Donna Metcalf
Donna Metcalf was born Nov. 23, 1949, to Ruth and Samuel Wilks in Weatherford, Oklahoma. She attended several high schools before graduating from Weatherford High School. She later earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees in education from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and obtained her teaching certification.
She became a mother in 1968 with the birth of Cary Allan. Two years later, she welcomed daughter Andria Marie. On March 13, 1980, Metcalf married Wayne Kent Metcalf and they shared 34 wonderful years together.
In 1986, she welcomed her first granddaughter, beginning a role she cherished deeply. Metcalf was a beloved spouse, mother and grandmother who touched the lives of many with her warmth, kindness and the grandiose stories of adventure she loved to share from throughout her life.
Metcalf began her CareerTech journey in 1972 at Western Oklahoma Area Vocational-Technical School in Burns Flat, where she served as a business education instructor. Her dedication to teaching was evident early on, and she was named the school’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year in 1977.
Metcalf joined the staff at the Oklahoma Department of Vocational and Technical Education in 1978. She served in multiple statewide leadership roles, including curriculum specialist, assistant state coordinator for adult education, coordinator of the human resources division, coordinator of business and industry services, coordinator of dropout recovery programs, student services coordinator for the Skills Centers School System, field services coordinator and assistant to Dr. Francis Tuttle, state director.
She left her mark on nearly every major initiative of the state agency during her tenure. She supported the development of new technology center districts, worked closely with legislators during critical periods of system growth, coordinated statewide strategic planning, strengthened correctional and dropout recovery programs and provided guidance and professional development to superintendents and board members across Oklahoma.
Throughout her years at the state agency, Metcalf’s passion for the organization’s mission was noted by several of the system’s most recognized leaders during what many considered the golden era of CareerTech. Metcalf’s leadership, insight and integrity made her one of the most trusted and respected voices in the CareerTech system.
Despite her many responsibilities, Metcalf consistently found ways to help her co-workers. Employees at the technology centers also appreciated Metcalf’s thoroughness and consistent follow-through. She was appreciated for being quick to respond to requests and for attending to the details in a professional manner.
Dr. Tom Friedemann recalled a day when he was called to the state Capitol and into the office of State Rep. Jim Hamilton. Hamilton was a staunch supporter of inmate training. In no uncertain words, Hamilton expressed his strong concern that the state agency was not doing enough to get its existing programs in the Skills Centers up to maximum capacity.
In Friedemann’s recollection, the right person had been lacking to develop the necessary relationships to smooth a pathway for filling these classes. He asked Metcalf if she would take on this task, and she quickly accepted. Soon, the CareerTech programs at the Skills Centers were operating at capacity. Metcalf had quickly turned the situation around by her considerable negotiation skills, relationship building and hard work, all of which were fueled by her passion for a segment of Oklahoma’s population which rarely had advocates. But Metcalf never gave up on doing the right thing.
In 2012, Kiamichi Technology Centers gained a tremendous asset when Metcalf became the district’s organizational and instructional development coordinator. She guided strategic planning on all 10 campuses, supported accreditation, strengthened professional development and served as a reliable resource for staff.
According to Kiamichi CEO Shelley Free, Metcalf was pivotal in elevating instructional quality, strengthening professional development and expanding the district’s capacity to deliver rigorous, industry-aligned educational programs. Her attention to detail, knowledge of state standards and ability to organize complex documentation ensured that programs, processes and instructional practices met or exceeded expectations.
Metcalf also played a key role in guiding strategic planning efforts at Kiamichi. She helped lead districtwide discussions, facilitated alignment among instructors and administrators and contributed to the creation of goals and action steps that shaped the district’s instructional direction. Her influence helped ensure that strategic plans included high-quality learning, strong program alignment and a clear focus on student outcomes.
Her leadership strengthened consistency across the Kiamichi campuses and created a resilient framework for continuous improvement that the district continues to rely upon.
Beyond these initiatives, Metcalf consistently provided guidance and mentorship to instructors, supported new teachers through onboarding and growth and served as a trusted resource for curriculum development and instructional improvement. Her ability to build relationships, offer steady direction and elevate educator confidence made an enormous difference across the Kiamichi district.
Metcalf retired in 2020 after a remarkable 48-year career in career and technical education. Her work was recognized several times throughout her career. In 2011, she received the prestigious Dr. Arch Alexander Award of Excellence, and in 2016 she was honored with the ACTE Lifetime Achievement Award.
One of Metcalf’s most influential strengths, according to Meridian Technology Center CEO Dr. Doug Major, was her tireless service to local technology centers. She consistently identified emerging best practices, vetted them with care and ensured that valuable knowledge and resources were shared widely. Metcalf approached every challenge with insight, professionalism and a genuine desire to help others succeed.
Dr. Joe Robinson noted that Metcalf was instrumental as the technology centers began the process of supporting Oklahoma’s businesses and industries by serving as a liaison representing the CareerTech system to establish training partnerships.
Metcalf’s wider CareerTech legacy — spanning nearly five decades — is defined by service, integrity, professionalism and a deep commitment to improving the lives of students. She was known for her humility, her collaborative leadership style and her ability to help others succeed. The programs she strengthened, the educators she mentored and the systems she improved continue to benefit from her influence.
Metcalf’s legacy can also be seen in the lives changed by the system she worked so diligently to support. She embodied the CareerTech values of relationships, service, continuous improvement and unwavering focus on student success. Her leadership guided others to expand their thinking and achieve more.
Metcalf’s distinguished career in Oklahoma’s Career and Technology Education System reflects a lifetime of dedication to empowering students, strengthening communities and advancing one of the nation’s most effective workforce development systems.
