The Northwest Technology Center, Fairview Campus, hosted its annual Advisory Committee Meeting on Friday, February 8, 2008. Each program at the Technology Center organizes an Advisory Council of five to ten patrons. Staff members collect feedback on their respective program from the committee members both at the meeting and at other times throughout the year. Approximately 70 community members attended the event.

“The input that these community members have in our programs is very important.” stated Debra Button, Health Careers Certification Instructor at Northwest Technology Center. “Every year I have received great suggestions and I am looking forward to implementing some of the suggestions into my program.”

According to Bobby Watson, Automotive Technology Instructor at Northwest Technology Center, “My Advisory Committee made several suggestions which I will implement to improve my program. I really enjoyed the great brainstorming efforts and look forward to seeing the positive results of their recommendations.”

These include current and former students, parents, business people and other educators. These volunteers served on committees for daytime and evening programs, business and industry and service-oriented programs.

The program included introductions and a presentation by Jane Bowen, Assistant Superintendent. Bowen highlighted the high number of enrollments at the technology center.

Each program gives a short, informal presentation and then asks for feedback from its Advisory Committee. Northwest Technology Center uses the feedback from the meetings to ensure that each program and service it offers is meeting the needs of business, industry and students.

“We are so appreciative of the interest these community members have in Northwest Technology Center.” said Bowen. “The information we gain from these meetings will prove helpful to us in providing programs and services for the communities which we serve.”

Four NWTC students were recognized with scholarships from the Northwest Technology Center Foundation. Barbara Wedel, Jodi Simmons, Brandi Lowder and Kara Finchum were the recipients for the 2007-2008 school year.

Share Medical Center Partners with Northwest Tech

Healthcare facilities are faced with a multitude of challenges each day. The leadership and staff work hard to keep patient satisfaction high and look for more efficient ways to make the facility run more smoothly. Share Medical Center works hard to accomplish these goals.

In 2006, Northwest Technology Center partnered with Share Medical Center as it entered into a three-year training agreement that focused on strategic planning, customer service, leadership and employee accountability. The training is entitled “Service Excellence Initiative” and it is a part of the Custom Learning Process. Each year, Northwest Technology Center has assisted Share Medical Center by applying for a grant from the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education’s Training for Existing Industry Initiative. During the duration of the initiative, SMC has received $34,582. Share Medical Center will soon be embarking on year three of the program.

According to Guy Forell, Northwest Technology Center’s Business and Industry Services Director, “We have enjoyed being a part of this initiative with Share Medical Center. Service excellence in the healthcare industry will enhance Alva and the surrounding communities.”

According to Share Medical Center’s CEO, Barb Oestmann, “Having Northwest Technology Center partner with us has allowed Share Medical Center to take full advantage of Custom Learning. The partnership with Northwest Technology Center has greatly benefited us. Change is difficult but this three-year program will completely change the culture and atmosphere for employees and customers.”

The Service Excellence Initiative is a three-year transformational training and implementation process that educates and empowers hospitals and healthcare organizations to achieve significant improvements in patient, employee and physician satisfaction.

Share Medical Center CEO Barb Oestmann and NWTC's Superintendent Freelin Roberts discuss plans for year three of SMC's Service Excellence Initiative.

Fairview Fellowship Home a "Partner in Progress"

Pictured are (l to r): Dwight Hughes, Freelin Roberts, Jane Bowen, Mike Miller,
Ty Heinen, Steve Kliewer, Charlotte Hadwiger, and Guy Forell.

Fairview Fellowship Home was honored for contributions to the development, promotion, and progress of Oklahoma's technology center system during the 2007 Career and Technology Education Summer Conference held Aug. 1 - 3 at the Tulsa Convention Center.

Accepting the Oklahoma Association of Technology Centers' (OATC) Partners for Progress Award for the facility was Mike Miller, Administrator and Yy Heinen, Director of Nursing. The healthcare facility was nominated for the honor by Steve Kliewer, Business and Industry Services at Northwest Technology Center and Jane Bowen, NWTC’s Assistant Superintendent. “Fairview Fellowship Home has been a great partner for our students by providing clinical training sites and by mentoring and supporting them in their pursuit of a career in healthcare.” said Steve Kliewer.

The Partners for Progress Award is given annually and recognizes businesses and industries which have demonstrated their commitment to CareerTech education in a variety of ways including financial support, cooperative programs, community involvement and student sponsorships.

Freelin Roberts, Northwest Technology Center’s Superintendent, said that the Fairview Fellowship Home has been a great supporter of our students in many initiatives in areas such as certified nurse aide training and certified medication aide training.

“The professional development and training of employees is key to the future growth of the business and the facility follows a regular training schedule with Northwest Technology Center for these activities. The facility is also a primary clinical training site for Northwest Technology Center students. Fairview Fellowship Home is a “Partner In Progress” with Northwest Technology Center. The facility is truly an agent for economic development and growth of healthcare in Northwest Oklahoma.” said Steve Kliewer, Business and Industry Services Director at Northwest Technology Center.

Shirley Recognized With Honors From Northwest Technology Center

Kent Shirley was recognized recently as an honorary member of the National Technical Honor Society at Northwest Technology Center in Fairview. The award was presented recently at Northwest Technology Center’s annual honor society induction. Shirley selected by the Technology Center’s faculty and staff.

