Manassas Automotive Student Matt Arnold Wins Mike Rowe Scholarship

Matt Arnold, of the Manassas campus, has always known he wanted to be a mechanic. For as long as he can remember, he was always intefascinated in cars, and especially trucks. Also, he is from a long line of diesel heavy equipment and big rig mechanics.

He came to NOVA, as do so many others, to pursue his dreams. Having just graduated from high school in June, after doing the last few months of his senior year virtually, he started at NOVA in the fall–virtually. He expects to graduate in December 2022 with his associate degree in automotive technology and certification in diesel mechanics.

The Mike Rowe scholarship provides $3,000 toward his education. For a hands-on kind of a guy, the application process was grueling. He had to write several essays and gather letters of recommendation. He also had to make a creative video. He was one of just a handful of students awarded a scholarship. “Although it was a lot of effort, it was well worth it,” he said.

He gives a shout out to John Hicks whom he says has been a great help in getting him enrolled in classes, advising and teaching one of his classes. Arnold says Hicks is a very intelligent man who has great character and is always available for his students.

Congratulations, Matt for this hard earned award. You make NOVA proud.