Our History

Southern Tech's story began in 1965 when Ardmore Public Schools Superintendent James Bruce and the Ardmore Public Schools Board of Education envisioned a vocational-technical school to serve southern Oklahoma. Through a community fundraising effort, $300,000 was raised privately, another $300,000 was secured through a bond issue, and matching state funds helped make the project a reality. The Noble Foundation further supported the effort by donating 30 acres of land for the campus. In January 1966, Jack Stone, alongside his secretary Wanda Glen, began building the foundation for the school. In just seven months, two buildings were constructed, staff were hired, and programs were equipped. On August 29, 1966, Southern Oklahoma Area Vocational and Technical Center officially opened its doors, welcoming 470 students from 13 area school districts and launching 12 career training programs that would shape the future workforce of southern Oklahoma.

The 1970s marked a decade of growth and transformation for Southern Tech. In 1970, new shop buildings funded through a gift from the Goddard Foundation, along with state and federal contributions, expanded the campus and created space for career training programs that continue to serve students today. The decade was also shaped by the generosity of Alice K. Sturm, whose estate was gifted to the school in support of vocational education. In accordance with her wishes, the Hugh and Alice K. Sturm Building was dedicated in 1976, honoring her lasting commitment to career and technical education. In 1977, Southern Tech reached a historic milestone by becoming an independent vocational-technical district, with Jack Stone serving as its first superintendent. Community support remained strong throughout the decade, culminating in the approval of the school's first Building Fund in 1979, providing dedicated resources for future campus growth and continued investment in student success.

During the 1980s, Southern Tech's future was strengthened through both generous philanthropy and unwavering community support. In 1984, Wilson resident Natalee Green left her estate to the school, joining the legacy of Alice K. Sturm in creating a lasting financial foundation for future generations. The careful stewardship of these gifts eventually led to the establishment of the Southern Oklahoma Technology Center Foundation in 1997, ensuring continued support through future endowments and donations. In 1985, Southern Tech faced one of its greatest challenges when a tornado caused $1.4 million in damage to several career training programs. The school rebuilt and continued serving students, demonstrating its resilience and commitment to career education. The decade concluded with continued regional growth as voters approved the annexation of the Sulphur School District into Southern Oklahoma Vocational and Technical District #20 in 1987, expanding Southern Tech's service area.

The 1990s were a decade of expansion for Southern Tech, marked by new facilities, a growing service area, and continued leadership. In 1990, the Seminar Center was completed through generous support from the Noble Foundation and the Oklahoma State Legislature, creating additional space for training and events. Southern Tech's district continued to grow as voters approved the annexation of the Davis School District in 1993, followed by Greenville, Leon, Marietta, Turner, and Thackerville in 1994, expanding educational opportunities across southern Oklahoma. In 1995, the campus added the Industrial Training Center, strengthening workforce training for local businesses, and the Health Careers Center, which continues to prepare students for careers in healthcare. The decade concluded with a historic leadership transition in 1996 as Dr. C. R. Bob Gragg became Southern Tech's second superintendent, succeeding founding superintendent Jack Stone and ushering in the next era of growth and innovation.

The 2000s marked a period of modernization and continued growth for Southern Tech. In 2001, the institution officially became the Southern Oklahoma Technology Center District No. 20, reflecting its evolving mission and expanded role in career and technology education. The following year, new extension centers in Murray County and Healdton increased access to training opportunities throughout the region. Following the retirement of Dr. C. R. Bob Gragg in 2006, Dr. David Powell became Southern Tech's third superintendent, leading the school through a period of significant expansion. In 2007, the campus honored longtime Board member Ken Chaffin by renaming the cafeteria the Chaffin Center, while a generous gift from the Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation made possible the expansion of the Health Building. The decade concluded with national recognition for Southern Tech's Business & Industry Services (now Workforce & Economic Development) safety training programs and the approval of an $8.5 million bond and increased operations funding to support growing enrollment and future campus improvements.

The 2010s were a transformative decade for Southern Tech, marked by significant campus expansion, statewide recognition, and a renewed identity. In 2010, generous support from the Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation and the Noble Foundation funded the expansion of the Stone Complex, allowing the Biotechnology program to grow into a two-instructor program. Tax Increment Financing also helped transform Sturm Hall into the Business Development Center, while the acquisition of additional property in Ardmore, Healdton, and Marietta positioned Southern Tech for future growth and expanded access to training. Over the next several years, the campus continued to evolve with the completion of the Diesel Technology Building, Business Development Center, Stone Hall renovations, Auto Collision and Engineering Buildings, and the Health West Building, further enhancing educational opportunities for students and workforce training. Southern Tech also earned statewide recognition for excellence, including honors from the Southern Regional Education Board, the Oklahoma Quality Award Program, and Oklahoma's Best Places to Work, while becoming a certified Healthy Business and Healthy Campus. In 2016, Southern Tech proudly celebrated 50 years of providing high-quality career and technology education before unveiling a refreshed identity in 2017 with a new name, Southern Tech, and a new logo that reflected its mission, values, and vision for the future.

The 2020s have been a decade of innovation, growth, and continued excellence at SouthernTech. The decade began with the completion of the Stone Hall West Wing, a new storm shelter, and renovated Student Services, enhancing both campus safety and the student experience. In 2021, Dr. Eric Ward became Southern Tech's fourth superintendent, ushering in a new era of leadership focused on excellence and workforce development. That same year, the Love County Extension Center opened in Marietta, expanding training opportunities and providing a home for the Basic Peace Officer Certification Program. Southern Tech continued to enhance the student experience by launching its first Signing Day and Completion & Certification Ceremony in 2022, celebrating students as they began and completed their career training journeys. The following year, the campus celebrated the opening of its new Aviation Building, made possible in part by a $4 million Economic Development Administration grant, while introducing new Electrical Technology and Aviation Foundations programs and earning its first Great Place to Work® certification. In 2024, Southern Tech partnered with Work Ready Oklahoma to establish Work Ready Ardmore, connecting community members with workforce training and employment opportunities. The decade continues to build on this momentum, with Southern Tech earning its 17th Gold Star Award in 2025 and launching a new Facilities Maintenance training program through its Workforce & Economic Development Department, reinforcing its commitment to preparing students and communities for success.