A New School Year and Building for the Future

On this episode of the Tech Times Podcast we sit down with Superintendent and CEO Dr. Steve Tiger. Hear about what excited him the most for the new Career Education Center and what he hopes staff and students are feeling this first month of school.

Transcript

Announcer: From Tulsa Tech, helping you make your own path with insights and information about the world of career training, the Tech Times Podcast starts right now. 

Ryan (Host): Welcome, welcome, welcome to the Tech Times Podcast. I'm your host, Ryan Williams. This happens to be the kickoff to season four of the podcast. It's unbelievable that we've actually lasted this long, but we are also kicking off.

Ryan (Host): 60 years of career training here in Tulsa. Joining us to kick off the new season and the new school year is our superintendent and CEO Dr. Steve Tiger. Thanks so much for joining us. 

Dr. Steve Tiger: Absolutely, Ryan. It's always my pleasure. 60 years, I'm sure we're gonna talk about that a little bit. That's just, we'll talk about that a little bit.

Dr. Steve Tiger: That's just amazing. But four years with the podcast. 

Ryan (Host): Well, as we're recording this, we're a couple of weeks past the start of our traditional school year. Yes. But I did want to kind of re reminisce a little bit about some of the things that happened earlier in the month.

Dr. Steve Tiger: Okay.

Ryan (Host): You know, we had our summer career tech conference, the, that we call Summit

Dr. Steve Tiger: Summit.

Ryan (Host): Mm-hmm. And there were a lot of, employees and staff members that won awards there. Yes. And were recognized

Dr. Steve Tiger: tremendous.

Ryan (Host): I also was curious, what is summit? For superintendents like you, do you guys just lock yourselves in a room and, and

Dr. Steve Tiger: Pretty much.

Ryan (Host): Okay. 

Dr. Steve Tiger: And, you know, I've been in the system now I think I know over 25 years, probably going on 27 years, which is hard for me to believe.

Dr. Steve Tiger: And I did really truly start as a, as a baby. I was very young other than one year at, Oklahoma City Public Schools and. One year at Guthrie, the rest has been part of the technology center system. So I've seen what we used to call August conference. Now the summit go from almost a week long to really two days, day and a half, two days.

Dr. Steve Tiger: So the first day we have the general session, you have some breakout sessions and, you know,

Ryan (Host): a lot of great PD goes on in those,

Dr. Steve Tiger: a lot, a lot of professional development. And I try to attend what I can, but especially the, the general session so that I can see all of our team members, which it's just wonderful to see.

Dr. Steve Tiger: Tulsa Tech really showed up and the awards. I mean, that was, that was impressive. I, I can't list them all. I'll leave someone out, but. To all of our O-K-A-C-T-E and A CTE award winners and volunteers. Just thank you for representing Tulsa Tech so much. And then for superintendents, as you mentioned.

Dr. Steve Tiger: We do go to a room together the second day and it starts at eight o'clock and uh, 

Ryan (Host): I'm sure there's jokes out there that people just chatting about.

Dr. Steve Tiger: Oh yeah.

Ryan (Host): What's in this dark room that you guys are all meeting about?

Dr. Steve Tiger: Yeah, a lot of it are just updates. We get updates from our state director, director Haken, our association, executive director, sky McNeil. We had a legislative panel. , And then just discuss discussing. Current events and kind of where we're headed as a technology center system. So what's really cool, , to be part of the technology center system, I say that 'cause that's just one component of career tech, but it's a big component. , There are just 29 of us and, , there's been a lot of changes in that group since, since I've been, , attending those meetings.

Dr. Steve Tiger: Now this is. My 18th year going on 18 years as superintendent, four years at Pioneer Tech, and this is my 14th year here. So, I was, I was the baby on the street now I think outta the 29. There's only one other superintendent that has been a superintendent as long as I have been, which is really. , Really odd to to think about.

Dr. Steve Tiger: I'm still one of the younger ones, but I just started when I was

Ryan (Host): Sure.

Dr. Steve Tiger: Very young.

Ryan (Host): Sure. 

Ryan (Host): And if you look at the trend, nationally, , superintendent roles aren't typically very long in their, in their nature.

Dr. Steve Tiger: Right.

Ryan (Host): Particularly in K through 12 districts. . But 3, 5, 8 years is about, it's right. From, from what we've been seeing, so 

Dr. Steve Tiger: That's right.

