Idaho State University College of Technology Dominates at 2025 SkillsUSA State Championships

Idaho State University’s College of Technology once again demonstrated its commitment to excellence in career and technical education at the 2025 SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference, held April 7–9 at the Nampa Civic Center. With 24 competitors—including three dual-credit high school students—ISU students delivered an outstanding performance across multiple categories, earning top placements and advancing to the national stage.

One of the most impressive showings came from ISU’s Robotics Program, where students swept the Electronics and Technical Mathematics competitions—earning gold, silver, and bronze in both categories. This rare double-podium sweep showcases the depth of talent within ISU’s student body and the strength of its cutting-edge robotics curriculum.

“The ISU Robotics Program and the ISU Electronics Club gave me the foundation to excel in related Technical Math, allowing me to achieve the Idaho SkillsUSA gold medal,” said Andrew Keller, first-place winner in Technical Mathematics. “I look forward to representing ISU and the state of Idaho at the national championships.”

ISU’s Diesel Program also stood out, with Bryson Hatch taking first place in Heavy Equipment Operation, and Matson Valenta and Jace Crofoot earning second and third, respectively, in Diesel Equipment Technology.

The Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing team swept all three medals in Collision Damage Appraisal, and placed in multiple additional events. Victoria Alexander took gold in Automotive Refinishing Technology, and Ash Thompson earned silver in Collision Repair Technology.

“They really kicked some butt out there,” said Logan Pickens, Automotive Collision and Refinishing instructor and SkillsUSA advisor. “I’ll be taking two girls to Nationals, and I think it’s going to be a highlight of their educational careers. I’m excited to see where they’ll go next.”

The Aircraft Maintenance team, hosted by Western Aircraft for the competition, continued ISU’s streak of excellence with a complete sweep in Aviation Maintenance Technology. Nolan Bitners, Joseph Perry, and Nathan Roche earned first, second, and third place, respectively.

Rounding out the College’s success was Corey Anderson, who earned third place in Job Interview representing the Automotive Technology program.

First-place winners from each event will advance to the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference, held June 23–27, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia, where they will represent the state of Idaho and Idaho State University on the national stage.

SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization that empowers students to become world-class workers, leaders, and responsible American citizens. Each year, the SkillsUSA Championships bring together more than 6,500 students to compete in over 100 skilled and leadership-based events. Learn more at www.skillsusa.org.