Central Tech proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Curtis Baker, Practical Nursing Coordinator, to the Oklahoma Board of Nursing, effective March 26, 2024. This prestigious position, appointed by Governor Stitt, recognizes Dr. Baker’s significant contributions and dedication to the nursing profession and education. 

Baker brings to the Board a rich background in nursing and education, with degrees from Seminole Junior College, East Central University, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Phoenix, culminating in a PhD in Nursing. His extensive educational background and professional experience will be invaluable in advancing the Board’s mission to protect the public and ensure the highest standards of nursing practice and education in Oklahoma. 

Reflecting on his appointment, Baker said, “When I found nursing, I found my home. When I found Central Tech, I found my vacation home.” His dedication to nursing and education is evident in his work and his desire to serve on the Board. “As an educator, I am committed to ensuring that our educational programs meet rigorous standards and accountability, and our nurses uphold professional integrity in every aspect of care. Serving on the Board allows me to give back to the profession that has given so much to me and to help safeguard the health and well-being of my family.” 

Kent Burris, superintendent of Central Tech, expressed the institution’s pride in Baker’s achievement: “We are immensely proud of Dr. Baker and his appointment to the Oklahoma Board of Nursing. His dedication to nursing education and his commitment to excellence are reflective of Central Tech’s values and mission. This appointment is not only a testament to his hard work and dedication but also an honor for our entire district.” 

Baker’s term on the Board, which consists of 11 members, including 6 registered nurses, 3 licensed practical nurses, and 2 members from the public, will last for five years. His role will be crucial in shaping the future of nursing in Oklahoma, ensuring that the state’s nursing programs continue to meet the highest standards and that nurses across the state are equipped to provide the best possible care to their patients. 

Central Tech congratulates Dr. Baker on this prestigious appointment and looks forward to supporting him in his efforts to contribute to the nursing profession and the health and safety of the Oklahoma public. 

Central Tech attended the BPA State Leadership Conference from March 4-6, 2024, held at the Cox Business Convention Center located in Tulsa, OK.

Central Tech is excited to share the outstanding achievements of our students in more than 30 events, with 28 qualifiers advancing to nationals in Chicago, IL, scheduled for May 10-14, 2024. We would like to give special recognition to Athena Frank, Business & Information Technology Instructor at Drumright, Angela Brownfield, Business & Information Technology Instructor at Sapulpa, and Joe Kennedy, Digital Media Instructor at Drumright, for guiding students to victory in their events. Congratulations to all students on their achievements!

We are proud to acknowledge the exceptional accomplishments of our students at Central Tech. Together, they have been honored with numerous awards, including 3-2-1 Grow Chapter for Drumright and Sapulpa, Platinum Chapter, Community Service, Environmental Action Awareness, Safety Awareness, Special Olympics, Marketing & Communications, Quality Chapter, and Chapter Award of Excellence (for both secondary and postsecondary categories) for Drumright. Frank received the Lifetime Achievement award, recognizing her outstanding dedication to BPA. Each campus had students, Chloe Bell (Sapulpa) and Charlotte Sipes (Drumright), elected as state officers. Additionally, students were recognized individually for their contributions. Drumright students Katy Knapp, Dezirae White, Aliviah Jolly, Maggie Battles, Noah Gosney, Priscilla Rogers, Aspen Nelson, and Layla Hicks received Torch awards. Recruiter of the Year and Member of the Year awards were received by Maggie Battles (secondary) and Dezirae White (postsecondary). Also, Maggie Battles was granted the Gina Hubbard Scholarship. Chloe Bell, Brooke Sharkey, and Edie Tillery, students from Sapulpa, were awarded the Oklahoma BPA Merit Scholar. What a successful event for Central Tech students!

