Meet our four alumni whose journeys have taken them from students to professionals, demonstrating the real-world success made possible through CareerTech programs. Now that education and training has come full circle, as they are all employed right here at Southwest Tech.
Meet Shelby Broaddus, the High School Cosmetology Instructor. Broaddus explored different paths and when she realized her true passion was cosmetology, she took the Cosmetology and Master Instructor programs, where she says that the biggest thing she learned was confidence. Along with confidence, the program also taught her accountability, professionalism and communication skills, things that her help show up for her own students today. Broaddus also shares that the close-knit community at Southwest tech helps make a difference.
“Your teachers want to see you succeed. I wouldn’t be here today without Southwest Technology Center.”
Monica Cox, Financial Aid/ VA Coordinator. Through the Banking and Financial Services program, she strengthened her computer and accounting skills. Her dedication allowed her to complete her program early and participate in a job shadowing opportunity in the Accounts Payable department, and when a position opened, she was prepared. She thanks her instructor, who believed in her and was dedicated to her professional growth as a student.
“ Her investing in me is what has made me the professional that I am today.”
Aracely Gonzales, Business & Computer Technology (BCT). A BCT graduate herself, Gonzales says that the program helped her gain not just workplace skills but also confidence and real-world readiness. Following college graduation, she was hired as an Administrative Assistant where she was able to apply the skills learned. Today she uses those skills in her own classroom to guide and impact her students.
“I am thankful for my instructor and her guidance as she continues to be a role model to this day.”
Our last alumni, Teresa Johnston, also attended the BCT program. Through the program she gained a deeper understanding of technology and its real world applications.
“ I really enjoyed my time here - the class, the instructor and staff were just good people. It was a very positive experience.”
She says that the positive environment made her realize she wanted to work at SWTC. Today she works as the Testing Liaison Administrative Assistant.
Southwest Tech is proud to see our alumni grow, succeed, and continue to inspire the next generation right where their journeys began.
#Alumnispotlight #CareerTech #StudentSuccess #SouthwestTech #CTEmonth
#FutureEducators #TeacherPrep #LearningByDoing #ProudToTeach
Parents and guardians are invited to attend Parent-Teacher Conferences on
🗓 Wednesday, February 11
⏰ 3:00–6:00 p.m.
This is a great opportunity to connect with instructors, discuss your student’s progress, and ask questions. No appointment is necessary.
We look forward to seeing you!
Today they’re getting hands-on by building sheds and tearing down old projects to learn real construction skills. Big teamwork, big tools, and big learning happening!
Try our delicious muffins in Blueberry, Chocolate, or Banana before they’re gone!
Southwest Tech is teaming up with Angel Academy Daycare to bring a FREE Community CPR Class to Mangum!
Join us February 18 at 10:00 AM at the Mangum Housing Authority for hands-on training that could make all the difference in an emergency. You’ll learn how to recognize cardiac arrest and choking, perform hands-only CPR for adults, children, and infants, use an AED, and know what to do until help arrives.
This class builds confidence and real-world skills (not a certification course) — and it’s open to the community!
Come learn. Come prepared. Come ready to make a difference. ❤️
Shoutout to 2nd-year student Carlos Flores for kicking things off as the first to use our new sublimation oven on a water bottle! 🔥👏
Carlos took his design from screen to print, and the results speak for themselves. Bold colors, clean details, and just the start of what’s possible with the new setup 🚀
Stay tuned—more heat is coming. ♨️
#GraphicDesign #StudentSpotlight #SublimationPrinting #DesignInProgress #CreativeLab #SecondYear #FirstRun #DesignLife
Ever feel like your players crit your plot in Session 1 and immediately adopt the goblin you wrote as cannon fodder? 😅 Yeah. Same.
Run Better TTRPGs with Less Stress is a hands-on Game Master class to help you:
🛡 Build adventures that survive player chaos
🐉 Create memorable BBEGs
⚖️ Balance encounters without spreadsheets
🔥 Master pacing, spotlight control & improv
Whether you’re a brand-new DM rolling your first d20 or a veteran GM who wants smoother sessions and less prep grind, this class is your +3 boost to confidence.
📅 Feb 24 & 26 | ⏰ 5–8 PM
📍 Southwest Tech | 💰 $35
🎟 Limited to 8 seats — only a few left!
Claim your seat before the party fills up:
👉 https://www.careertechweb.org/swtc/ 🎲✨
Southwest Tech is proud to celebrate Kimmie Allen, our incredible Career Guidance Counselor, during National School Counselors Week 2026!
With more than 25 years in education—including 14 years as a school guidance counselor—Kimmie is a trusted guide for students as they explore career paths, set goals, and plan their futures. Her steady support, thoughtful guidance, and genuine care make a lasting impact on every student she serves.
Whether she’s helping students navigate career decisions, offering encouragement during challenging moments, or partnering with families and educators, Kimmie is always focused on student success.
We are so grateful for Kimmie’s dedication, experience, and heart for students. Thank you for everything you do, Kimmie—we appreciate you today and always!
#NationalSchoolCounselorsWeek #ThankYouCounselors #SouthwestTech 💚
CareerTech’s impact starts locally. Each year, Southwest Technology Center serves Altus, Blair, Duke, Granite, Hollis, Mangum, Navajo, and Olustee/El Dorado helping students gain skills and credentials that support workforce demand in our community. Career and technical education plays a vital role in strengthening Oklahoma’s workforce, one student at a time.
#CTEMonth #OKCareerTech #OklahomasWorkforceLeader #SouthwestTech
Our soon-to-be graduating Powerplant students had the opportunity to visit the Stafford Air & Space Museum in Weatherford, OK , here they explored the incredible history of flight — from the early days of Kitty Hawk to modern space travel. Students were able to see historic, record-breaking aircraft up close, including the legendary F-117 Stealth Fighter on display, along with numerous exhibits showcasing aviation and aerospace milestones that helped shape the industry they are about to enter.
While there, students also participated in a professional development webinar presented by JSfirm Aviation Employment Services. The session focused on aviation job search strategies, how to effectively use their website tools, resume uploading, and tips for building strong aviation-focused resumes to help launch their careers.
Additionally, students received a presentation from Premium Aerospace in Burns Flat, where they learned about the company’s mission, current hiring opportunities, workplace goals, and employee benefits packages. This provided valuable real-world insight into career pathways available right here in our region.
It was a great day of learning, networking, and motivation — giving our future A&P mechanics one final inspirational push as they approach the finish line of a challenging and rewarding journey.
"Blue Skies and Tailwinds"
#SouthwestTech #AviationMaintenance #FutureAPs #Hangar33 #AviationCareers #WorkforceDevelopment
