Moore Norman Technology Center

(NORMAN, Okla.) Aug. 22, 2012 -- Earlier this month more 3,500 CareerTech employees attended the 45th Annual Oklahoma Career and Technology Education Summer Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City. The conference is held in partnership with the Oklahoma Association of Career and Technology Education.

During the conference Moore Norman Technology Center earned a handful of prestigious awards which were presented to staff members for their outstanding achievements.

MNTC was recognized along with Integris Southwest Medical Center as OkACTE Partners for Progress. This award recognizes businesses and industries that have made outstanding contributions to the improvement, promotion, development, and progress of career and technology centers.

MNTC Director of Long Term Careers Carol Colwell earned ACTE’s Silver Key Award for having worked in the Oklahoma CareerTech System for more than 25 years.

MNTC Career Advisor Debbie Argo was awarded the ACTE Career Guidance Award. This award recognizes school counselors and career development professionals who make significant contributions in career and technical education programs in their communities and/or state. Argo’s career spans 36 years as a vocational teacher, counselor, adult program coordinator and career advisor. She has guided literally thousands of individuals to satisfying career choices. 

MNTC Career Advisor Gib Jordan received the McCharen Award of Merit. This award recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to the advancement of career guidance and counseling during the year. Jordan has worked at MNTC since 1987 and believes the greatest advancement of career guidance is achieved daily, life-by-life, one student success story at a time.

“During this time of economic uncertainty, one thing is sure, CareerTech education in Oklahoma stands ready to meet the challenges of the state’s work force and help our state’s businesses and industries thrive,” said state CareerTech Director Phil Berkenbile during the annual conference.

Nearly 9,000 high school and adult students across Oklahoma were enrolled in CareerTech classes last year, earning more than 77,000 college credit hours, simultaneously. Nearly half of Oklahoma high school students (80,575) enrolled in CareerTech classes.

“The mission of the CareerTech System is to prepare Oklahomans for success in the workplace, in education and in life,” Berkenbile said. “CareerTech helps young people and adults build skills for the work force of today and the future. These skills are essential for a vibrant work force and the economic prosperity necessary to compete in this global economy.”

For more information about the Oklahoma CareerTech System visit www.okcareertech.org. To learn more about MNTC’s full or part-time career options visit the "Classes" menu selection on this website, or call 405-364-5763.

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