MID-AMERICA VO-TECH SPOTLIGHT / From the desk of Mike Eubank
Campus News – CTSO CONTESTS
Mid-America Technology Center (MATC) students have been actively participating in Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) throughout January and February. CTSOs are student organizations connected to career and technical education programs that provide opportunities for leadership development, technical skill advancement, and competitive events beyond the classroom.
MATC students compete through two CTSOs: HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) and SkillsUSA. HOSA serves students in our health programs, while SkillsUSA serves students in all programs!
SkillsUSA offers two types of competitions: Leadership Contests and Skills Contests. Leadership Contests focus on professional skills such as interviews, customer service, public speaking, and job demonstrations. Skills Contests allow students to demonstrate hands-on technical abilities specific to their career field.
Leadership Contests for SkillsUSA begin with a local competition held on our MATC campus. Our top competitors advance to the Southwest District Competition, hosted in February at the Grady County Fairgrounds in Chickasha. Students who advance from district continue preparing for the next level of competition later in the semester.
Skills Contests for SkillsUSA allow students to compete at a regional event before advancing, with top performers moving forward in the competition process. These contests highlight the real-world skills students develop daily in their classrooms and labs.
Unlike SkillsUSA, HOSA does not have district or regional qualifiers. Health students prepare to compete directly at their state-level conference later in the spring, selecting from a wide range of healthcare-related competitive events.
As MATC students continue advancing through competition season, we wish them the best of luck as they represent Mid-America Technology Center, career and technical education, and their local communities. We invite our community to follow MATC on Facebook to see updates and celebrate our students’ achievements
Business Partner Spotlight – ENERGY TRANSFER Energy Transfer operates one of the nation’s largest midstream energy networks, managing more than 125,000 miles of pipelines and related infrastructure that move natural gas, crude oil, NGLs, and refined products across 44 states. The company maintains a presence in Elmore City, Oklahoma, where its operations support regional pipeline activity and field services connected to Energy Transfer’s broader transportation and midstream network.
This location is part of the company’s logistics and operational support structure within the local trucking and field operations category, reflecting its role in day-to-day, ground level activities that keep Energy Transfer’s assets functioning effectively. The location supports Energy Transfer’s broader pipeline and field operations, which include regional roles such as corrosion technicians and other operational personnel essential to system maintenance and reliability.
To ensure employee readiness and regulatory compliance, Energy Transfer utilizes the training resources of Mid-America Technology Center in Wayne, Oklahoma, which provides facilities for safety training as well as onsite forklift certification, aerial lift certification, and CPR training for company employees. This partnership strengthens the company’s commitment to safety and workforce development while supporting consistent training standards across its regional operations.
Teacher Spotlight – APRIL JOHNSON
April Johnson is the Therapeutic Health Instructor at Mid-America Technology Center, bringing more than 20 years of experience in healthcare and education to her classroom. She spent over 15 years as a dedicated Physical Therapy Assistant before transitioning into teaching four years ago, where she now combines real-world clinical expertise with a passion for student success.
April leads a fast-paced, rigorous program designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the healthcare workforce. By the end of the one-year program, students earn multiple industry-recognized certifications, including Physical Therapy Aide.
A strong advocate for career and technical education, April is a champion for HOSA and works tirelessly to create leadership and competition opportunities for her students. She has contributed to rewriting curriculum at the state level and currently serves as the OKACTE Health Science Division Vice-President, demonstrating her commitment to advancing health science education across Oklahoma.
Staff Spotlight – NICOLE BARLOW
Nicole Barlow, LPC, has quickly become one of Mid-America Technology Center’s most valued and respected professionals. Known for her genuine nature and unwavering dedication, Barlow exemplifies what it means to be a loyal team member and an independent, driven worker. Her impact is felt across campus by both staff and students alike.
Last year, Barlow co-founded the Campus Ambassadors Program, an initiative designed to empower students as leaders and positive role models. The program has already made a lasting impression, strengthening student engagement and school pride.
In addition, Barlow actively promotes the Dignity Index on campus, encouraging respectful dialogue, empathy, and accountability in everyday interactions.
Through her consistent efforts, Barlow has played a key role in bolstering the school’s culture and climate. Her authenticity, compassion, and commitment to student success make her one of the most genuine and impactful additions to the Mid-America Technology Center community.
Program Spotlight – PRACTICAL NURSING
Mid-America Technology Center’s Practical Nursing Program is a rigorous, student-focused program designed to prepare graduates for success in today’s healthcare environment. In just 9½ months, students receive comprehensive classroom instruction, hands-on lab training, and real-world clinical experience. The program begins each August and concludes in May, allowing students to quickly transition from education to employment.
MATC’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its outstanding outcomes. For seven consecutive years, 100% of Practical Nursing graduates have passed the NCLEX-PN on their first attempt. This achievement demonstrates the strength of the curriculum, the dedication of the faculty, and the determination of the students.
Each year, the program typically graduates between 20–30 students, allowing for personalized instruction, close faculty mentorship, and a supportive learning environment. The program is ACEN accredited, ensuring it meets nationally recognized standards for nursing education and quality.
Mid-America Technology Center’s Practical Nursing Program is proud to prepare compassionate, competent nurses who are ready to serve their communities with confidence and skill.
Board Update
Here are updates from this month’s Board Meeting: The board received a good annual audit report from S & B CPA’S. Due to recent weather closings, the board approved a change in the calendar to replace two professional days in April with instructional days and added two instructional days to the end of May. The board approved an agreement with ODOT for flashing lights and signs during high traffic times for HWY 59. The board approved Lineworker tuition and fees for 20262027 set at $8,000.
Contracts were renewed for certified professional staff, including directors, administrative and finance staff. Purchases were approved for a TK Fourplex Pittsburg Roller for the HVAC program, and a 12K 2 Post lift for the Auto Service program, and an Electric Motor Control System trainer with Prony Brake for the Industrial Robotics and Automation program. The February meeting concluded with a discussion about potential new programs for next year.
