Teaching Motorsports History: A Liberal Arts Blueprint from McPherson College

This episode of The Logbook, our History of Motorsports series, covers a presentation by Ken Yohn and Kristie Sojka on the evolution and curriculum of the automotive restoration program at McPherson College. It discusses the history of the program, which began in the 1990s, and its integration of a liberal arts education to prepare students comprehensively. Ken Yohn emphasizes the importance of teaching motor racing history, recruitment practices, and the benefits of a close-knit educational environment. Kristie Sojka highlights the development and management of the automotive restoration special collection within the Miller Library, discussing the challenges of space and the importance of donations. The transcript also touches on the college's partnerships, including with Hagerty, and the broad array of professional preparations and internships offered to students. The session concludes with a Q&A session addressing interlibrary loans, the college’s connections with Hagerty, and the Summer Institute for continued adult education. ===== (Oo---x---oO) ===== 00:00 Teaching Motorsports History at McPherson College 00:32 Ken Yohn's Background and Curriculum Overview 02:15 Challenges and Innovations in Faculty and Curriculum 05:24 Student Engagement and Liberal Arts Approach 11:26 Research and Methodology in Automotive History 14:47 Senior Thesis and Case Studies 22:31 Conclusion and Q&A with Ken Yong 23:55 Part 2: Cruising Through the Stacks with Christy Sojka 24:01 Kristie Sojka's Background and Library Overview 29:46 Automotive Restoration Collection and Renovation 34:44 Collaborations and Challenges in Curating Collections 39:33 Conclusion and Q&A with Kristie Sojka 41:58 Closing Remarks and Sponsors ==================== The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net More Information: Visit Our Website Become a VIP at: Patreon Online Magazine: Gran Touring Follow us on Social: Instagram This episode is part of our HISTORY OF MOTORSPORTS SERIES and is sponsored in part by: The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Argetsinger Family - and was recorded in front of a live studio audience.