Debbie Bartel, former Director of Adult Health Careers and Nursing at Indian Capital Technology Center (ICTC), was awarded the prestigious Oklahoma Association of Career and Technology Education (OkACTE) Lifetime Achievement Award on August 4, during the 58th annual Oklahoma Summit in Tulsa. The event welcomed over 4,000 Career and Technology Education (CTE) professionals from across the state.

The OkACTE Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes professionals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and lasting contributions to the CTE field over the span of their careers. In addition to this honor, Bartel was also named a finalist for the 2025 OkACTE Administrator of the Year Award, which highlights administrators who have significantly impacted the success of teachers and students through exemplary leadership and program development.

Bartel began her impactful career in 1988 as a Practical Nursing Instructor at W.P. Willis Skills Center in Tahlequah. She joined ICTC’s Sallisaw campus in 1990, where she played a critical role in launching the campus’s first Practical Nursing (PN) program. Over the following decades, she assumed increasing leadership roles, ultimately serving as Director of Nursing and Adult Health Careers until her retire-ment on June 30, 2025.

During her tenure, Bartel was instrumental in expanding ICTC’s nursing and allied health programs. Under her leadership, the PN program grew from a single cohort of 24 students to six programs across the district, educating up to 148 students annually by 2024. She also helped establish professional programs in Radiology Technology, Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), and Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), the latter two in partnership with Connors State College, allowing students to earn both an Associate’s degree and ICTC certification.

Bartel spearheaded major infrastructure projects, including the development of the Adult Health Careers building at ICTC’s Muskogee campus in 2015, and contributed to securing grant funding for advanced instructional technology, including Anatomage Tables used in PN anatomy and physiology instruction. She also supported the construction of the Health Careers building at ICTC’s Coweta campus, expanding services to students from four area high schools and post-secondary programs.

Her innovative spirit led to the creation of a nationally recognized Practical Nursing program designed specifically for high school seniors. This accelerated program allows students to begin PN coursework during their senior year and graduate as Licensed Practical Nurses just 18 months later. In 2018, the program earned national acclaim from Advance CTE with the “Excellence in Action” award and has since been replicated by other Oklahoma technology centers.

A strong advocate for CareerTech student organizations, Bartel ensured ICTC students had opportunities to participate in HOSAFuture Health Professionals and other leadership groups, resulting in numerous district, state, and national competition winners.

Debbie Bartel’s dedication, vision, and lifelong service have left a transformative mark on ICTC and the future of health careers education across Oklahoma.

“Debbie Bartel’s career has been defined by unwavering dedication, visionary leadership, and a deep passion for student success. Her influence on nursing and allied health education at ICTC — and across Oklahoma — is both profound and lasting. From pioneering innovative programs to expanding opportunities for students of all ages, Debbie has left a legacy that will continue to impact generations of healthcare professionals,” ICTC Superintendent Tony Pivec said. “We are incredibly proud to see her receive the OkACTE Lifetime Achievement Award — a well-deserved recognition of a career committed to excellence in CareerTech education.”