Biz Look – Francis Tuttle Technology Center
There’s no such thing as a typical Francis Tuttle student. The person entering the classroom might be a single dad, a teenager, an entrepreneur, or a retiree. Superintendent Dr. Michelle Keylon wants each one to succeed. “I love that we help so many different groups of people,” she says.
New Leadership
Dr. Keylon is brand new to her job as superintendent, but she’s a very familiar face around campus. She joined the Francis Tuttle team in 2005 as an instructional director. She has served in many roles since then, most recently as deputy superintendent.
Her first dream was to perform and teach dance, but she majored in business for better job opportunities. Her advisor at OSU suggested that teaching business would be an excellent way to channel her passion for education. She never looked back.
Dr. Keylon is eager to increase Francis Tuttle’s outreach in the community. The school is planning a new campus, expansion of the main Rockwell site, more support for entrepreneurs, and a fourth academy for high school students.
Expanding in Edmond
Starting in August 2021, it will be easier than ever for Edmond area students to participate in Francis Tuttle’s popular career training programs. Construction begins this fall on a new campus near Danforth and Sooner Roads. “We wanted to be close to all the Edmond high schools,” says Dr. Keylon. “It’s important for us to partner with the Edmond schools and community. We love being a part of that.”
The campus will offer all the current career academies and a brand new academy: entrepreneurship. It will also feature many programs to support entrepreneurs and businesses.
A National Treasure
OKC area residents already know about the high-quality career training Francis Tuttle provides. But many people don’t know that the school’s reputation for excellence extends far beyond our state borders. “Oklahoma has one of the best career tech programs in the country,” says Dr. Keylon. “Other states look to us as a model.”
Going forward, Dr. Keylon hopes to build on that success. “I love how immediately we can see the impact we have on people’s lives,” she says. “I wouldn’t want to do anything else.”
Visit Francis Tuttle Technology Center at francistuttle.edu.
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