Phil Waul
Phil Waul’s CareerTech experience started as a drafting student at Capitol Hill High School. He used his drafting skills to work his way through college with a math and computer science degree. During an internship at U.S. Grant High School, he was encouraged to visit Central Technology Center. There he met mentors John Hopper and Ron Vandever and soon became the new drafting instructor.
Waul’s career spanned 42 years, all at Central Tech, where he served 17 years as the Superintendent. During those years Central Tech received many awards including the Gold Star School Award of Excellence for 25 consecutive years.
While Waul was a drafting instructor, his belief in the importance of academics led to an agreement with OSUIT in Okmulgee to create one of Oklahoma’s first college articulation programs. As an administrator, he was committed to helping instructors succeed. He developed many workshops to help instructors become more successful by applying effective schooling techniques.
Under Waul’s leadership, Central Tech developed many innovative programs. Principles of Technology became nationally recognized and led the way for pre-engineering, biomed and an OSSM Regional Center. The motorcycle technology, telecommunications, printing and law enforcement programs became nationally recognized and models for industry support. The statewide truck driver training program continues to be a national model for excellence and placement.
Waul worked to assist communities in the Central Tech district with job fairs and classes and by helping displaced workers find employment. When oil, gas and pipeline companies needed assistance, he recognized the need for specialized training and certification. As a result the Phil Waul Pipeline and Training Center was opened to serve pipeline companies. Today the facility trains more than 12,000 employees per year.
Waul has been involved in many professional organizations serving as an officer, chairman or president. During his distinguished career he received the Francis Tuttle Career Excellence Award, OASA Superintendent of the Year, OVA Outstanding Administrator, OVA Outstanding Educator and the Arch Alexander Award.
He was active locally in chambers of commerce throughout the Central Tech district. He served on the Drumright Hospital Board, the Drumright Industrial Authority and the Creek County Industrial Authority. He was also inducted into the Drumright Hall of Fame.
His entire career, Waul has been an advocate for the Career Tech System using his excellent relationship with local and state legislators. His ability to work well with legislators at the Capitol was a key asset for the CareerTech System.
Waul married his high school sweetheart, Linda Marlow, and they have one son, Philip Jr., a proud Central Tech graduate.
Phil Waul was inducted into the CareerTech Hall of Fame in 2022.
