Rory Cozzens in front of a large engine

Rory Cozzens

Hailing from the small town of Fairview, Montana, Rory Cozzens has always felt a connection to MSU-Northern. It’s where both of his parents once walked the halls, and their stories of the university planted a seed of curiosity in Rory from an early age. But his decision to attend Northern wasn’t just about family legacy—it was about chasing a lifelong dream.

From as far back as he can remember, Rory wanted to be a mechanic. “I’ve always loved the idea of taking things apart and putting them back together, making them work better,” Rory explains. With a clear goal in mind, he enrolled in Northern’s Diesel Technology program to gain the expertise needed to turn his passion into a career.

Rory’s dedication to his craft extends far beyond the classroom. For the past three years, he’s been working at Hurley’s Oilfield Service in Fairview as a diesel mechanic. This past summer, his co-op experience there was particularly transformative.

“I got a lot of engine and transmission experience,” Rory shares. “I worked on projects like installing new cams, replacing worn-out transmissions, and even swapping entire engines.” But the summer wasn’t just about tackling big tasks—it was about refining his approach to work.

“I learned to take my time on large projects and be more efficient,” Rory explains. “I also picked up tips and tricks to make my work cleaner and more streamlined. It’s amazing how much of what I’ve learned at Northern I was able to apply on the job, and even share with my coworkers.”

For Rory, the hands-on experience from his co-op has enriched his time at Northern. “This semester, I’m in a Heat and AC class with (Associate Professor) Kevin Holzworth, and it’s great to come in with some real-world experience,” he says. “I worked on a lot of AC systems over the summer, but I didn’t have all the knowledge to back it up. Now, I can take what I’ve seen in the field and connect it to what I’m learning in class. It makes the experience so much more valuable.”

Every summer at Hurley’s has only deepened Rory’s love for mechanics. “I’ve fallen more in love with being a mechanic and learning new things,” he says. With dreams of one day working in Oklahoma or Alaska, Rory is confident that his combination of practical experience and education will pave the way for an exciting future.

After graduation, Rory plans to stay in Fairview for a while, saving money and gaining more experience. But he’s keeping his options open. “Eventually, I want to go out on my own and see what life and different places have to offer,” he says.

For Rory Cozzens, the road ahead is wide open, and he’s ready to tackle whatever challenges come his way—one engine, one transmission, and one opportunity at a time.

Find out more about the MSUN Diesel Technology program!