Oklahoma: A Story Through Her People

GORDON COOPER
TECHNOLOGY
CENTER
Above: Astronaut Gordon Cooper.
Real-world learning at Gordon Cooper
Technology Center offers adults and high
school students many pathways to success in
a range of careers.
Career-focused training from experienced
instructors prepares students for success in
areas such as nursing, aviation maintenance,
advanced manufacturing and many other
career fields. Seasoned professionals in
GCTC’s Business and Industry Services
division respond to the needs of retail and
manufacturing clients with innovative business
solutions, setting them up for success.
The Gordon Cooper Technology Center
district covers more than 1,600 square miles
in parts of eleven counties including most of
Pottawatomie, Seminole, and Lincoln Counties.
The Gordon Cooper Technology Center
story began the evening of August 2, 1966,
during a meeting called by Senator Ralph
Graves at the request of area educators. Fifty
school leaders from thirteen communities
participated in the initial meeting.
On November 1, 1967, Bill Weaver of
Shawnee was elected president of the new
vo-tech district school board. Weaver was an
influential community leader and general
manager of KGFF Radio in Shawnee for
thirty-three years. John Paul Brown of Dale,
was named vice president; and Doyle Greer
of Prague, clerk, along with members John
Marshall of Seminole; and Raymond Moon of
New Lima. The new board approved naming
the tech center in honor of Astronaut Gordon
Cooper, a Shawnee native who was a pioneer
of space exploration.
On July 1, 1968, Dr. John C. Bruton was
named the first superintendent. A formal
groundbreaking ceremony at the I-40 and
Highway 18 school construction site was held
in November 1968 with Congressman Tom
Steed as the main speaker. An elaborate dedication
ceremony was conducted June 7, 1970.
A six-inch wide, red ribbon, which extended
all the way around the five original school
buildings, was cut to mark the occasion by
dignitaries including Astronaut Gordon Cooper.
Today, Gordon Cooper Technology Center
continues to build on this legacy, committed
to being the premier provider of workforce
training and business services in east central
Oklahoma. GCTC strives for excellence to
keep the school accountable and to empower
people, develop thriving families, vibrant
communities, and increase economic prosperity
for everyone in the district.
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