Brent Haken named Oklahoma CareerTech state director
The Oklahoma State Board of Career and Technology Education has selected Brent Haken as the ninth state director of the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education.
Haken will begin his official duties as state director in January. He comes to Oklahoma CareerTech from Morrison Public Schools, where he has served as superintendent since 2019.
“Oklahoma has the nation’s premier system for career and technology education because of the foundation laid by passionate and dedicated Oklahomans and the continued efforts of our state’s best team members,” Haken said. “My desire has always been to be in a position that helps people make a positive impact on their family, community and state. Empowering people through education moves Oklahoma forward!
“I could not be more excited to serve as part of the Oklahoma CareerTech team. Our role of serving the state with innovative workforce development that meets the needs of our communities proves to be more essential now than ever before. Many of my greatest experiences have been as a CareerTech student and teacher. I am honored to be in a position to give back to our state by working with all arms of the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education, unifying our efforts to better the lives of Oklahomans.”
Read more on the Oklahoma CareerTech website.
Oklahoma FFA students win at national convention
Oklahoma FFA returned from the 95th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis with one national officer, nine national championships and numerous other awards.
The National FFA Convention celebrates FFA members from all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The convention includes individual award and degree recognition, chapter award recognition, official delegate business and national officer elections.
Karstyn Cantrell, Skiatook, became Oklahoma FFA’s 23rd national officer when she was elected the Central Region vice president.
Read more on the Oklahoma CareerTech website.
Chef Gabriel Lewis talks to CareerTech
Chef Gabriel Lewis, a graduate of Francis Tuttle Technology Center and two-time “MasterChef” contestant, recently talked to Oklahoma CareerTech about his experiences.
Lewis spoke about his family's influence on his career, the culinary foundations established by the CareerTech System and what his future holds.
Watch the video on the Oklahoma CareerTech YouTube channel.
Aerospace company to work with Western Tech
An aerospace company planning its international headquarters in Burns Flat says it will work with Western Technology Center to train new workers.
Premium Aerospace Center plans to bring in workers initially, but to work with Oklahoma CareerTech to train new workers, according to an article in The Journal Record.
“Western Technology Center and the Oklahoma CareerTech system are second-to-none in the nation at equipping and training a workforce designed for the local industry,” said Eddie Compton, CareerTech aerospace and defense industry liaison. “We’re working with the PAC team and our statewide network to develop a training and certification program that will prepare and educate a workforce to be a great partner and get them the skilled workers they need.”
Read more on The Journal Record website.
Meridian Tech students working on NASA HUNCH project
Three Meridian Technology Center STEM students are working on a project through the NASA HUNCH program to help astronauts stay hydrated.
The HUNCH program is designed to “empower and inspire students through a project-based learning program where high school students learn 21st century skills and have the opportunity to launch their careers through the participation in the design and fabrication of real world valued products for NASA,” according to its website.
The three Meridian students are trying to figure out ways to administer IV fluids in a microgravity environment. They will present their projects to Meridian staff members and students in December and then to NASA for the competition in March.
Read more about their work on the Meridian website.
Useful links
Follow us on Twitter at @okcareertech and find us on Facebook at OklahomaCareerTech and on Instagram at oklahomacareertech and read our blog, Oklahoma CareerTech Delivers. Find our podcast at https://www.ctconversations.org/.
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State Agency Assistance at a Glance
National Center for Research in Career and Technical Education
OK Career Guide Training Opportunities
Think of the long view of life, not just what’s going to happen today or tomorrow. Don’t give up what you most want in life for something you think you want now. -- Richard G. Scott
