“I am passionate about sharing the importance of precision and craftsmanship. I want the value of accuracy, attention to detail, and taking pride in your work to be at the heart of everything my students do.”
Robert Adams is a construction technology instructor at Southern Oklahoma Technology Center in Ardmore, Oklahoma. His passion for the trades began at 14, working in his uncle’s carpentry business, and grew stronger through his high school carpentry classes. After graduation, he gained experience working in his former shop teacher’s construction business before launching his own and simultaneously earning a degree in history with a minor in education. Combining practical skills with academic knowledge led Adams to teaching at Southern Tech, where he has leadership roles both on campus and in ACTE and SkillsUSA.
Adams’ program emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning as students advance from basic carpentry to interior and exterior finishing and cabinet making, eventually building custom pool decks, greenhouse frames, and dog kennels. They collaborate on campus renovation projects and builds for other school programs, including HVAC, electric, and cosmetology. Students also lead community projects building beds for the children’s shelter, playhouses for fundraisers, school picnic tables, and stools for the animal shelter. Adams works with a board of local industry professionals who advise on industry needs and standards and offer job-shadowing, internships, and employment. His alumni own successful and lucrative construction and cabinet-making businesses, and work for major building companies. Adams is passionate about preparing his students with the technical and leadership skills to succeed in any career.
Notes of Excellence
- On average, 97 percent of Adams’ students earn OSHA10, National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI), and Oklahoma Careertech certifications.
- As a SkillsUSA advisor, Adams has led championship-winning teams to state and national competitions in Carpentry and Cabinet Making.
- His students have a 94 percent positive placement rate into career opportunities after completing his program.