McKennon enjoyed time at PCC

Growing up Steven McKennon loved to work on vehicles but never really thought of it as anything more than a hobby until his dad talked to him about making it a career.

“He encouraged me to look into the auto program at [Pratt Community College] when I was a senior [in high school]. I really liked it and decided that was what I wanted to do after I graduated,” he said.

While in school, McKennon said he felt like he received a good education and he liked the way the classes were structured.

“The instruction I got in the auto department gave me a head start,” he said. “The training there is the best around and taught me all of the basics that I would need when I got out of college.”

McKennon said he really enjoyed his time at PCC because of the small class sizes, where people really care.

“It was one of the best decisions I ever made,” he said about going to PCC. “I think everyone looking at going to college should try a junior college before a four year college. It’s cheaper and there are a lot more people there you can relate to.”

In the PCC Auto Department, students can go for one year and receive a certificate or they can go for two and receive their Associate of Applied Science Degree. McKennon chose to go for his degree.

“I am happy I went that route,” he said. “I learned a lot more that way.”

McKennon graduated from PCC in 1998 and since then has worked at BTI-Pratt and Morgan Diesel, Inc. He currently works at ONEOK Partners in Pratt as a Pipeline Technician, where he maintains the pipeline and makes sure everything is running properly.

“All my experience at past jobs and PCC allows me to do what I am doing now,” he said.