WILBURTON, Okla. - Kiamichi Tech proudly announces the Health & Wellness Center as the recipient of the 2025 OkACTE Partners in Progress Award, a prestigious recognition presented by the Oklahoma Association of Career and Technology Education (OkACTE) and the Oklahoma Association of Technology Centers (OATC). 

"Our partnership tackles some of the real issues facing rural Oklahoma, such as staffing shortages in healthcare and childcare,” said Shelley Free, Kiamichi Tech Superintendent. “Together, we have a shared mission for community betterment. Kiamichi Tech and the Health & Wellness Center are creating sustainable solutions that benefit students, graduates, and the wider community.” 

For over 20 years, Kiamichi Tech has cultivated a strategic partnership with the Health & Wellness Center, exemplifying a commitment to community investment and workforce development. The Health & Wellness Center is the largest rural community health center in Oklahoma with 7 healthcare clinics, 3 pharmacies, 3 residential substance use recovery facilities and over 20 head start locations.  

Collaboration with the Health & Wellness Center significantly enhances Kiamichi Tech's healthcare and nursing programs by providing clinical sites where students gain hands-on experience in real-world healthcare settings. The involvement of Health & Wellness Center staff on advisory councils for these programs ensures that the curriculum remains relevant and aligned with local industry needs. These professionals also volunteer to conduct mock interviews and perform skill checkoffs, further preparing students for successful careers. Many Kiamichi Tech graduates find employment with the Health & Wellness Center, reflecting the quality and effectiveness of the training provided.  

Beyond healthcare, the Health & Wellness Center's leadership and executive staff actively contribute to Kiamichi Tech's broader educational and workforce development initiatives with other advisory council roles. Their participation helps shape strategic decisions and ensures that programs meet the needs of the local economy. The center's staff also play a key role in the annual ‘Welcome Week’ at the Stigler campus, offering support and fostering a sense of community for new students.  

Feedback from advisory members is invaluable in refining short-term classes through Kiamichi Tech’s Workforce & Economic Development efforts, ensuring training and certificates offered are timely and impactful. This collaborative approach guarantees that Kiamichi Tech’s offerings are responsive to the evolving needs of the community.  

Addressing broader community needs, Kiamichi Tech and the Health & Wellness Center have jointly developed a Child Development Associate (CDA) certification program to meet the growing demand for childcare and quality childcare training. Students who complete this customized industry training are then hired at Health & Wellness head starts. The CDA certification course equips individuals with essential competencies in early childhood education, supporting both workforce development and family well-being in the area.   

The collaboration between Kiamichi Tech and the Health & Wellness Center is a model of success in education and workforce development. Through shared goals and mutual support, this partnership enhances educational programs, supports workforce readiness, and contributes to the overall quality of life in the community, ensuring a brighter, healthier future for all.  

This recognition highlights the positive impact of sustained collaboration between industry leaders and career technical education institutions. This partnership serves as an exemplary model for other companies seeking to utilize the CareerTech system to achieve workforce excellence and business success.  

PHOTO (left to right):
Doug Hall, Kiamichi Tech Deputy Superintendent
Representative Tim Turner
Misty Watson, Community Services Coordinator
Caleb Knowlton, HWC Adventure Head Start Program Director
David Martin, Chief People Officer
Senator Warren Hamilton
Teresa Huggins, Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Jennifer Scoufos, Chief Medical Officer
Corey Crase, Kiamichi Tech Workforce & Economic Development Coordinator
April Williams, Kiamichi Tech - Stigler Campus Director
Shelley Free, Kiamichi Tech Superintendent