Moore Norman Technology Center (MNTC) has a rich history of adapting to the evolving needs of its community, and understanding when their career programs start is key for prospective students. From its early days offering essential hands-on skills like welding and nursing to today’s cutting-edge technology and aerospace programs, MNTC has consistently looked towards the future. This adaptability extends to their program scheduling, designed to accommodate a diverse range of students.
MNTC’s foundation is built upon a commitment to meeting both current and future workforce demands. Visionary leaders like Clovis Weatherford, the first superintendent, recognized early on the importance of a dynamic curriculum. This forward-thinking approach was evident from the very beginning. Even before the physical school buildings were erected, MNTC commissioned demographic and vocational needs studies in the early 1970s. Professor George W. Reid from the University of Oklahoma conducted these crucial studies, ensuring that MNTC’s offerings were precisely tailored to the needs of the surrounding area. This proactive research made Moore-Norman a pioneer in the state, designing its programs based on in-depth analysis of community needs.
This emphasis on communication and responsiveness has been a constant throughout MNTC’s history. Doris Wedge, the school’s first public information officer, played a vital role in keeping the community informed. Even in an era before widespread personal computers and the internet, MNTC utilized every available channel – from newspapers and radio to face-to-face meetings – to communicate its program offerings and the value of vocational training. Overcoming the outdated perception of vocational schools was a key challenge in the early days, as many parents primarily focused on four-year college paths for their children. MNTC actively worked to demonstrate the career advantages and high-quality education available through their programs.
The early milestones of MNTC showcase its rapid growth and responsiveness to community needs, which directly impacts the availability and start times of career programs. In the fall of 1973, community support led to significant bond funding, enabling the expansion of facilities and programs. By the summer of 1974, MNTC took over the School of Practical Nursing, demonstrating its immediate impact on healthcare training in the region. Architectural plans for a dedicated 115,000-square-foot building were finalized that same year, solidifying MNTC’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art facilities for its students.
Even before the permanent campus was ready, MNTC started offering classes in leased spaces in 1975, launching with three initial programs. This proactive approach ensured that career training was accessible without delay. Construction progressed rapidly, and by May 1975, the Moore-Norman Area Vocational Technical School Foundation was established, further bolstering the institution’s growth. The expansion continued with funding for a horticulture program in June 1975, showcasing the diversification of MNTC’s career offerings. The first full-time evening program, clerical-secretarial classes, began in September 1975, highlighting MNTC’s flexibility in accommodating different student schedules and needs.
Consolidation into the new Franklin Road campus in 1976 marked a significant milestone, bringing together various programs under one roof. This consolidation streamlined operations and likely enhanced the coordination of program start times and scheduling. The 1990s were a period of significant recognition and further expansion for MNTC. Receiving the Oklahoma Quality Award for Achievement multiple times and being designated a National EPiC ISO 9000 Master Training and Information Center in 1995 highlighted MNTC’s commitment to excellence and quality in its programs. Becoming the first vocational-technical school in the world to achieve ISO 9002 certification in 1996 further solidified its reputation for high standards.
The dedication of the Health Education Center in 1998 and the Industry Training Center in 1999 demonstrated MNTC’s continued investment in expanding its career program offerings and facilities to meet evolving industry demands. MNTC’s proactive approach to future needs was exemplified by its participation in the 21st Century Skills for 21st Century Jobs summit in 1999, ensuring its programs remained relevant and prepared students for the future job market.
MNTC’s responsiveness continued into the 21st century, offering the first Geographic Information Systems (GIS) class for the state Wildlife Department in 2001, becoming a pioneer in this field among technology centers in Oklahoma. The school consistently received accolades, including being recognized as a “pilot of pilots” in a new combined accreditation process in 2000 and achieving ISO 9000-2000 certification for its conference facilities in 2002.
Under the leadership of superintendents John Hunter and Jane Bowen, MNTC continued to expand its reach and program offerings. The opening of the South Penn Campus and Business Development Center in 2005, the Construction Trades building in 2008, and the Information Technology building in 2011, along with the passage of a $60 million bond issue in 2016, all contributed to enhanced facilities and program capacity. Jane Bowen’s “breakfast/lunch learns” further strengthened community communication, ensuring MNTC remained attuned to the needs of local businesses and industries, which directly influences the types of career programs offered and potentially their start times to align with industry cycles.
MNTC’s commitment to safety and preparedness was recognized through its partnership with the Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador initiative in 2014. Earning the Technology Centers That Work’s Gold Readiness Award and multiple Gold Star School Awards further underscored the high quality and community relevance of MNTC’s programs.
Current Superintendent/CEO Brian Ruttman has continued this legacy of responsiveness and innovation, even amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. His focus on creating safe learning environments and adapting to changing circumstances highlights MNTC’s ongoing flexibility. The launch of new programs like the Aerospace Technician Program in 2023, along with initiatives in peace officer certification and transportation training, demonstrate MNTC’s proactive approach to addressing current and future workforce needs.
While specific start dates for each career program are best obtained directly from MNTC’s program catalog or admissions office, this historical overview reveals a consistent pattern: Moore Norman Technology Center is built on a foundation of adaptability and responsiveness. This history strongly suggests that MNTC offers multiple start times throughout the year for various programs to accommodate the diverse needs of its student population and the evolving demands of the job market. Prospective students should explore the MNTC website or contact their admissions department directly to get the most up-to-date information on program schedules and start dates, ensuring they can find a program entry point that aligns with their individual timelines.
