Meet Evan Dunnavant

From the moment Evan Dunnavant could hold a toy, his hands were wrapped around a miniature car. “My mom always says I came out of the womb holding a Hot Wheels,” he laughs. That lifelong fascination with cars eventually steered Evan to the Toyota T-TEN program at Reynolds Community College, a decision that’s accelerating his career faster than he ever imagined.

Now a standout student in the Reynolds Automotive Technology Program, Evan is earning certifications and technical experience in just two years—credentials that would typically take a technician seven or eight years to achieve without formal education. “That’s what really caught my attention about the T-TEN program,” Evan says. “It gives you a clear career path, and fast-tracks your training and certifications.”

The Toyota T-TEN (Technician Training & Education Network) program is not just a classroom experience—it’s a full immersion into the world of professional automotive repair. Students are required to work at a partnering dealership while completing coursework, blending real-world practice with academic instruction. For Evan, that combination has been essential. “Most technicians I work with know what they’re repairing,” he says. “But because I have the classroom experience, I know why I’m repairing it. That’s been incredibly rewarding.”

One of the most valuable skills Evan has developed during his time at Reynolds is electrical diagnosis, an increasingly critical area as the auto industry shifts toward hybrid and fully electric vehicles. “The future of the industry is electric,” Evan explains. “And that means the work is going to get harder, especially when diagnosing electrical problems. The skills I’m learning now will give me a big advantage.”

Evan recalls a specific assignment that tested those skills and cemented his confidence. A car came into the shop with fully functioning brakes—but no working brake lights. “The bulbs were fine, so we knew it wasn’t something obvious,” he says. “It took deep diagnostic work to figure out the electrical issue, and when we finally solved it, that feeling of success was incredible. You can't see electricity, so getting to the root of the problem felt like solving a mystery.”

His instructors at Reynolds have played a huge role in his development. With backgrounds from manufacturers like Honda, BMW, and others, they bring diverse industry experience into the classroom. “I’ve learned so much from them,” Evan says. “They each have different strengths and perspectives, and that really adds depth to my training.”

Outside of class and the shop, Evan is also a ballroom dance teacher, a unique hobby that speaks to his focus and discipline. Whether he’s guiding students through a waltz or diagnosing a complex electrical fault, he brings the same level of dedication and attention to detail.

Looking ahead, Evan has big goals. He plans to earn all possible ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certifications through the program, which will enhance both his technical credibility and future pay. “Getting those certifications now means I’ll be in a much stronger position after graduation,” he says. “It opens doors.”

While Evan has received a few job offers already, he plans to continue working at his current Toyota dealership, gaining the experience required to become a master technician. Although he’s flirted with the idea of opening his own shop someday, for now, he’s focused on honing his craft. “I’ve thought about starting my own business maybe ten years down the road,” he says. “But I’m also realistic. It takes time and a lot of certifications to run a successful shop.”

Evan’s advice for future students thinking about the T-TEN program is simple but powerful: work hard and show that you care. “You have to have a job to be in this program, so make the most of it. Work hard at your shop and let your instructors see your dedication. They talk to your manager, so make sure your work ethic speaks for you.”

At Reynolds, Evan Dunnavant has found more than just a college program—he’s found a launchpad for a lifelong passion. With skill, determination, and a head start on the industry, Evan is cruising toward a bright future—one diagnostic challenge at a time.

For more about the Reynolds Automotive Program, visit our website.