On July 1, Central Tech transitioned to new administrative leadership. Ron Dyer, assistant superintendent for Central Tech from 2000-2015, succeeded Superintendent Phil Waul following his June 30 retirement. Replacing Dyer as the assistant superintendent over full-time programs is former Adult Career Development Coordinator Patti Pouncil. Kent Burris is assistant superintendent for business and industry services.

Since Central Tech opened its doors in 1970, there have been three superintendents: John Hopper, Ron Vandever, and Phil Waul.

“The growth of Central Tech has been amazing thanks to an outstanding staff and the leadership of former superintendents,” Dyer said. “It is an honor to follow these men of tremendous vision.”

Central Tech hired Dyer in 1989 as a small business management instructor. Dyer then transitioned to the assistant director and recruiter for truck driver training, and in 1998 became the director of business and industry services.

Currently in his 27th year at Central Tech, Dyer said, “This is an exciting time to be involved with career and technology education. Our future as a system is very bright.”

In 1993, Central Tech hired Pouncil as the banking apprenticeship coordinator. From there Pouncil became the Tech Prep and School-to-Work coordinator, preparing students for post-secondary education and the workforce. In 2002, Pouncil transferred to the Sapulpa campus, becoming the adult career development coordinator.

Making a lateral move in 2005, Pouncil transferred from Sapulpa to the Drumright campus, where she established the Paramedic program, Fast-Trak Certified Nurse Aide program, and expanded the use of the distance learning labs by acquiring new equipment through grants.

“I am proud of the direction Central Tech has taken,” Pouncil said. “Whether a high school student is starting a technical career path, an adult is working towards certification, a business is sending employees for safety training, or someone is learning a new skill at night, Central Tech is the school of choice in the area.”

Burris was hired in 1990 as a purchasing agent, and was promoted in 1995 to business manager including duties of encumbrance clerk and activity fund custodian.

“For 19 years I’ve been responsible for all financial aspects of Central Tech,” Burris said.

In 2013, Burris was named the Director of Central Tech’s Business and Industry Services, including the supervision of truck driver training, adult career development, agribusiness and industry specific training. Burris was promoted to the position of Assistant Superintendent for Business and Industry Services in 2015.

“I look forward to the new opportunities to change peoples’ lives through the programs we offer at Central Tech,” Burris said.

Central Tech is a proud member of the Oklahoma CareerTech System and serves nearly 29,000 annual enrollments and provides customized business and industry training to more than 500 area businesses. For more information, please visit CentralTech.Edu.