(L-R) Chloe Chasten, Maggie Gower, Abigial Hanlon, Natalie Vogele: 2nd Place, Video Production Team (S)

Chloe Stockfleth: 2nd Place, Basic Office Systems and Procedures (PS), 3rd Place, Intermediate Word Processing (PS)

Dezirae White: 1st Place, Advanced Office Systems & Procedures (PS), Parliamentary Procedure Concepts-Open (PS)

(L-R) Dezirae White, Trent Fine: 2nd Place and 3rd Place, Banking & Finance (PS)

Katy Knapp: 1st Place, Administrative Support Research Project (S)

(L-R) Katy Knapp, Aliviah Jolly, Andy Wyre, Juliana Schule, Josh Fine, Charlotte Sipes, Kynzee Terrell: 1st Place, Parliamentary Procedure Team (S)

(L-R) Katy Knapp in 2nd Place, Aliviah Jolly in 1st Place, Charlotte Sipes in 3rd Place: Parliamentary Procedure Concepts-Open (S)

Layla Hicks, 1st Place, Contemporary Issues (PS), Presentation Individual (PS)

Maggie Gower, 1st Place, Prepared Speech (S)

Malachi Bliss, 1st Place, Health Research Presentation (S)

(L-R) Mollie Battles, Maggie Battles: 2nd Team, Presentation Team (S)

Priscilla Rogers: 3rd Place, Human Resource Management (S) and 1st Place, Presentation Individual (S)

(L-R) Tim Jenkins, Maggie Gower: 3rd Place and 1st Place, Prepared Speech (S)

Abigail Hanlon, 1st Place, Interview Skills (S)

Aliviah Jolly, 1st Place, Parliamentary Procedure Concepts-Open (S)

(L-R) Amanda Fitzjarrell, Shelby Russell: 1st Place, Global Marketing Team (S)

Aoife O’Driscoll, 1st Place, Oklahoma BPA Digital Photography (S)

(L-R) Aspen Nelson, Sam Phillips, Noah Gosney, Alex Fundyck: 1st Place, Financial Analyst Team (S)

(L-R) Benyamin Ackerman, Logan Haney, Hannah Vess: 1st Place, Economic Research Team (S)

Chloe Bell, State Officer

“Our Central Tech BPA Chapter is one of the best in the state, and it is fun to witness the friendships and skills these students develop over the year. However, the real joy comes from seeing our students up on the stage and seeing how important it is from them to be recognized for their hard work and commitment,” said Nancy Overton, Central Tech’s assistant campus director on the Drumright campus.

As the top Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO) nationwide, BPA provides students with a special opportunity to develop essential skills and build valuable relationships. Being part of BPA gives access to diverse learning opportunities that assist students in improving their fundamental knowledge and getting ready for the challenging business environment today. Through BPA membership, students can explore careers paths in Business Administration, Computer Programming, Finance & Accounting, Graphic & Web Design, Human Resources, Information Technology, Small Business Entrepreneurship, and Video Production.

Since the fifth grade, Google Data Center Technician Peter Sansing knew exactly what he wanted for his future career. “Our teacher made us write an essay about what we want to do when we grow up. Funny enough, in my essay I wrote ‘I want to work on computers and the internet,’” said Sansing with a chuckle. 

While the end goal of working in I.T. was always clear to him, it wasn’t until high school that Sansing discovered the path that would lead him to achieve his ultimate dream of working for Google at their data center in Pryor, Oklahoma. 

Kellyville Public School District, where Sansing attended high school, has partnered with Central Technology Center for decades to offer concurrent enrollment to high school students for free. Excited about the opportunity to learn more about the industry he aspired to work in, Sansing completed both the Business Information Technology and Network Security & Administration programs before graduating.  

Through the technology center’s programs, Sansing and his classmates had the opportunity to take field trips to work on client hardware in the field, getting first hand experience to apply the skills they learned in class and labs. 

“Those types of hands-on opportunities to build our skills out in the field were amazing,” said Sansing. “It definitely built the foundation that helped me move forward in my career. I was also able to have the choice of taking Central Tech with concurrent credits hours to either begin a college degree program or to use what I had learned to get my certifications and start my career immediately. I personally ended up going straight into the I.T. field after graduating high school and am glad I had that option.” 

