Kat Pfau

Katherine Pfau

Department Chair, Transportation & Industry; Instructor, Automotive Technology, City College

Kat Pfau is all about tools.

When she is teaching her automotive technology classes, she makes sure students are using the right wrenches, sockets, or test lights to properly learn. When she is working with other members of her department, she makes sure they have the right kinds of tools for curriculum development and assessment.

Running through it all, like lubricant in a well-maintained engine, is a willingness to make sure everyone has the academic and supportive tools they need to succeed.

Ms. Pfau鈥檚 tenure at City College started in 2003, when the two-year arm of MSU Billings was evolving into a comprehensive community college. Fixing cars and trucks was second nature to the Billings-area native. She just wanted others to be in the same field.  

Since that time, scores of graduates have entered the work world. And, just as notable, she and colleagues have developed a free 鈥淲omen Supporting Women鈥� program that raises confidence of Billings-area women for automotive maintenance basics, home electrical basics, and welding.

鈥淲e just start from the basics and go from there,鈥� Ms. Pfau said.  鈥淭he more that there鈥檚 an awareness, the more you don鈥檛 have to be scared to try it.鈥�

Her nominators note Ms. Pfau鈥檚 willingness to go the extra mile for all students.

鈥淪he often walks them directly to support services in the Tech Building, such as TRIO SSS, the Academic Support Center, and Jacket Student Central,鈥� her nominator wrote. 鈥淗er hands-on approach 鈥� meeting students where they are and helping them navigate challenges 鈥� demonstrates her dedication to their success.鈥�

Leading by example, City College colleagues have adopt the same culture of support, which has had a noticeable, positive impact across the two-year campus.