Clarence Fortney is the current Superintendent/CEO at Great Plains Technology Center. During his 41 years there, he served as the Deputy Superintendent, Director of Instruction, Director of Secondary Education and Director of Adult Career and Development before assuming the distinct honor of becoming the Superintendent.
Before moving into administration, he enjoyed teaching high school welding for 8 years. Mr. Fortney attended Lawton Public Schools all 12 years where he graduated from Lawton High School and Great Plains Area Vocational School – Welding program in 1977. Following graduation, he worked 3 years as a certified pipe welder before returning to Great Plains to teach Welding.
He has earned degrees from the University of Central Oklahoma, the University of Oklahoma and completed is Oklahoma Department of Education, Superintendent’s certification coursework from Oklahoma State University. He currently serves as the Chair for the FISTA Development Trust Authority, Lawton Economic Development Corporation Board as a member and at the Lawton Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce as an ex-officio member.
Mr. Fortney has served as:
- Chairman of the Lawton Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce
- Chairman of the Lawton Fort Sill United Way Board of Directors
- Chairman of the Lawton Fort Sill Community Education Council
Mr. Fortney is an avid bicyclist and immensely enjoys his four granddaughters, all who live in the Lawton community. Clarence and his wife are active in their church, both co-teaching a young adult/married couples Sunday school class.