When asked if he had a particularly impactful instructor, Sansing was quick to answer: Brian Babcock. Babcock, or “B” as his students affectionately call him, was instrumental in shaping Sansing’s career path.  “He has this ability to teach people with a wide variety of learning styles,” said Sansing. “He really learns who each person is, and then tailors their learning experience to that student. It’s a skill that not many instructors have.”  

Sansing got a taste of what it was like to be a Googler in 2017, when he worked as a temporary contractor for six months. The contract came to an end, but Sansing was hooked.  

After applying several times over the years, he finally landed a job at the Google data center in 2022 as a network administrator, supporting, managing, and maintaining networks and servers. “I have enjoyed every day as a Googler ever since,” said Sansing. “There are so many great perks about working here, but the overall work culture is probably my favorite thing. Everyone has your back, and we all work together as a team.” 

Leadership at Google recognizes the importance of a skilled workforce, which aids in their ability to hire local talent.  

“Google is proud to employ hundreds of hardworking Oklahomans at our data center in Mayes County since 2011,” Google Oklahoma Data Center Site Lead Paul Juarez said. “Our data center Googlers work in a variety of roles, from computer technicians and engineers to food services, maintenance, and security. The focus of Oklahoma CareerTech to develop a skilled workforce makes a difference to companies like Google who prioritize hiring from within the community. Hiring local is not only good for business, it’s the right thing to do.” 

Over 94% of Oklahoma CareerTech graduates like Sansing have positive placement after completing their program or certification, meaning they are either employed, join the military or continue their education. 

“We are immensely proud of Peter’s success and the countless other graduates whose training at Central Tech has paved the way for their professional achievements,” said Central Tech Superintendent Kent Burris. “Peter’s story exemplifies our commitment to equipping our students with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their chosen fields. It’s gratifying to see our graduates, like Peter, not only secure jobs but thrive at companies like Google, demonstrating the caliber of education and training provided in Oklahoma’s CareerTech system.” 

Professionalism, workplace etiquette, communication, and hardware and network troubleshooting are all skills that Sansing said he uses regularly at his job. “Basically I apply almost everything I learned from my time at Central Tech on a daily or weekly basis here at work,” said Sansing. “The courses are geared toward certification and are designed for you to get out of it what you put in. So if you are hard working and get your classwork done, Central Tech will help you get the certification that you need.” 

“To look back and see that I am still on that career path I set out on in fifth grade, working on computers and on the internet, and to be working for one of the top companies in the world, it has definitely been a unique and fulfilling experience. I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today without Central Tech.” 

Central Tech proudly named Geeding Construction, Inc. as their 2024 Partner in Progress at the annual celebration held at the Hilton Garden Inn, Edmond, Oklahoma. This event is dedicated to recognizing business and industry partners who have shown an outstanding commitment to working alongside Oklahoma CareerTech technology center districts to support and enhance educational programs. 

Since its establishment in 1982, Geeding Construction, Inc., a premier family-owned pipeline construction and maintenance company, has significantly contributed to the advancement of Central Tech’s pipeline training initiatives. The company’s unwavering support since expanding its operations to Drumright in 2013 has been instrumental in enriching the educational experiences of both students and professionals. 

“Geeding Construction has set a sterling example of how industry partnerships can profoundly impact technical education,” stated Kent Burris, superintendent of Central Tech. “Their active involvement and the resources they’ve provided have been pivotal in not only enhancing our program’s quality but also in ensuring our students and clients gain practical, industry-relevant skills.” 

The contribution of Geeding Construction, led by Drumright’s General Manager Mr. Mark Mott, encompasses the development of two specialized outdoor training yards equipped for hands-on learning in pipeline and excavation operations. These facilities stand as a testament to the company’s dedication to fostering the next generation of skilled workers. 

