CAMPUS NEWS / From the desk of Mike Eubank
Ten Mid-America Technology Center students recently represented Oklahoma at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, and the HOSA International Leadership Conference competing against some of the nation’s most talented CareerTech students.
We are proud to recognize Bailey Beaman, a SkillsUSA Horticulture student from Noble High School, who earned a Silver Medal in Customer Service, placing second in the nation. Jillian Hall, a HOSA Practical Nursing student, earned a Silver Medal in Health Informatics. Emma Leon-Garcia of Purcell and Kaleb Fullinghim, of Blanchard earned a Silver Medal in the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) team competition.
The success of these MATC’s students reflects countless hours of preparation, hands-on training, and dedication from students and instructors alike. Mid-America Technology Center is proud of these students for representing Oklahoma and demonstrating the excellence of CareerTech education on the national stage.
Professional Resource Outreach (PRO)- CNA TIG Funding and 100% Pass Rate
Mid-America Technology Center’s Professional Resource & Outreach (PRO) department recently celebrated the success of its spring Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) training course. The class, which met in the evenings from March through May, graduated with 12 students and achieved a 100% pass rate on state certification testing. Through funding assistance provided by Oklahoma CareerTech’s Training for Industry Growth (TIG) initiative, students were able to pursue CNA training at a significantly reduced cost while preparing for careers in one of Oklahoma’s most in-demand healthcare fields.
A CNA credential can open the door to higher-paying employment opportunities, along with benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans. Mid-America offers nine CNA classes each school year to help meet workforce needs across the region. The next CNA course begins on July 6 and runs through July 28. Individuals interested in entering the healthcare field are encouraged to contact Mid-America Technology Center at matech.edu to learn more about upcoming class opportunities.
Board Update
Painting, routine maintenance, and office relocations have been the primary focus over the past several weeks. All Student Services offices have now transitioned to new locations, and much-needed facility updates are underway. Site preparation has begun for the new Diesel/ Fleet Building. Dirt work is currently in progress, with construction fencing and aggregate pier installation scheduled to begin next week.
The Board of Education conducted a full agenda at its June 8 meeting. In addition to approving several software and service renewals, the Board approved five personnel changes: Kolby Schmidt was named Program Director, Erin Richardson was appointed Assessment Center Coordinator, Makaylie Holman was promoted to Senior IT Technician, Ale Jiminez we named Registrar/Attendance Clerk and Paul McKay was named Admissions Coordinator.
The Board also approved the hiring of three new employees: Ryan Whitlock as Program Director, Hunter Carnell as CNC Machinist Instructor, and Emily Hitch as PRO Healthcare Trainer. Additionally, the Board accepted the resignation of Zone 3 Board Member Becky Ledbetter. Board members expressed their appreciation for Becky’s dedicated service and leadership, noting that she will be greatly missed. They wished her continued success and happiness in her new endeavor.
