Dr. J.W. Weatherford
Dr. J.W. Weatherford was born and raised in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. He attended Pauls Valley High School, where he played football, was a member of Distributive Education Clubs of America, worked part time for Safeway Inc. grocery and discovered his passion for education and vocational studies. After graduating high school, he attended East Central State University, where he pursued a bachelor's degree in history and government.
Upon graduating college, he taught distributive education at Altus High School for five years. While in Altus, he commuted to Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, where he earned a master's degree in vocational and marketing education.
In fall 1963, Weatherford accepted a position as teacher educator of marketing education at the University of Georgia, Athens. He later moved to Columbus, Ohio, to serve as the state supervisor in marketing education for the Ohio Department of Education. In 1969, he enrolled in Ohio State University's education and marketing doctoral program. He graduated with a Ph.D. in education/marketing/adult education/vocational studies.
Weatherford and his family returned to Oklahoma when he was offered a position at the University of Central Oklahoma. He taught marketing education and later became chairman of the department of vocational teacher education. In 1988, he accepted the position of department chair of professional teacher education. He was awarded an honorary lifetime membership in DECA.
Weatherford retired from the University of Central Oklahoma in 1999 after working for the university for 27 years. After retirement, he supervised both student teachers and entry-year teachers. In addition, he served as a member of the College of Education and Professional Studies Advocacy Council. Throughout his career, Weatherford has taught many students that education is the key to success. He continues to encourage, motivate and inspire everyone he meets.
Weatherford married his high school sweetheart, Barbara. They have two children.
Weatherford was inducted to the Career Tech Hall of Fame in 2003.