Mark Cotner, assistant superintendent at Central Tech, emphasized the partnership’s role in achieving educational excellence. “Geeding Construction’s generosity with their time, equipment, and expertise has not only enhanced our training facilities but also ensured they meet the highest industry standards. Their commitment to our clients’ careers and students’ education is truly remarkable.” 

The Partners in Progress celebration serves as an annual acknowledgment of the valuable collaborations between Oklahoma CareerTech technology center districts and their business and industry partners. Each partnership, like the one with Geeding Construction, Inc., is celebrated for its unique contribution to enhancing the educational landscape and providing students with unparalleled opportunities for growth and development. 

As Central Tech looks to the future, the continued collaboration with industry leaders such as Geeding Construction, Inc. remains a cornerstone of their strategy to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for success in the workforce. 

The Oklahoma State Legislature has officially recognized Central Tech and Freymiller Trucking for their collaborative efforts in launching the transformative Second Chance Program, which provides justice-involved individuals with critical skills and opportunities in the trucking industry. 

Central Tech’s Truck Driver Training program has garnered state-wide appreciation for its unique approach to supporting individuals transitioning from incarceration to productive community life. The program focuses on equipping these individuals with employable skills, particularly in acquiring a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), a credential in high demand within the trucking sector. 

Central Tech’s partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Oklahoma CareerTech, and Freymiller, a leading name in the transportation industry, has been pivotal in the execution of this educational initiative. Freymiller, with its over fifty years of excellence in transportation, has long been committed to community development and workforce advancement. This partnership culminated in the creation of the Second Chance Program. 

John Thorpe, director of Truck Driving Training at Central Tech, stated, “This partnership is more than just training; it’s about transforming lives and breaking the cycle of re-incarceration. We are proud to work alongside Freymiller, Oklahoma CareerTech, and the Department of Corrections in this vital initiative.” 

Upon completing the training at Central Tech and joining Freymiller, graduates not only embark on a career in a lucrative trade but also gain a chance to redefine their life paths. This program stands as a testament to Freymiller’s dedication to providing opportunities for those often overlooked by society. 

Mark Endriss, dedicated instructor of Central Tech’s Second Chance Program shared, “When I first started teaching the Second Chance students, I was full of apprehension, unsure of what to expect. But the journey has been profoundly rewarding. These individuals, coming from diverse backgrounds, have shown immense respect and gratitude. They constantly thank me for believing in them, for seeing their potential beyond their past. It’s a privilege to witness their transformation and to be a part of their journey towards a hopeful future.” 

Don Freymiller, the founder, and David Freymiller, CEO of the family-owned company, have expressed gratitude towards the state of Oklahoma for its continuous support of the trucking industry. Their innovative plan reflects a strong commitment to give back to the state by addressing workforce needs and the truck driver shortage. 

In recognition of this impactful collaboration, Central Tech has awarded Freymiller the title of their 2023 Partner in Progress. The Oklahoma State Legislature, acknowledging the significance of this partnership and its contributions to the community, has extended sincere congratulations to both organizations. The citation, undersigned by notable state legislators including Senator Todd Gollihare, Senator Tom Dugger, Senator Grant Green, Senator Michael Brooks, Representative Mark Lawson, Representative Ty Burns, Representative John Talley, Representative Jon Echols, Representative Kevin Wallace, and Speaker Pro Tempore Kyle Hilbert. symbolizes the state’s support and appreciation for initiatives that foster community development and economic progress.

Central Tech’s Digital Media class had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to host a visit from three distinguished actors, Bryan Withiam, John Gibbs, and Daniel Adam Warrior, all from Cushing, OK. The actors, on the eve of the highly anticipated movie premiere of “Killers of the Flower Moon,” generously took time out of their schedules to connect with students and share insights about their roles and experiences in the film. 

