Dustin Ford’s Journey Through CareerTech and Beyond
Dustin Ford’s path to success was shaped by his early passion for science, robotics and hands-on learning. Growing up in Ripley, Oklahoma, he attended Central Technology Center for four years, a decision that laid the foundation for his career in information technology and cybersecurity.
His journey with Central Tech began in middle school when he attended a summer camp that sparked his interest in technology. Several family members had already attended the tech center, and he knew he wanted to follow in their footsteps. As a sophomore, he toured the school during what is now the CT Showcase and eagerly registered for the robotics program. However, by his junior year, the program had moved to another campus, making the commute unaffordable. This unexpected challenge led him to explore other options and eventually enroll in the pre-engineering program before transitioning to cybersecurity.
Ford enrolled in Central Tech’s cybersecurity program, but by the time he started, the course had evolved into network security and administration. Under the guidance of instructor Nick Gaunt, Ford honed his skills in computer repair, networking, cybersecurity and server administration. The most valuable lessons he learned weren’t just technical, he said.
“At Central Tech, we learned how to research and troubleshoot independently and the importance of networking with peers—many of whom remain my colleagues today,” Ford said.
During his third year, he participated in the first-ever Puppy Strike, a collaborative cybersecurity exercise between the network security and administration and criminal justice programs. That year, Ford also secured an internship that nearly tripled his salary — an opportunity that solidified his future in IT.
“It was a life-changing opportunity that made me realize I had found my career,” he said.
Since then, Ford’s career has evolved alongside the ever-changing field of technology. From the days of floppy disks and CRT monitors to modern cybersecurity threats, he has continuously adapted, earning numerous professional certifications and expanding his expertise.
His greatest accomplishment isn’t his personal success, however; it’s his impact on students as an instructor at Central Tech’s Drumright campus, he said.
“Every day, I get to offer students the same life-changing opportunities that Central Tech gave me all those years ago,” he said. “My goal is to positively impact the lives of my students, just as my instructors did for me.”
Today, Ford trains the next generation of IT professionals as an instructor of network security and administration at Central Tech. He and his colleagues have led teams to the CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Defense Competition, qualifying for nationals four times. He also played a pivotal role in developing the Oklahoma Cup Cybersecurity Competition, which has grown from just three technology centers to nearly 30 locations, reaching more than 400 students annually.
For those interested in IT, his advice is simple: “Don’t be afraid to break something — that’s how you learn!”
From his time as a Central Tech student to shaping the next generation of IT professionals, Ford has come full circle — proving that with perseverance, curiosity and the right support system, anything is possible.
