Dante Otsuka with a diesel engine on a hoist

Dante Otsuka

When Dante Otsuka first searched online for diesel programs with a four-year degree, one school stood out: Montana State University-Northern. Originally from Walnut Creek, California, Dante packed his bags and headed north, eager to work with his hands and start a new chapter away from home. 

“I did almost no research before coming here,” he said with a laugh. “All I knew was Northern had a diesel program and I wanted to learn how to fix trucks.” 

That decision proved to be the right one. Now a junior majoring in Diesel Technology Field Maintenance, Dante says his experience at Northern has far exceeded expectations. He credits the program’s hands-on approach and small class sizes for helping him grow from a student with little experience to a confident, skilled mechanic. 

Through classes like Advanced Fuel Systems and live work around Havre, Dante has gained real-world experience diagnosing and repairing heavy equipment, including a Komatsu dozer at the fairgrounds and a city school bus. He’s also spent his summers interning with RDO Equipment, where he’s worked his way from the parts department to performing complex repairs like replacing engines, transmissions, and welding excavator components. 

“Northern really builds your skills step by step,” Dante said. “Now I can diagnose just about any issue on a machine.” 

Outside the classroom, Dante is an active member of the Postsecondary Agricultural Students (PAS) Club, where he’s helped local farmers and ranchers, cut firewood for fundraisers, and gained a deep appreciation for Montana’s rural lifestyle. He also volunteers at the Bear Paw Ski Hill, maintaining the chair lift and clearing runs before ski season. 

Looking ahead, Dante plans to continue working for RDO Equipment as a logging mechanic after graduating in May 2026. His goal is to run his own service truck and serve as a professional role model for future mechanics.

“Northern is unique,” he said. “It’s a small, tight-knit community where you get to know your classmates, professors, and even the locals. I’m really glad I chose to come here — I don’t think I’d have had these same experiences anywhere else.” 

 

Find out more about the MSUN Diesel Technology Field Maintenance program!