During the engaging session, Daniel Adam Warrior, in particular, imparted several life lessons and inspirations to the aspiring media professionals. He began by sharing his life story and telling students, “It wasn’t easy. That’s it.” If you want something…You really want to do what you say you’re going to do…show up. Show up.” And he noted, “I’m here.” 

This statement set the tone for a series of inspiring quotes that connected with the class emphasizing they control their decisions. 

“When you say, ‘I can do it,’ you empower yourself because whether you say you can or whether you say you can’t, you’re right.” 

Warrior encouraged the students to embrace failure, stating, “It’s almost…people are afraid to fail, but that’s exactly what you need to do. Hard. Totally wipe out. Scrape your knees every once in a while.” Then he encouraged by saying, “If you fall seven times, get up eight.” 

Withiam discussed the meaningful connections formed on set, particularly with members of the Osage Nation, shedding light on their discussions about the importance of the sunrise as a symbol of new beginnings. He told students that, “This time of life you’re in is your building block for the future.” 

Gibbs shared his thoughts on this remarkable project, stating, “Just for this to be in Oklahoma, in our own backyard, it’s a big part of Oklahoma history that hasn’t had light shed on it until now. A film of this magnitude, it’s unreal that it was filmed in Oklahoma.” 

The actors stressed the importance of purpose in their digital content creation, with Warrior stating, “You have an opportunity.” Generate content with a clear purpose and intention driving it. 

Addressing the central theme of deadlines, Warrior emphasized, “Deadline. Deadline. Deadline is your future if you want to get into media. That’s the thrill of it! You can condense a really good story, a good project, and streamline it if you find an efficient way to do it.” 

Warrior concluded the inspirational visit with the words by asking the students, “How big would you dream if you knew you couldn’t fail? Go for that!” 

The Central Tech Digital Media class is designed to provide students with a thrilling journey into the world of storytelling. The program focuses on collaboration, allowing students to produce captivating streaming content, podcasts, and short films. Students also learn videography, photography, and editing techniques, enabling them to create and share live broadcasts, podcasts, and commercials while honing their creative communication skills.

10/24/23 update: The 2023 Ron Vandever Memorial Golf Tournament raised $21,303.76.

The 17th Annual Central Tech Foundation Ron Vandever Memorial Golf Tournament was held at the Buffalo Rock Golf & Venue in Cushing on September 25, 2023.

This years incredible tournament sponsors were Drumright Dental Center, MV Purchasing, Premier Truck Group of Tulsa, and SpiritBank. The response was amazing with 29 business and community sponsors at the platinum, gold, silver, and bronze levels.

Over $19,000 in proceeds was raised from this tournament and will be used to provide scholarships to Central Tech students as they develop new technical careers for future employment. Last year the Central Tech Foundation helped 38 students. 

With two flights of golfers in each round, the tournament was spread out over the morning and afternoon. 

A FLIGHT

The morning flights included 18 teams with 72 golfers.

In the AM closest-to-the-pin competition was Guy Emerson of the Premier Truck team 3 on hole 2 and Trevor Montgomery of the Consolidated Turbine Specialists on hole 11. Montgomery also won closest-to-the-line on hole 18. 

Morning A flight winners were MV Purchasing team 2 placing first while DC Bass Construction placed second.

B FLIGHT

B flight winners consisted of Tedford Insurance securing first and Consolidated Turbine Specialists winning second. 

AFTERNOON

The afternoon flights consisted of 11 teams with 43 golfers.

The PM competition for closest-to-the-pin was Cameron Dullea from Merrifield Office Solution on 2 and Zach Enzbrenner from Stromme on hole 11. Greg Caldwell from SpiritBank won closest-to-the-line on hole 18 for men with Emily Cline from Arnold Outdoor on hole 18 for women. 

A FLIGHT

Afternoon A flight first place winner was RCB Bank with Merrifield Office Solution winning second.

B FLIGHT

In the afternoon B Flight, First United Bank placed first and Dr. Cantrell’s Vision Source placed second. 

See all photos on Facebook here.