Chris Jones Receives 2026 Dr. Dennis Portis III Rising Star Award
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Chris Jones, Health Careers Certifications instructor at Moore Norman Technology Center, was announced as a recipient of the OkACTE Dennis Portis III Rising Star Award. This award recognizes individuals who have made a significant impact in CTE. These individuals have demonstrated leadership, devotion and a strong commitment to the success of the Oklahoma CareerTech system.
Dr. Dennis Portis, III had a legacy as a leader. Dr. Portis began his teaching career at Metro Technology Centers in 2003 as a pre-engineering instructor. After becoming passionate about education, he went on to get his master's degree in Education and later received his Ph.D. in Education Administration in 2013 and became the Associate Superintendent of Instruction at Metro Technology Centers.
While short in tenure, he has been compared to Dr. Arch Alexander and Dr. Francis Tuttle, and his legacy as a leader has been felt throughout every aspect of our education system. Everyone who met Dr. Portis remembers his genuine caring approach and his heartwarming smile. He was extremely thoughtful and thorough, and his leadership style is still discussed among those who had the privilege to work with him. He was highly respected among his peers, community and students. He had a gift to find the potential in someone and dedicated his career to investing his time and the success of others.
Chris was recognized at the Monday General Awards Session of the 59th Annual Oklahoma Summit! The annual conference is hosted by Oklahoma CareerTech and OkACTE and brings together over 4,000 educators, administrators, industry partners, and technology center leaders from across the state for two days of collaboration, learning, and leadership development.