Mid-America Technology Center (MATC) is celebrating the careers and contributions of two longtime employees, Kyla Perry and Tommy Blackwood, while also recognizing the service of a dedicated member of the MATC Board of Education.

After five years of service to Mid-America students, staff, and community partners, Kyla Perry, Business Office Assistant teacher, is retiring from Mid-America Technology Center.

Perry brought more than three decades of educational experience to Mid-America Technology Center, where she played a key role in launching the Business Office Assistant program in 2021.

Drawing on her extensive background and strong connections with local businesses, she helped develop a curriculum that prepared students with the skills and professionalism needed to succeed in today's workforce.

“Kyla was committed to ensuring that everyone—students and colleagues alike—had the best three hours of their day in her classroom. Her dedication to excellence in education has made a lasting impact on countless students and every school district she served.” Assistant Superintendent Dallas Krout said.

Tommy Blackwood, Trainer for the Professional Resource & Outreach (PRO) Department, has served MATC for 18 years and has played an important role in supporting workforce development and industry partnerships through the PRO Department.

Blackwood began as an adjunct instructor in 2008 before joining MATC full time in 2014. With more than 40 years of industry experience, he brought extensive expertise in oil and gas, construction, OSHA safety, heavy equipment training, crane operator training, rigging and signaling, confined space safety, H2S gas safety, and line locator training.

His ability to connect with clients and relate to their workforce made him a valued resource for industry partners across the region.

Throughout his career, Blackwood helped organizations identify the right training opportunities for the right audience while contributing positively to the culture and mission of the PRO Department.

“Tommy’s extensive industry knowledge and ability to build relationships with our clients made him an invaluable part of the PRO team,” PRO Director Wade Jarlsberg said. “His commitment to workforce training and dedication to serving our industry partners will leave a lasting impact on Mid-America Technology Center and the communities we serve.”

Mid-America Technology Center also extends appreciation to former MATC Board of Education member Michael Dillinger for his years of service and leadership on the board.

During his time on the MATC Board, Dillinger helped support the mission of career and technology education and advocated for opportunities that benefit students, workforce development, and the communities served by Mid-America Technology Center.

“Mr. Dillinger took his role as board president very seriously. He was never afraid to ask tough questions and consistently prioritized being a responsible steward of the district’s resources while supporting the staff, students, and communities he served”, Superintendent Mike Eubank said.

Mid-America Technology Center thanks Perry, Blackwood and Dillinger for their dedication, commitment and lasting impact on the institution and the communities it serves.

Mid-America Technology Center provides career and technology education opportunities for high school students, adult students, business and industry partners and community members across its district.

Mid-America is committed to helping students and workforce partners discover their competitive advantage through quality education and training programs.