20-year M State diesel instructor, Jim Bainer, named to MN transportation Hall of Fame

Jim Bainer, a recently retired diesel instructor at M State, has been inducted into the Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence Hall of Fame. The award commemorates lifetime contributions to transportation education in Minnesota. 

Bainer retired in January after 20 years of teaching at M State, where he was well-known as a skilled and dedicated Diesel Equipment Technology instructor. He also served as the college’s advisor for SkillsUSA, a showcase of highly skilled career and technical education students and the host of annual hands-on competitions for students in the diesel industry. Bainer coached six state champions in SkillsUSA, all of whom ranked in the top 10 nationally. 

“He was a person who left industry to come into education because he believed he could make the lives and careers of his students better, and in fact, that is just what he did, over and over for more than 20 years,” says Mark Bannatyne, dean of the School of Applied Technology at M State. “He will be greatly missed by us all.” 

Bainer serves on the boards of the Midwest Teachers of Transportation and Industrial Areas and the American Technical Education Association. His previous honors include winning the Minnesota State Board of Trustees Outstanding Educator Award, twice, in 2023 and 2016. 

“Each year, the Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence (TCOE) proudly honors outstanding individuals and organizations who are making a difference in transportation-related education,” states a press release from the TCOE. “The 2025 TCOE Award recipients – nominated by their peers and selected by a committee from our executive board – exemplify excellence, dedication and leadership across the field. Their remarkable contributions as educators, advocates, supporters and industry partners continue to shape the future of transportation.” 

Bainer is a 1983 graduate of Central Lakes College (formerly Staples Area Vocational and Technical Institute), where he specialized in Diesel and Heavy Equipment Mechanics. He has factory certifications from Caterpillar, Cummins, Detroit Diesel, Ford and Iveco, and has attended seminars for industry leaders such as CNH, John Deere and Bobcat. 

Before moving into education in 2004, Bainer spent 14 years at Boyer Ford Trucks in Minneapolis as a master journeyman technician and six years with Bauerly Brothers Construction as an engine and field technician. He brought that industry experience into the classroom, helping bridge the gap between textbook and toolbox for his students.  

About M State 
A member of the Minnesota State system of colleges and universities, M State (Minnesota State Community and Technical College) serves more than 10,000 students in credit and non-credit courses each year in over 70 career and liberal arts programs online and in-person at its four campuses in Detroit Lakes, Fergus Falls, Moorhead and Wadena. The college also partners with communities to provide workforce development services and other responsive training programs to 500 businesses and thousands of annual participants.  

About the Minnesota State TCOE 
Minnesota State hosts eight Centers of Excellence – each serving a major industry that faces serious workforce challenges. The centers collaborate with industry and educators to attract and prepare students for success in high-demand careers. Strategically located throughout the state, the Minnesota State Centers of Excellence drive workforce innovation through education and industry collaboration – and provide thought leadership on workforce development in their respective industries.