Rob Mensen is no ordinary automotive instructor. With 24 years at Centralia High School and decades of business experience, he brings an extraordinary level of expertise to the classroom, inspiring students to build not only vehicles but also their futures.

“When I step into the shop, it’s about more than cars,” Rob says. “It’s about teaching accountability, safety, and the pride of doing a job right the first time.”

Rob’s journey to Centralia began long before his teaching days. As the owner of a service station in Salem, Illinois, Rob honed his skills in automotive service and customer relations. His qualifications, including a Master ASE Certification, set him apart from many other high school automotive instructors. “You can’t buy this patch,” he says, pointing to the badge on his shirt. “It’s earned through experience and ongoing training, and I’m proud to pass that on to my students.”

In his dual role as department coordinator for Industrial Tech and Family Consumer Sciences, Rob’s influence extends far beyond the auto shop. Under his leadership, the automotive program has become a cornerstone of vocational education at Centralia High School, serving over 70 students annually across different levels of coursework.

The shop is a hive of activity, with students tackling everything from brake replacements to complex diagnostic work. Cody Teaff and Hayden Kraus, both seniors, credit the program with giving them a head start in their careers. “There’s something really satisfying about taking something broken and making it work again,” says Cody. “This program has shown me that’s what I want to do for the rest of my life.”

Safety is non-negotiable in Rob’s shop—a principle he enforces with the zeal of someone who understands its gravity. “You don’t get a second chance with a car,” he says. “Something as simple as a loose tire can cost lives. That’s why we drill safety into every aspect of what we do.”

Beyond technical skills, Rob instills in his students the soft skills essential for professional success. “Whether it’s showing up on time or double-checking a job, these are habits they’ll carry with them,” he says. Students learn to manage work orders, track progress, and maintain professional standards, replicating the workflows of real-world service centers.

Rob’s commitment to his students doesn’t end at graduation. “If they need help finding a job or advice on their career, they know they can call me,” he says. His network of industry connections ensures that students who show promise can transition seamlessly into employment or further training.

As retirement looms—Rob plans to step down after the next school year—he reflects on the legacy he hopes to leave behind. “I want them to remember the importance of doing things right and treating people with respect,” he says. “Those values will serve them long after they’ve left my shop.”

Rob is quick to credit the administration for their unwavering support of vocational programs. “If I can justify a need, they’ll make sure we get it,” he says. “Our shop is as well-equipped as any professional garage.”

For his students, Rob’s dedication is evident in every lesson, every conversation, and every piece of advice. “He’s tough, but it’s because he cares,” says Hayden. “He wants us to succeed, not just here, but out in the real world.”

As the engines hum and the tools clang in the Centralia High School automotive shop, it’s clear that Rob Mensen isn’t just teaching students to fix cars—he’s helping them build futures