From Shop to the Top

MSU’S Paul Steevens earns top honor for advancing automotive engineering education and outreach

By Joe Tougas ’86

Paul Steevens did not struggle in high school in central Wisconsin. He struggled to stay interested in it.

There was, however, one exception: cars. And decades later, that interest has driven him into an award-winning role as an engineering specialist and researcher at Minnesota State University, Mankato, where he’s been working for 20 years. 

His dad was a car enthusiast who enjoyed racing cars on ice – something Steevens learned to do even before getting a driver’s license. 

“They put me in a school-work program where I could leave school at noon and go be a mechanic. And I loved that,” he recalled. “I didn’t care about grades, but I got to leave high school at noon and go work on cars.” He initially had plans to be an auto mechanic, he said, “until I realized that busted knuckles and dealing with automotive fluids wasn’t something I wanted for the next 20 years of my life.” 

Yet with his keen interest and growing skills at understanding engines, he knew he wanted to work in the industry. 

As school neared its end and his passion for mechanics remained, the Marshfield, Wisconsin, native heard about Minnesota State Mankato’s automotive engineering program. He decided to visit campus, and once he saw the automotive research taking place, he was convinced.

“I didn’t even have a tour. I walked through the building, saw the labs, and thought, ‘This is cool,’” he said. “Those are the things I want to work with. So I came here.”

Steevens attended Minnesota State Mankato from 2000 to 2004. He stayed on to complete a master’s degree, researching alternative fuels such as ethanol. In 2006, he was offered the job he holds today, and his research into fuels, engines, electric vehicles and his spots teaching classes and supervising labs continue.

And in what can only be described as a full-circle moment, Steevens is being recognized statewide for his work.

In early May, the Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence named him Academic Professional of the Year. Recipients of the award “play a critical role in enhancing program quality and accessibility. Their ongoing commitment helps strengthen transportation education across institutions and communities.”

As an instructor who has taught courses and led labs, Steevens was also commended for his outreach efforts on behalf of Minnesota State Mankato’s automotive engineering program. He regularly visits high school career days and job fairs, where he talks with students about careers in mechanics and engineering.

Last year, he successfully brought a Nitro-X Summer Camp to Mankato and will host another this summer. Part of the Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence, Nitro-X Summer Camp is designed for middle school students to explore careers in the transportation industry. Participants take part in hands-on activities, including working with and racing remote-controlled cars and taking industry tours.

“The more experiences kids can get, the better,” Steevens said. “Even if they realize they don’t want to do this. Until students experience it, they have no idea what it’s like. That’s why I encourage as many opportunities as possible—you need those experiences before committing to four years of school and discovering it’s not what you expected.”

Although Steevens has been involved in complex research on alternative fuels and has tested devices aimed at improving fuel efficiency, his practical advice amid today’s high gas prices remains straightforward: Make sure the vehicle has a fresh tune-up, change the fuel filter regularly and maintain the correct tire pressure.

“The best thing you can do to save money on fuel,” he said, “is drive slower. Just plan to go five miles an hour slower than you usually do. I’m not saying go 50 in a 55—I’m saying keep it at the speed limit.”