Dr. Earl Cowan to retire Sept. 1 after 38 years of service

CHICKASHA - Canadian Valley Technology Center's Board of Education last night named Dr. Greg Winters as its new Superintendent to take over for Dr. Earl Cowan when he retires effective Sept. 1, 2008. Winters will become Superintendent Elect on July 1.

Winters came to Canadian Valley on August 15, 2007, as the Business and Industry Services Director at the Chickasha campus. His previous experience includes more than 20 years as Superintendent and Asst. Superintendent of Eastern Oklahoma County Technology Center and three years as Superintendent at Kiamichi Technology Center. He also served several years as a teacher and administrator in the Choctaw, Midwest City and Del City public school systems.

Winters has been actively involved throughout the years in civic and professional organizations, including Leadership Oklahoma Class VII, Oklahoma Vocational Association President, 1992-1993; National Technical Honor Society President, 1991-1992 and 1997-1998; NTHS Board of Directors since 1987; and past chairman of the Harrah Industrial and Economic Development Authority. Winters was also a member and past president of both the Choctaw Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis Club; as well as a charter member of the Eastern Oklahoma County Rotary Club.

Winters is a graduate of Mangum High School, and received his Bachelor's Degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He received a Master's Degree from Central State (University of Central Oklahoma) in Secondary School Administration and his doctorate in Occupational Adult Education from Oklahoma State University in 1992.

In his free time, Winters enjoys spending his time outdoors, golfing, hunting, fishing and cabinetry making. He and his wife Mary (Meme) have three children, J.J., 29; Dianna, 25; and Garrett, 22.