General comments about Shirley from the staff included: “ Kent continues work with our business and industry services and serves on our school advisory board. He is a great supporter of Northwest Technology Center”.

Shirley was nominated by Amy McClure, Web Development and Graphic Design Instructor and Jane Bowen, Assistant Superintendent at Northwest Technology Center. “What a fabulous partner we have in Kent. He has gone above and beyond the call of duty in helping our students.” said Bowen.

“Working with Northwest Technology Center has been inspiring. I want to learn more and they have challenged me to increase my knowledge base so that I can share more with the instructors and students.” stated Shirley.

Shirley and his wife, Shirley live in Cleo Springs. They have been the owners of Picture This, a photography studio in Fairview for the past 15 years. The couple has three children and three grandchildren. Shirley grew up in Duncan and came to Fairview after retiring from the Air Force.

In addition to owning his own business, Shirley teaches digital photography for Affiliate Schools under the Professional Photographers of America.

Parker and Hamilton Honored as Friends of Northwest Tech

Larry Parker and Mary Hamilton were honored as the recipients of the “Friends of Northwest Tech” Award given by Northwest Technology Center. The award was presented at Northwest Technology Center’s annual Awards Assembly in May. Parker and Hamilton were selected by the technology center’s faculty and staff.

Parker was nominated by Andrea Long who said that Parker has been a huge asset to Northwest Tech. He is a cheerleader for our students and school, and is always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. He is a great role model for our students because of his friendly smile and positive attitude. He has taught adult education classes and continues to provide support to students of all ages.

Hamilton was nominated by Traci Schwerdtfeger, Tami Frascht and Andrea Long. The group stated that Hamilton’s cup is always overflowing with compassion and enthusiasm for the students. She has taught numerous adult education classes, served on the Business Information Technology Advisory Committee and assisted with Mock Interviews. This semester she also brought her 7 th and 8 th grade students to visit the Web Design Program.

“The award was such a surprise.” said Hamilton, “I am so proud and it is an awesome honor. I learned all of my computer skills at the tech center, and without those skills, I don’t know where I would be today. Northwest Tech is a place where students can go and get an education in so many areas and then pursue college or go into the working world. The training can also lead you into numerous occupations. I have learned Quickbooks which helps me with my husband’s business.”

“I think a lot of what is done at Northwest Tech. It helps lots of students who need technical training in order to get a job. I was so surprised and honored.” stated Parker.

The “Friends of Northwest Tech” award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the instructors, students and staff of Northwest Technology Center. The award is presented annually to deserving recipients.

Parker and his wife Charla, have lived in Alva since 1971 They have three children and nine grandchildren. Parker is retiring from Alva Public Schools this year after teaching and coaching for the past 30 years. He has 39 years of experience in education.

Hamilton and her husband Randy, are long time Alva residents. The couple has three children, two grandchildren and a third grandchild on the way. Hamilton is a teacher at Alva Middle School.

Share Medical Center & Northwest Technology Center Partner for Training Initiative

Healthcare facilities are faced with a multitude of challenges each day. The leadership and staff work hard to keep patient satisfaction high and look for more efficient ways to make the facility run more smoothly. Share Medical Center works hard to accomplish these goals.

Northwest Technology Center has partnered with Share Medical Center as it entered into a three-year training agreement that will focus on strategic planning, customer service, leadership and employee accountability. The training is entitled “Service Excellence Initiative” and it is a part of the Brian Lee Healthcare Service Excellence Initiative, also called the Custom Learning Process. A portion of the training for year one will be paid for with a $13,500 from the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education with possible renewal for year two and year three activities. Share Medical Center is also required to match a portion of the training grant.

According to Guy Forell, Northwest Technology Center's Business and Industry Services Director, “Around sixty Share Medical Center employees will be trained during year one of the agreement. The training will upgrade skills for supervisors and front line managers and will also train existing workers who move to new positions.”

According to Share Medical Center's CEO, Barb Oestmann, “Having Northwest Technology Center partner with us has allowed Share Medical Center to take full advantage of the opportunity offered by the Custom Learning process. The Custom Learning process will allow Share Medical Center to compete with other healthcare facilities for many years to come.”

The Service Excellence Initiative is a three-year transformational training and implementation process that educates and empowers hospitals and healthcare organizations to achieve significant improvements in patient, employee and physician satisfaction. The Service Excellence Initiative hosts an annual conference on healthcare customer service and professional development.

Five Share Medical Center employees attended this introductory portion of the training the Program Leadership College held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada in May. Those attending included Kristi Moorman, Melissa Headlee, Barb Oestmann, Christy Willyard and Regina Wilson. Also, the group will attend the annual Service Excellence Initiative held in San Diego in November. Other training sessions will be held for Share Medical Center employees either on site or at Northwest Technology Center.

Front Row (L to R): Kristi Moorman, Share Medical Center Director of Human Resources; Christy Willyard, RN, Share Memorial Hospital Director of Nurses; and Diana Waldschmidt, Northwest Technology Center Business and Industry Health Services Coordinator. Back Row (L to R) Guy Forell, Northwest Technology Center Business and Industry Services Director; Barbara Oestmann, Share Medical Center CEO, Regina Wilson, RN, Director of Home Health/Hospice; Melissa Headlee, RN, Share Convalescent Home Director of Nurses.

View more Partners in Progress . . .