Universal Technical Institute's Chairman of the Board, John C. White, Honored with Award from Alma Mater

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May 03, 2013, 11:30 ET

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., May 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Technical Institute (NYSE: UTI), the leading provider of post-secondary education for students seeking careers as automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians, is proud to announce that John C. White, chairman of the board for UTI, was awarded the 2013 Alumni Award for Distinguished Service from the College of Engineering at the University of Illinois/Urbana-Champaign. The award recognizes his outstanding achievements and service to both the University of Illinois and the larger community via entrepreneurial innovation and philanthropic leadership. Earlier this year, UTI recognized White for his 35 years of service, making him the organization's most tenured employee.

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"John's visionary leadership and courage to seize opportunities have been critical in developing our organization into the industry leader it is today," said Kim McWaters, CEO of Universal Technical Institute. "He is deserving of this honor, and we are grateful for the numerous ways he has enriched the lives of our employees, students and graduates."

White acquired Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI) in 1977, when the school had only one campus with 11 students and two instructors. In the early 1980s, White started a training partnership with Harley-Davidson USA that set the stage for a successful strategy to work closely with leading manufacturers in creating and delivering education offerings that would best prepare technicians to enter the workforce. Soon after, exclusive relationships with American Honda Motor Co., Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A. and Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. would follow. By 1987, with an expansion to Orlando, White had grown MMI into the largest training enterprise of its kind in the world.

In 1997, MMI and UTI merged, and White became chairman of the board and chief strategic planning officer. His entrepreneurial spirit and visionary leadership have been key to UTI's business strategy, quality reputation and ongoing success. White has brought many innovations to UTI, including forging UTI's relationship with NASCAR and launching UTI's NASCAR Technical Institute campus. White is also a generous supporter of the UTI Foundation and a number of other UTI charities.

About Universal Technical Institute, Inc.
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI) is the leading provider of post-secondary education for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians. With more than 160,000 graduates in its 47-year history, UTI offers undergraduate degree, diploma and certificate programs at 11 campuses across the United States, as well as manufacturer-specific training programs at dedicated training centers. Through its campus-based school system, UTI provides specialized post-secondary education programs under the banner of several well-known brands, including Universal Technical Institute (UTI), Motorcycle Mechanics Institute and Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI) and NASCAR Technical Institute (NASCAR Tech). For more information visit www.uti.edu. Like UTI on www.facebook.com/UTI or follow UTI on Twitter @UTITweet, @MMITweet, and @NASCARTechUTI.