Dr. Steve Tiger: Yeah. It's, it's just, I've been blessed to. I've been given this opportunity, , over 13 years ago. , It's just, , it's a humbling opportunity. I don't take it lightly, but to know I've been in this seat for that amount of time. , Is, is, . Lot of, lot of different emotions I get when I, when I think about it.

Dr. Steve Tiger: So I'm, I'm, I'm blessed, like I said, to have had this role so long and I hope and pray I continue it until I retire and, . That, , that runway's getting shorter and shorter every year. 

Ryan (Host): Nah, don't be saying that. 

Ryan (Host): We, we are certainly glad you're here as well and we appreciate all your leadership, so

Dr. Steve Tiger: thank you sir.

Dr. Steve Tiger: Um, it's a team effort.

Ryan (Host): One other thing that I'd like to reminisce about a little that happened earlier this month is our back to school Bonanza that we call Reunion. . And we got, really got to celebrate our 60th anniversary there and . And all of our district employee awards. . Our Hall of Fame.

Ryan (Host): . Our distinguished service award.

Dr. Steve Tiger: Right.

Ryan (Host): Things like that. So. Share with us a little bit about your experience at Reunion this year. 

Dr. Steve Tiger: Well, this reunion was a little, little interesting to me because the week before I was extremely sick. , I don't know if it was a stomach flu or what. And so I honestly didn't know if I had it in me to do my part, but I prayed and it worked out.

Dr. Steve Tiger: I got through it, and I think it ended up being maybe, at least from my standpoint, the best reunion we've, we've had so far. , And a lot of it was celebrating the 60 years of, of Tulsa Tech and, , the award winners, that's always a fan favorite, something that I really enjoy. Our employee, and as you mentioned, hall of Fame and distinguished, , service award.

Dr. Steve Tiger: So it just, it was a wonderful day. We've learned over the years, we've gotten a lot of feedback from employees, so we've tweaked. , Reunion, state of the district, how we go about those types of events. And one, for example, there's a lot more networking time. , We also have what we call a legacy circle, pardon me, which are those employees that have been here 25 years or more.

Dr. Steve Tiger: So we have a, a special luncheon for them, and then we just get to talk to them and, and listen to stories and, and, those are always interesting and, and that's, that's a high point for me is just celebrating, we talk a lot about our new employees and we wanna welcome them and make 'em feel at home at Tulsa Tech and support 'em.

Dr. Steve Tiger: But we truly have so much to owe to those employees that have been here for. Years and years and years that have helped make Tulsa Tech, what it is today. 

Ryan (Host): And not only do you get to hear the fun stories from way back when, but also you get to maybe glean or gather some institutional knowledge

Dr. Steve Tiger: Absolutely.

Ryan (Host): That maybe you wouldn't have gathered in a formal meeting and things like that. 

Dr. Steve Tiger: Absolutely. Yeah. Yeah. 

Dr. Steve Tiger: We try to keep it really informal and, and have that discussion going. So that was, it was, it was a great day and I was glad that I got through it. And then actually after Reunion, I came down with COVID, so I've had a.

Dr. Steve Tiger: I've had a rough run the last couple weeks, and I'm, I'm ready to start feeling a little bit better so I can lead to your expectations. 

Ryan (Host): Well, as we mentioned earlier, at the time of this recording, were a couple of weeks already into the traditional school year. From your perspective though, what, what do you hope students are feeling and experiencing right now as they settle in?

Dr. Steve Tiger: Mm-hmm. , And I'm mostly talking o obviously you're returning students, you know, you want them to just be. As, as excited and as eager as they were, , the previous year. , And for the most part, I'm sure they are, that's why they come back. But, , for our new students, , especially high school students, but adults as well, I think sometimes we forget how big of a, a deal it is, especially our high school students leaving their school, getting transportation or driving here across the district to one of our campuses.

Dr. Steve Tiger: , Not knowing a lot of people, they're still young. It's a huge transition and to be at Tulsa Tech for half their day, , a whole new environment. So what I, what I know we do well and I wanna thank our, , faculty and staff. 'cause it takes all of us, not just instructors, but everyone that comes across a student is to make them feel welcomed, , and appreciated.

Dr. Steve Tiger: Because Tulsa Tech is a school of choice. , People don't have to attend here. , But our reputation is, , sets us apart and word of mouth is important. Our career advisors do a great job at recruitment and enrollment. , We have a waiting list of of students that's a lot longer than what I would, would like and we're trying to work on on that because what we have to offer students is really, is really special, not only to them to help them improve their lives through.

