Dear Southwest Tech Community,
As we kick off Career and Technology Education Month, I am excited to share the incredible growth and achievements of Southwest Technology Center. Since being named Superintendent/CEO in 2012, Southwest Tech has expanded in every way—our service area, our programs, our partnerships, and the opportunities we provide to students and the community.
Growth and Expansion
In 2015, the annexation of Hollis Independent School District expanded our service area, followed by the addition of Mangum Independent School District in 2021. Today, we proudly serve students from Altus, Blair, Navajo, Granite, Olustee/Eldorado, Duke, Hollis, Mangum, and homeschool communities.
To meet the needs of students and industry partners, we offer 12 full-time career programs:
Automotive Technology Aviation Maintenance Business and Computer Technology (BCT) Construction Trades Cosmetology (Currently expanding to combat an extensive waitlist!) Entrepreneurship Teacher Preparation Health Science Technology (HST) Metal Fabrication/Welding Biomedical Science Graphic Design Practical Nursing (PN)
Short-Term Programs
In addition to our full-time offerings, Southwest Tech provides a variety of short-term classes to meet diverse community needs:
Adult Basic Education: Enhancing foundational skills for personal and professional growth.
Business & Office Courses: Developing competencies in areas such as accounting, computer applications, and office management.
Healthcare Classes: Including Certified Nurse Aide, Certified Medication Aide, CPR, Basic and Advanced Emergency Medical Training, and Phlebotomy I.
Just 4 Fun: Courses designed for personal enrichment and lifelong learning.
Safety Training: Programs focused on workplace and personal safety protocols.
Motorcycle Safety: Rider education to promote safe motorcycle operation.
This year, we also introduced CDL Training to address the increasing demand for skilled truck drivers. We are conducting research to expand full-time and short-term training options to meet workforce needs.
Commitment to Excellence
Named an OKACTE Gold Star School for six consecutive years, recognizing our dedication to quality career education.
Nearly $1 million in grant funding has provided state-of-the-art equipment across all programs.
Advisory Board partnerships ensure students train on industry-relevant technology.
Campus Improvements
Our campus continues to evolve to provide the best learning environment possible:
Security upgrades, including keycard-access security doors for staff. Simulated learning environments, featuring patient simulators in Health Science, virtual reality training stations in every program, and new welders in Metal Fabrication. New carpet, fresh paint, and updated technology across campus. A new safe room in the Aviation hangar to enhance student and staff safety.
Business Development & Workforce Support
Our Business Development department actively supports local businesses and entrepreneurs, offering customized training, business consultations, and partnerships that strengthen the regional economy. Through our biannual Advisory Board meetings, we collaborate with industry leaders to ensure our programs evolve with workforce demands.
Looking Ahead: FY2030 Goals
As we conclude our FY2025 Strategic Plan, we are setting our sights on FY2030, focusing on:
Community Engagement Employee Retention and Recruitment Expansion and Enrollment Internal and External Operations School Safety and Security
Join Us for Our Career and Technology Education Month Celebration!
We invite the community, local businesses, alumni, and prospective students to join us for a Hot Dog Luncheon and Open House on Friday, February 21, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Come tour the campus, meet our instructors and students, and see all the exciting things happening at Southwest Tech!
Thank you for your continued support of Southwest Tech. The future is bright!
Dale Latham
Superintendent/CEO
Southwest Technology Center