Southwest Technology Center’s Jason Carter was recognized as the PACE Division New Professional of the Yearduring the 2026 Oklahoma Association of Career and Technology Education Summit Conference on August 2.
Carter joined Southwest Tech in 2024 and has quickly established himself as a driven, knowledgeable and forward-thinking CareerTech professional committed to workforce development, professional growth and serving the communities of southwest Oklahoma. His impact has also led to continued advancement within the organization, and he was recently named Assistant Director of Business Development at Southwest Technology Center.
As a member of Southwest Tech’s Business Development team, Carter has helped expand the district’s outreach to businesses, organizations and individuals throughout the region. His work includes workforce and safety training, apprenticeship initiatives and professional education designed to meet the changing needs of employers and communities.
“Jason came to Southwest Tech ready to learn, work and make a difference,” said Kerry Evans, Southwest Tech Business Development Director. “Since he joined our team, our outreach throughout the district has really taken off. He is always looking for the next opportunity to grow, and then he turns around and uses what he learns to help somebody else. He has accomplished a lot in a very short amount of time.”
In addition to serving as Assistant Director of Business Development, Carter serves as Southwest Tech’s Safety and ADA Coordinator, National Healthcareer Association School Director, CLEET Coordinator and continuing education instructor. He has also played an important role in the school’s accreditation efforts and the development of CareerTech apprenticeship opportunities for Certified Nursing Assistant and Commercial Driver’s License training.
His commitment to professional development has resulted in an extensive list of credentials. Carter is an instructor for CPR through the American Heart Association and American Red Cross, STOP THE BLEED and Safe Sitter, as well as a Six Types of Working Genius facilitator. He has completed OSHA 511 and multiple National Incident Management System courses and most recently obtained his OSHA 10 credentials.
Carter’s involvement extends beyond Southwest Tech. He serves as an ex-officio member of the Altus Chamber of Commerce, Treasurer of the Greer County Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Infant Crisis Center Outreach Committee and a member of the Altus Committee of 100.
His growing influence within CareerTech has also been recognized through PACE. Carter was previously selected as a 2025 Emerging New Professional nominee and presented a breakout session during the 2026 PACE conference focused on helping safety trainers make instruction more engaging and effective.
The PACE Division New Professional of the Year recognition highlights Carter’s accomplishments early in his CareerTech career as well as the leadership potential he continues to demonstrate.
“Jason represents the future of CareerTech,” said Southwest Technology Center CEO/Superintendent Ericka Wiginton. “His recent advancement to Assistant Director of Business Development reflects the confidence we have in his ability to lead. He is ambitious, willing to take on responsibility and committed to becoming better at what he does. What is exciting is knowing that he is still at the beginning of his CareerTech career. There is no question that he has the ability and drive to make an impact for many years to come.”
Carter’s recognition reflects Southwest Tech’s continued commitment to developing professionals who strengthen education, workforce development and economic opportunities throughout southwest Oklahoma.
Southwest Technology Center serves students, businesses and communities throughout Jackson, Harmon and Greer counties with the mission of Changing Lives One Career at a Time.