Dr. Steve Tiger: Educating them for success in the workplace, but also help the companies that, that we support. So, , most of all, I just hope in the beginning they feel, excited, but also welcomed and comfortable and at peace with their decision to be a Tulsa Tech student. 

Ryan (Host): Do you still get that nervous energy at the start of the traditional school year, or is it old hat now?

Dr. Steve Tiger: I think it's a, a little bit of, I, I don't know about nervousness. I get a little anxious, , which I, I deal with that from time to time anyway, so. Anytime. There's a lot going on in the new school year with Reunion and all that, and now we're, we're building a new large facility. There's just a lot on our plates right now, so I, my anxiety level tends to

Ryan (Host): do, you kind of lean towards what could happen and like looking at the future and in terms of logistical stuff?

Dr. Steve Tiger: Yeah. 

Dr. Steve Tiger: There's always risks and challenges and, but I have an amazing team, not just my team, this entire, , staff, the team at Tulsa Tech, they. , They make my job easier, , than, than it could be because of their talent and their passion and what, what they do. So, can't think 'em enough.

Ryan (Host): Do you have any favorite memories of your first days of school?

Dr. Steve Tiger: Oh wow. I have to think back a little bit. , You know,, in, in high school, I was always involved in athletics, so. That was always exciting to me, you know, starting back to school with football season and, and so I was, I was always excited about that. Probably less about the classwork. I didn't go to the technology center, so I didn't have that experience.

Dr. Steve Tiger: But, but yeah, I mean, it's always, it's always exciting, but at the same time it can be a little, , create a little anxiety and, and overwhelming, and I know our students feel that too, and that's why it's so important that we make 'em feel comfortable. 

Ryan (Host): Sure. As you kind of look beyond the first few weeks, what goals or priorities are you most excited to see progress on this school year?

Dr. Steve Tiger: Well, we've talked about it, , quite a bit, , but we do have a big project on our, on our plate, and it's the largest, , construction project in the history of Tulsa Tech and probably ever will be. , Honestly, I don't know that for sure. , But it's over 350,000 square feet of instructional space. So that is gonna take a lot of our attention is focusing on that construction project that will take almost three years.

Dr. Steve Tiger: . So we'll have our hands full for a while. , But I'm also, I'm always excited to hear the student success stories and the outcomes. And that's, that's what it's all about. You know, that facility, is is exciting. , But the most important part is what, what happens in our buildings that magic with our instructors and staff working with those students.

Dr. Steve Tiger: And, and so I know we'll have a couple, at least one opportunities for me this year to sit down with a student and have an interview. And I love to, I'd love to hear their stories and how we've, how we've changed their life for the better. So, most, most exciting thing is for me to. To see the students experience that success, 

Ryan (Host): those outcomes really are the, , the importance of what we do here.

Dr. Steve Tiger: Absolutely.

Ryan (Host): Obviously, as, as they enter their careers and, and are excited about that, we see those change, those changing lives and those tax brackets each and every year, so

Dr. Steve Tiger: Right. Right.

Ryan (Host): That really is important.

Dr. Steve Tiger: That's right.

Ryan (Host): And so you mentioned it, , we're. Building for the future on our flagship campus.

Ryan (Host): . The Career Education Center has, , broken ground, so to speak.

Dr. Steve Tiger: Yes. I've gotta get that name right. Career Education Center.

Ryan (Host): That's right. 

Ryan (Host): , Can you give our listeners any updates on that project? 

Dr. Steve Tiger: Well, it has kicked off, , they're getting some of the, the, , fundamental structural work, , in place right now.

Dr. Steve Tiger: , That I take probably a month or two. And then they'll start seeing the con, the real construction happen. , So far, , the bidding process, , we have a general contractor, , and then they bid out all the subcontracts, which there are many from drywall to concrete, , to steal on and on and on. , So there's a lot of subcontracts, , that the board has approved and they're turned over then to the construction management company.

Dr. Steve Tiger: And they take it from there. , So it's, it's moving along as we would want it to. No hiccup so far. ,

Ryan (Host): Knock on wood. Yeah, yeah.

Dr. Steve Tiger: I'm sure if you. Interview me at the end of the year, I'm, I'll be able to share a few 

Dr. Steve Tiger: challenges that we experienced. 

Ryan (Host): Of course, that is within a construction project.

Dr. Steve Tiger: That's right.

Ryan (Host): And I've heard rumors that actually some of our trade students will actually be able to participate or get involved in that project a little 

Dr. Steve Tiger: . You know, that'd be, that'd be nice. Um, we'll have to work with the general contractor on that. I'm, I'm sure there's liability and risk involved

Ryan (Host): of course.

