When Jeanette Blevins, culinary arts instructor at Northwest Technology Center's Fairview Campus comes into work each morning, she is excited to be there. Blevins even commutes over an hour to work each morning.

Blevins stated that she has enjoyed working at NWTC for the past three years. "Northwest Technology Center is a welcoming, friendly environment with a get group of people who make everyone feel like they are a part of the team."

In August, Northwest Technology Center was notified that they were selected as one of the 2017 Best Places to Work in Oklahoma in the medium to small workforce category. Last week, at a recognition luncheon, it was announced that NWTC made the Top 10.

"Being recognized in the tenth spot was very exciting," stated Gerald Harris, NWTC's superintendent. "This avenue for recognition was suggested for our organization during the 2015 accreditation process. I am proud of our administration, board of education and staff for making NWTC a great place to work!"

The annual list is created by the Best Companies Group, which contracts with the Oklahoma Journal Record to generate list for large employers and medium to small employers. The recognition luncheon was held at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City.

The awards are judged based on the number of surveys completed by the employees of each respective company who participates in the process. A lengthy questionnaire covering employee benefits and work environment, as well as workplace culture and management philosophy, are also taken into consideration.

During the duration of the survey, which happened over the summer, NWTC's administration had no idea who completed the survey and who did not. "We were glad to learn that all of our full-time employees responded to the survey," stated Harris. NWTC had 100 percent participation in the process.

When asked what makes NWTC such a great place to work, Blevins stated that the administration encourages a family-oriented atmosphere, collaboration, professional development and continuing education of employees. Also, community involvement and supporting the students is also important.

Northwest Technology Center has 53 full-time employees between the Alva and the Fairview campuses. The district includes the school districts of Alva, Aline-Cleo, Canton, Cherokee, Fairview, Freedom, Ringwood and Waynoka.