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 As
a high school sophomore growing up in the small southwest Oklahoma
town of Fletcher, Harry Birdwell experienced an important "defining
moment" in his life.
That moment which occurred in a vocational student organization,
FFA, would literally change his life's direction. It also makes
Birdwell one of Oklahoma's Career Tech Champions.
Career Tech Champions are alumni of the system's programs or
student organizations who have found success in a career and
attribute much of that success to their career tech experience.
As a self-admitted "unmotivated student" Birdwell,
who is now vice president for Business and External Relations
at Oklahoma State University, said he was doing just enough to
get by.
"My agricultural education teacher pulled me aside to tell
me that while I had as much ability as anyone in our FFA chapter,
I was giving less than anyone, he said.
That "get in or get out" challenge motivated him to
change. He soon discovered that FFA's leadership development
activities, parliamentary procedure, and group leadership dynamics
fascinated him.
Before long he was participating in FFA public speaking contests,
running for chapter offices, emceeing programs and banquets,
and giving public addresses on behalf of FFA.
"Those skills have translated to everything I have done
from that moment. Leadership skills affect everything,"
he said.
 In
1967, Birdwell was elected as FFA's southwest district vice president
and one year later was chosen as president of the Oklahoma FFA.
In 1969, he was elected president of the 450,000 member National
FFA Organization. It was an experience that changed his
life.
"I learned that I cannot always control
what goes on around me, but I can always control how I react
to what goes on around me. I also learned the importance
of serving others."
He learned that by helping others achieve their goals and dreams,
he achieved his goals and dreams. Birdwell graduated from Oklahoma
State University in 1972 with a bachelor's degree and later earned
a juris doctorate from the University of Oklahoma in 1975.
His first job after graduation was executive vice president of
the Edmond Chamber of Commerce. One year later, he was named
general manager of the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, a post
he held for three years.
He then became executive director for Oklahoma Association of
Rural Electric Cooperatives, later resigning to serve five years
as an investment banker.
There, he learned another of life's great lessons. There is greater
joy and satisfaction from helping people improve their lives
than from making a lot of money.
Birdwell receives the President's
Service Award from OSU President, Dr. James Haligan. |
Armed with his new resolve
for public service, he became an OSU vice president in 1989.
"I love the university, the diversity, the kids, and I love
watching them grow and develop."
As an OSU vice president, Birdwell uses the
skills he learned through his career tech involvement every day.
"Whether evaluating opportunities for the university, making
public speeches, or interacting in committee meetings, I use
the skills learned through my agricultural education program
and FFA," said Birdwell. |
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"Technology changes in every field.
But human relations are constant. How you deal with people and
the regard and concern and empathy you have for people doesn't
change."
Birdwell leaves little doubt about the tremendous impact his
vo-tech experience has had on his life and how much he treasures
the skills he gained.
"I am who I am today because of those
experiences," he said.
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Birdwell Familly, L
to R, Brandon, Ashley, Cindy (wife), Harry.
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His advice for today's young people?
"Find out what you love. Search until you find it. Get a
strong education. And, don't underestimate your potential."
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