Published: August 16, 2008 11:38 pm            

CareerTech leaders earn prestigious awards

• DeMuth, Roberts receive Arch Alexander Award

Bruce DeMuth, chief of staff, Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education, Stillwater and Freelin Roberts, superintendent, Northwest Technology Center, Fairview and Alva, recently received the Arch Alexander Award. The award was given during the 41st Annual Career and Technology education Summer Conference Aug. 4-6 in the Cox Business Services Convention Center.

Created by the University of Oklahoma Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, this award honors the late Alexander. Alexander was a longtime deputy director of the state CareerTech agency and a key player in the establishment of Oklahoma’s technology center system.

“The Arch Alexander Award recognizes CareerTech educators who have made significant contributions to Oklahoma’s CareerTech system,” according to State CareerTech Director Phil Berkenbile.

“The award is to applaud those who are progressive leaders in program and curriculum development and utilizing advanced technology in education.”

DeMuth is a lifelong educator and administrator dedicated to the students of Oklahoma and to the state’s economic development.

“Having known Arch Alexander and the high level of respect people have for him and his work for the CareerTech system, I am deeply humbled and honored to receive this award,” DeMuth said.

DeMuth’s contributions to the CareerTech system are also known and appreciated.

“Bruce’s talents are widely recognized in our system as he has worked at both the local and state levels with much success and in many different capacities such as comprehensive schools, technology center services, business and industry services and as associate state director of CareerTech,” Berkenbile said.

Roberts is also creating a legacy in CareerTech education.

For more than 15 years, Roberts served as the chairman of the Woods County Economic Development Committee, helping the organization grow from an idea into an important component in recruiting such entities as Value Added Products, Bill Johnson Correctional Facility and Vantage Plane Plastics.

“His ability to work with other agencies and organizations such as the Oklahoma Alliance for Manufacturing Excellence, Teacher Retirement Board, the State Chamber, the Oklahoma Commission on Educational Administration and the state legislature is outstanding,” Berkenbile said.

“With 47 years of experience in education and administration, Freelin Roberts is an educator who has always been concerned about creating a better life for his students,” Berkenbile said.

“During his tenure at NWTC, the school has established an educational foundation which now has assets approaching $100,000. He leads a progressive technology center in the area of curriculum development as well, with staff members designing the Health Careers Certification for the state CareerTech system,” Berkenbile said.

For more information about Oklahoma’s CareerTech system visit www.okcareertech.org.ꆱ

        

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