Dr. Steve Tiger: But we'll, that, that would be nice to see them involved at, at some level.

Dr. Steve Tiger: It's just such a big, intense project. It might be. , A little limited, , when it comes to student opportunities, but we'll try to involve them when we can. 

Ryan (Host): For sure. Well, let's take a quick break. When we come back, we'll dive a little bit into some district roles and staff priorities. .

Commercial: Oklahoma Career take, it's where confidence is built.

Commercial: It's more than just practice. It is developing the skills to build a successful future. 

Commercial: We're doing work that matters 

Commercial: to more than just us. So when a family needs me, 

Commercial: when my community needs me, when Oklahoma needs me, I'll be ready.

Ryan (Host): Okay, welcome back everyone. We are chatting with our superintendent and CEO, Dr. Steve Tiger. Dr. Tiger. Before the break, we talked, quite a bit about the new Career education center, the final phase of our Lemley Memorial campus redesign. That facility will be a game changer for students in the greater community.

Ryan (Host): We kind of talked about that a little bit. Is there a specific aspect of that building that has you most excited? 

Dr. Steve Tiger: It's, it's more of the programming. We started planning for this building, well over five years ago, probably closer to seven. So it's been interesting since we had to pause due to COVID, which actually worked out to our vantage.

Dr. Steve Tiger: We're able to save more, more funds to, to be able to, to move forward with the building. But the programming during that time, had, had, has changed. It's evolved. Just an example of how we have to stay current with what the job market is demanding and the needs are from employers. So not anything particular.

Dr. Steve Tiger: I, I think if I had to point out one thing. We will have a great food outside the programming, a great food service area. This is our largest, as you said, the main campus, if you will, and to have that food service opportunity for our students and staff will Nice. It's gonna be a beautiful place for, relaxing and, and networking.

Dr. Steve Tiger: Taking business clients, there for lunches, for breaks, but also I know a lot of the staff here at Lemley Memorial are very happy that we're bringing culinary back, and that was a decision that was made later in the game. Original, original plans did not have that. So years and years ago, actually when I first got here, we had, we had a culinary program.

Dr. Steve Tiger: And it was tied to the cafeteria. And so we moved all of those programs to Owasso because we had to tear the buildings down to prepare for construction, and we didn't think we were gonna bring it back. But we, through the town halls actually, I got a lot of staff input, just really hoping that we would.

Dr. Steve Tiger: So, , why not? You know?

Ryan (Host): And I think those culinary arts programs really lend themselves well to the conference center. Up in Owasso. But yes, I think the staff here at, at Lemley Memorial is gonna be super pumped about not only the cafeteria, but also that culinary program coming back.

Dr. Steve Tiger: Yeah. Owasso great. But it is a drive for some students. So one of the keys to , Lemley Memorial Campus is the centrally located to our district. Yeah. So a lot of students aren't able to make that drive to Owasso. So this, this will be a. A great opportunity for not only us, but, but also those students.

Ryan (Host): Obviously that's such a large construction project. It really garners the attention of a lot of folks across the district to put in the work to make that happen. But are there any other interesting initiatives or projects that are coming down the road that maybe folks should be aware of? 

Dr. Steve Tiger: You know, we're always focused on our strategic planning initiatives, and we will continue to fine tune those throughout the year.

Dr. Steve Tiger: We did add, I think this is, , most people know by now, but a new cabinet member. So we restructured, a couple years ago where, instead of having three associate superintendents, we have one deputy now, Dr. Williams, and then we have four executive directors and they're just doing an amazing job.

Dr. Steve Tiger: I want to thank them for the work. And the, the goal there was is to have less leaders, , on the fourth floor. Working at the strategic level, board level, external level, and more high level leaders on the ground supporting directors, which then supports everyone else. And, , they're just knocking the ball outta the park.

Dr. Steve Tiger: And so, , we had a couple retirements, , Joyce McClellan, Robert Franklin, and that left a big void with community outreach and, and development. So, we created this. This position, and I'm glad to announce, you all know this, but Angela Durant Tyson, who worked here for years in many roles, we brought her back from another technology center that stole her to begin with.

Dr. Steve Tiger: So she, she's doing a great job. That's an important role to the district. Tulsa area. Tulsa region is, is huge. There's a lot of philanthropic, organizations. There's a lot of demand for. Partnering or looking at partnering opportunities should also be liaison with our foundation. But I've also stressed with her the importance of outreach internally and attending as much campus functions as possible to be able to bring inside and information back to the rest of the cabinet members so that we can better understand what the, what the challenges and needs are.

