are prepared with skills that employers are urgently seeking,” said Professor Tim Dell, who leads the Diesel & Heavy Equipment program. “It’s one of the most significant donations I’ve seen during my time at Pitt State. We’re thrilled about all the different classes we can integrate it into. It allows our students to see the migration to electric drive — not just in automobiles, but also in machinery and trucks.”
The 579EV will give students experience in electric powertrains, high‑voltage battery systems, charging infrastructure, thermal management systems, and the unique diagnostics and maintenance requirements of electric commercial vehicles. It will be used across multiple courses, from HVAC to on‑highway truck systems to hybrid and electric vehicle classes.
“It allows us to cross over to several different classes,” Dell said. “Air conditioning classes can learn about thermal management. Our on‑highway truck class can study the on‑highway systems. And our EV classes can dig into the electric side of the truck as well.”
Jeff Venning, a 2007 graduate of the program who is now director of new truck sales for TLG Peterbilt, said students won’t just study the technology — they’ll be able to completely disassemble and rebuild it, better preparing them for their future careers.
Junior Diesel student Kael Rundquist said the truck represents an exciting shift in the kind of equipment students are able to train on.
“I was excited about this donation because it shows the progression that’s been made to equipment,” Rundquist said. “Being able to see how high‑voltage batteries and electric drives are being put into on‑highway applications like the truck we were given is huge. In our on‑highway class, this helps us learn how to diagnose powertrain issues when there is no engine. There are very specific procedures, and being able to do a deep dive with visual and hands‑on experience is extremely valuable.”
The donation aligns closely with plans for a new $20 million Diesel and Heavy Equipment facility to be built just north of the current labs. Fundraising is underway for the expansion, which will allow the program to double its current enrollment of 250 students and meet workforce needs identified by the university’s Automotive Advisory Committee.
The planned facility will provide dedicated space for training on diesel engines, hydraulic systems, electric and electronic systems, powertrains, and hybrid and electric vehicles — positioning Pittsburg State as a leader in advanced automotive and heavy equipment education across North America.
“This gift strengthens our ability to prepare students for industry‑leading careers in a rapidly changing field,” Dell said. “It helps take our program — and our future facility — to the next level.”
