A Life Built on Tech

For Leslie and Steve Cummings, Tulsa Tech isn't just a place of work, it's woven into every chapter of their lives. From high school sweethearts to longtime employees, their journey reflects the heart of CareerTech education and the impact it can have across generations.

Leslie has been part of the Tulsa Tech family for nearly 16 years. Her path began at the Health Sciences Center, where she worked as an Office Support II for Career and Technical Student Organizations and counseling. She later supported the Licensed Practical Nurse program.

“Barbara Hagy (former campus director) said I did so well that they gave me LPN support as well,” Leslie said. “I’m always about promoting, always thinking, ‘Okay, I’ll stick my neck out and hope it doesn’t get chopped off.’”

Her husband, Steve, has taught Automotive Service Technology at the Broken Arrow Campus for 25 years. He started as an adjunct instructor at just 23 and became a full-time instructor at 25. His teaching roots trace back to his time as a student at Tulsa Tech in 1991, where he was named the District’s Student of the Year.

“Mr. Gene Kirkpatrick absolutely loved Steve,” Leslie said. “He helped him get his education and lined him up to eventually teach at Tech.”

“When I was a senior in high school, I had a really good bond with my teacher, and I felt that I was meant to teach as well,” Steve said. “I knew that if I could teach students, that over time, they'd be great, taxpaying citizens too. And it would help them progress in their career, so they could have a better lifestyle.”

Their connection to Tulsa Tech stretches even further. Leslie attended Catoosa High School, where she took CareerTech classes in Secretary Specialties for three hours a day. Her instructor, Patty Denton, later became a Tulsa Tech instructor herself.

“We’ve really lived in the Tech world since high school,” Leslie said.

That “Tech world” became the foundation for their family. The couple married young and built a life centered around education and opportunity.

“Our whole livelihood has been dependent on Tulsa Tech and all these mentors,” Leslie said. “They helped us better our situation from what we grew up with, for our children and ourselves.”

“Once you're here at Tulsa Tech, it becomes your second home,” said Steve. “We care for the people we work with and the students we teach.”

Through the years, Leslie has held a variety of roles at a number of district locations and worked alongside countless campus leaders and mentors.

“Even though Steve’s at Broken Arrow, I still feel like part of their family too,” she said.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Leslie was part of a team responsible for contact tracing across the District, a task that connected her with nearly every employee. Her dedication earned her the title of Tulsa Tech Employee of the Year.

Today, Leslie serves as the Conference Services Coordinator at the Owasso Campus. She took over the position in June, stepping into a role that she says came with “big shoes to fill.” She’s focused on unifying conference services across the District and enjoys the creative side of the job.

“I love events, table décor and floral arranging,” she said. “When it looks good, I get giddy. Decorating the tree in the lobby of the conference center makes me excited.”

With help from colleague Jason Durham, she began using a 3D printer to create table pieces for events like the District’s annual back-to-school bash we call Reunion. She’s also found a new passion in “Jeeping”.

Steve bought me an old Jeep and fixed it up for my birthday,” Leslie said. “We’ve gone off-roading at Grand Lake and even tackled the Alpine Loop in Colorado. There’s nothing like seeing what God has painted for us.”

The Cummings’ children, Skylar and Hollie, have followed their parents’ example. Skylar completed Tulsa Tech’s Paramedic program and now serves as a fireman in Owasso, while Hollie graduated from the Early Care & Education program, earned her degree and now teaches kindergarten in Coweta.

Leslie loves hearing how Tulsa Tech has changed lives, including one former student who told her she helped him secure free tuition years ago.

“There isn’t anything about Tulsa Tech that I don’t get excited about because you never know who you can help,” she said.

From the classroom to the conference center, the Cummings family loves to empower students, families and communities through hands-on learning and heart-driven mentorship.

“I could have run a pretty big business and probably made more money, but I wouldn't have felt and seen all the good stuff that happens around here for these students,” Steve said. “I am thankful that this path chose me because I've had a great ride. I don't think I would change a thing.”

“Steve has never forgotten what a blessing Tulsa Tech and CareerTech have been,” Leslie said. “And we’re proud to share that blessing with the next generation.”