CKTC History

Introduction

Since the inception of the Oklahoma vocational technical system, known now as career tech, Caddo Kiowa, one of the first training centers in the state of Oklahoma, has been on the cutting edge of technology and service.  We have utilized dynamic industry-standard equipment used and supported by our highly experienced, certified and trained personnel.

Caddo Kiowa Technology Center was built on a vision of opportunity that started 39 years ago with 11 programs and 200 high school students.  Today that dream has evolved into a 21-program system, with an average enrollment of over 1000 high school and adult students each year.

By being a pioneer in technology and by building cooperative agreements and partnerships, Caddo Kiowa has been able to build upon successes and experiences.  Our staff has developed and implemented superior student and business services from childcare and free transportation to customized industry training and economic development.

From our 21 training programs and the many business and industry services offered at Caddo Kiowa Technology Center to the on-campus and interactive college courses, our primary focus is the success of our clients.

The Development

The organizational meeting for Caddo Kiowa Technology Center was held at the Caddo County Court House in Anadarko on July 31, 1967.  The original board members are as follows:

• Wray Finney, President
• Jimmie Martinez, Vice-President
• Lawrence Thompson, Clerk
• J.M. Jackson, Member
• O.C. Lanier, Member

The board approved an operation budget of $18,000 and a construction budget of $365,000.

The Site

The search for a site and the school districts that would participate first centered on the Anadarko and Chickasha areas.  The first proposal was to locate the school in Verden.  When a site could not be agreed upon in that area, the committee began looking at the 18 small districts in the Caddo County area, placing the center first at Fort Cobb Lake, then moving to a 40-acre plot atop a hill just north of the Fort Cobb community.

The board members filed the petition to become a school only 30 minutes behind the first area school, making Caddo Kiowa the second vocational district in the state.  The petition to call for an election from the district was filed with Frances Tuttle, State Department of Vocational Technical Education superintendent.

Administration History

Caddo Kiowa Technology Center’s first superintendent was Lester Batterton.  Mr. Batterton served during the planning and development year of 1967-68 and through the first semester in 1968.  Mr. Arvile Haire became CKTC’s second superintendent in January of 1969.  Mr. Haire stayed through the 1969-70 school term.

Dr. Orbra Hulsey became the third superintendent in 1970 and retired in December of 1995.  Jerry Martin, who served as Assistant Superintendent from 1970 until January of 1996, became Caddo Kiowa’s fourth Superintendent in 1996.