Dr. Steve Tiger: So. That's, that's not an initiative, but it, in a way, I guess it, that body of work is, and, and I'm, I'm excited about, having that in place. 

Ryan (Host): Yeah. That's awesome. Glad she's back. 

Dr. Steve Tiger: Yes. Yes. 

Ryan (Host): So, , kind of along those lines, how do you balance those long-term district goals with immediate needs of students, staff, and the community?

Dr. Steve Tiger: Mm-hmm. That's a, that's a great question. That's one of the. One of the, I wouldn't say difficult, things that we have to do, but it certainly is challenging. We do a great job here with planning, , planning and, and, and tying that back to our mission from capital improvement to our budget, strategic planning and, and the cabinet especially spends a lot of time with that and working with the board and so.

Dr. Steve Tiger: That's really how we identify, you know, priorities, not just today, but then looking ahead through planning. Where, where are the needs? So every year is usually a three to five year plan. I'll use capital improvement, for example. You know, we have this major project going on that's gonna take a lot of funds, but you also have six campuses, 23 extension programs.

Dr. Steve Tiger: You've got staff members that we wanna make sure we're always, , one of the, the best paying districts, , in our system at a competitive level to attract and retain the, the best employees. So you, you have to balance all that because if you just think of the budget as being a pie and you cut that up and there's a lot of pieces, you can't just think of.

Dr. Steve Tiger: The future, you gotta address the needs that are there today. And capital improvement's. Just an example of how we go about that. And it's quite a process. We get director input, hopefully they're getting employee input. We move that forward to the executive team level. And then we make decisions, the best ones we can and recommendations to the board.

Dr. Steve Tiger: So a lot of it is just is planning and getting information from the right people. 

Ryan (Host): It's balancing that business aspect to the human impact.

Dr. Steve Tiger: Absolutely.

Ryan (Host): Always. Well give and take there,

Dr. Steve Tiger: right yeah, that's right.

Ryan (Host): So, and lastly, we sort of touched upon this earlier. When you think about the year ahead, what's the single biggest priority you want every staff member to feel in their work?

Dr. Steve Tiger: Hmm. You know, I had a conversation with, , one of my direct reports, , today, somewhat about that. And I think the longer I've been in this role, the more I've under come to the understanding that it's important, especially as leaders, to help all of our staff members feel supported, empowered, they have the resources they need to do the job well.

Dr. Steve Tiger: I'm not a micromanager, so I just try to get out of people's way, and I'm here to help if they need it, but it's more about supporting them and giving them the resources they need, empower them. And then most importantly, , what we've been focused on, , very much, the last few years is the, the culture, not just our core values.

Dr. Steve Tiger: Those, , are values we need to all be trying to uphold. , But I, I call it a culture of trust. , Just being transparent and, and open and willing to listen, to different ideas even when we don't agree and have conversations where I think today more than every, especially with a lot of the younger individuals in the workplace, that that support and that engagement and just the culture of, of trust is, is what I really.

Dr. Steve Tiger: You know, hope we're all working towards as a district, because I, I cannot do that alone. It takes not just our directors and our leaders, but it takes every employee. And I said this at Reunion, you know, I dealt with the health issue, a couple weeks ago, and I was pretty much down and out. My team, you know, stepped up.

Dr. Steve Tiger: They surrounded me. They took care of things. There were no issues. , And we have coworkers, , that, you know, might have a health issue. They might be struggling with something else. , And we just need to be there for each other as a, as a family, if you will, to, to help, , uplift individuals when, when they need it.

Dr. Steve Tiger: And, uh, hopefully they'll do the same for us when. When we need it. I'm a, I'm a counselor from a long time ago, so that probably comes out in my leadership style, but I think the, the more as a district that we can work towards that, the better. Not only we'll be in our positions, but the better. Quality job we'll be able to do for our students.

Ryan (Host): Not only will we be singing the same song, rowing the boat in the same direction, all those cliches.

Dr. Steve Tiger: Right.

Ryan (Host): But we'll also be building that family atmosphere

Dr. Steve Tiger: Absolutely.

Ryan (Host): Together. So yeah, I appreciate that. Thank you so much. And thank you for being here and joining us today. 

Dr. Steve Tiger: You're welcome. My pleasure.

Announcer: Thank you for listening to the Tech Times Podcast. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. And be sure to like us on social media.