Southwest Technology Center is proud to announce Oklahoma State Senator Brent Howard as the keynote speaker for the 2026 Southwest Tech Graduation Ceremony, scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Western Oklahoma State College Gymnasium in Altus.
The ceremony will celebrate students completing programs across Southwest Tech’s full-time career training divisions, including Aviation and Aerospace Technology, Automotive Technology, BioMedical Sciences, Business and Computer Technology, Construction Trades, Cosmetology, Entrepreneurship, Graphic Design, Health Science Technology, Metal Fabrication, Teacher Preparation, Adult Basic Education, and additional adult career training programs.
Howard currently serves the people of seven counties in far southwest Oklahoma as State Senator for District 38. In the Oklahoma Senate, he serves as Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Vice Chair of the Senate Subcommittee for Appropriations and Budget for Public Safety. Howard’s leadership on these distinguished committees plays a significant role in overseeing agencies that account for nearly one ninth of the state’s appropriated budget. He is also frequently called upon to advise fellow senators on legal matters related to legislation and serves as a Chief Presiding Officer over the Senate chamber.
A fifth generation Oklahoman, Howard was raised in southwest Oklahoma on the same farmland homesteaded by his great great grandfather before Oklahoma statehood. He graduated from Navajo High School before continuing his education at Oklahoma State University, the University of Oklahoma College of Law, and New York University School of Law, where he earned his LLM in Taxation.
Following law school, Howard returned home to Altus where he opened his own law practice near his family’s wheat and cattle operation. His legal practice focuses on helping families, farmers, ranchers, and small business owners navigate estate planning and tax law while preparing for the future.
“Senator Howard’s commitment to southwest Oklahoma, education, workforce development, and community leadership makes him an excellent choice to speak to this year’s graduates,” said Dale Latham, Southwest Tech Superintendent/CEO. “Our students are preparing to enter careers that directly impact Oklahoma’s workforce, and Senator Howard’s message of leadership and service will be meaningful as they begin the next chapter of their lives.”
Howard and his wife, Jennifer, are active members of the First Methodist Church of Altus and dedicated volunteers within their community. Together they have one daughter, Estelle. He has also served the Altus community through the Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee, as past Honorary Commander of the 54th ARS at Altus Air Force Base, past Chairman of the Board of Regents for Western Oklahoma State College, and past Community Service Chair for Altus Rotary.
The Southwest Tech Class of 2026 includes graduates from the following programs:
Adult Basic Education
Automotive Technology
Aviation and Aerospace Technology
BioMedical Sciences
Business and Computer Technology
Construction Trades
Cosmetology
Adult Cosmetology
Entrepreneurship
Graphic Design
Health Science Technology
Metal Fabrication
Teacher Preparation
Southwest Technology Center proudly serves students and business partners across southwest Oklahoma by preparing a highly skilled workforce through innovative career and technology education.
For more information about Southwest Technology Center and the 2026 Graduation Ceremony, visit www.swtech.edu.