MID-AMERICA VO TECH SPOTLIGHT / From the desk of Michael Eubank
SEPTEMBER 2025 SPOTLIGHT Campus News
Diesel and Fleet Maintenance Building: At the September Board meeting, a contract was signed with Goldsby Construction to build a new Medium/Heavy Diesel Technician class and lab combined with a fleet maintenance building. This 18,000 square foot facility will also have classroom space for CDL and Bus driver training. By moving the Diesel Tech program, class and lab space will be made available for Metal Fabrication program that aligns with Aviation Airframe class to support the growing workforce demand in that industry.
Business Partner Spotlight
First United Bank has partnered with Mid-America to support students and staff through resources, gifts, and professional development. They have served as guest speakers for the Business Office Assistant program and Advantage Day, offered financial literacy classes, and provided free CPR training for the public. Most recently, they hosted an entrepreneurship panel connecting MATC students with local business leaders, inspiring future innovators. Through these efforts, First United fosters real-world skills, builds confidence, and strengthens connections between education and industry. This partnership reflects a shared vision to create opportunities and pathways to success for students, businesses, and the community.
Teacher Spotlight
Sarah Raney has been a dedicated instructor at Mid-America for four years. Sarah teaches the Advanced Nursing Services class, a pre-nursing class for students who have completed the health career coursework and obtained their CNA. A proud graduate of MATC (LPN, 2009), OCCC (ADN, 2018), and most recently Panhandle State University (BSN, 2024), Sarah is passionate about nursing and inspiring future healthcare professionals. Known for her innovation and leadership, she frequently leads key initiatives, making a strong impact in and out of the classroom. Mrs. Raney was also chosen this year as a member of the OkACTE Fellows, a program designed to develop leaders and visionaries in Oklahoma CTE Staff Spotlight
Tamara Hicks: Tamara Hicks, RN is a member of the Professional Resources Outreach (PRO) Team at Mid-America Technology. The PRO mission is to provide high-quality, short-term adult training to members of the Mid-America Technology Center district who seek to advance their careers, secure wealth-generating jobs, and professionally upskill. As the coordinator of short-term adult Health Programs, Tamara works closely with healthcare facilities in the area to ensure that they have consistent access to well-trained, healthcare professionals. Additionally, she oversees the adult EMT and paramedic programs at MATC. In total, last year, Tamara’s programs supported 27 different healthcare facilities and EMS services and enrolled and trained over 3,700 healthcare and EMT students.
Program Spotlight
Broadband Technician: The Broadband Technician Program is a one-year program designed to prepare students for a career in the telecommunications field. Students will learn fiber optic theory and installation, which includes designing, maintaining, and repairing telecommunications systems. Broadband includes telephone, cable television, and broadband internet. These systems utilize fiber optics, wireless broadband, cable, and satellite to transmit data to residential and commercial settings. Students in this program will receive training in heavy equipment operation, poly fusion splicing, CDL prep, and OSHA10 safety procedures. This program was funded with America Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money following the Coronavirus pandemic.
Board Update
At the September Board meeting, Directors Wade Jarlsberg, Amy Cornforth, and Michael Gustafson presented five-year trends in enrollment, contact hours, and service numbers. Key highlights included: Blanchard High School surpassing Noble High School as the largest enrollment with 99 students; 3,469 assessments administered in the Assessment Center; average starting pay for newly trained LPNs rising by more than a dollar to $25.22 per hour; and Short-Term Adult Programs for Health Agencies doubling to 27.
The Board also approved the hiring of two new staff members: Marketing Coordinator Ariel Anglin and Teacher Assistant Tyler Brown. Additionally, Carl Perkins Grant funds were used to purchase five new welders for the welding program and 24 VR headsets for career exploration.
