“ People come to Meridian for career training, professional development and personal growth, and we define success by how well we meet the unique needs of each person who walks through our doors,” Major said.
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Over the years, Meridian has served as both an educational resource and an economic development partner.
“ What makes Meridian special is our ability to listen, build strong relationships and respond quickly when our communities or industries identify a need,” Major said.“ We help people learn, grow and build better lives. That’ s what keeps Meridian moving forward, and that’ s what will continue to guide us for the next 50 years.”
Meridian offers full-time career training programs that prepare students for college, careers and emerging opportunities through hands-on learning and industry-based instruction. The training is available to residents from the Agra, Carney, Glencoe, Guthrie, Morrison, Mulhall-Orlando, Pawnee, Perkins-Tryon, Perry and Stillwater school districts. Meridian is also one of 29 schools within Oklahoma’ s CareerTech system.
During the 2025-26 academic year alone, Meridian students earned more than 2,000 industry certifications, equipping them with the skills and credentials to enter the workforce with confidence. More than 13,000 people enrolled in programs and courses at Meridian.
“ People come to Meridian for career training, professional development and personal growth, and we define success by how well we meet the unique needs of each person who walks through our doors,” Major said.
But Meridian doesn’ t measure its impact by the number of graduates, Major said.
“ People come to Meridian for career training, professional development and personal growth, and we define success by how well we meet the unique needs of each person who walks through our doors,” Major said.
Meridian’ s apprenticeship initiative has grown by leaps and bounds, combining in-class instruction with paid, on-the-job training while giving employers a direct role in developing their future workforce. Meridian’ s Workforce and Economic Development division also works with employers to solve problems and grow through customized training.
“ We’ re continuing to expand flexible training models that meet people where they are,” said Joe Steele, executive
Alex Evers, executive director of workforce and economic development( left), stands with students graduating from the Small Business University program, a partnership with the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce.( Photo provided)
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