MSC Southeast welcomes new Bicycle Design and Fabrication instructor Matt Blanshan
Red Wing, MN (June 23, 2022) -- Matt Blanshan has been selected to lead the Bicycle Design and Fabrication program at Minnesota State College Southeast in Red Wing, Minnesota. A resident of Rochester, MN, he has been an avid cyclist his entire life. He has competed at a national level and continues to race in mountain bike events. He is also one of the head coaches of the Rochester Mountain Bike Team, which draws high school students from Rochester and neighboring towns.
Matt is truly passionate about bikes and the sport of cycling. "There are probably 12 bikes in my garage right now," he said. "It wasn't until I was 30 years old that my car was worth more than one of my personal bikes!"
"I know Matt will be a great fit for the Bike program at Southeast. He brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to his students," said Alex Howell, MSC Southeast Dean of Academic Innovation. "Matt has been a part of the bike industry for a very long time and knows what it will take to advance our students and the program."
Matt got his first job in a bicycle shop at the age of 12 and continued working in bike shops all the way through college. Starting out as a mechanic, he worked his way up to shop manager at Erik's Bike Shop, then worked as an inside sales manager at Trek and outside sales representative at Specialized. He recently started his own business building custom steel and titanium frames, Anybody's Bike Works (www.anybodysbikeworks.com).
After 20 years in the bike industry, Matt became a union pipefitter, starting on high pressure steam and chilled water systems and later working in a fabrication shop. This was a perfect cross over for his bicycle building interest because he learned how to weld, braze, and fit pipes together. Both skill sets require a deep understanding of geometry and experience in precision fitments.
Having expert hands-on skills will be essential to teaching students how to design and fabricate bicycle components. His experience as a bike team coach will cross over to his new role as a college instructor, too. "As a coach, I explain the skill, I demonstrate the skill, then the students perform the skill. It's a similar process to being a teacher."
Matt said he is thrilled to be part of a unique college program. "As far as I know there isn't anything else like this out there. But what really truly excites me about this is that we will have the opportunity to work with professionals in the industry, helping train the next generation of bicycle designers. We will give our students the tools they need to move forward in a very innovative field."
"Matt's direct industry experience and contacts in the bike industry will be very helpful," said Alex Howell. "Matt is excited to get started and we are excited to have him at MSC Southeast!"
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About Minnesota State College Southeast
Located in the historic river towns of Red Wing and Winona, Minnesota State College Southeast is a two-year technical and community college that prepares students for a lifetime of learning by providing education for employment, skill enhancement, retraining, and transfer. The Winona campus opened its doors in 1949; the Red Wing campus opened in 1973, merging with Winona in 1992. The two campuses now have distinctive characteristics but are one college in structure, policies, procedures, and mission. Both offer small class sizes, state-of-the-art facilities, and an environment that is friendly and supportive. In addition, more than 30 majors are available online. Minnesota State College Southeast is a member of Minnesota State.