Logan covers the Microsoft program, 10-key and keyboarding, business English and business math as well as telephone skills in the core of her program.   

“Since I started requiring that they take the Microsoft certification exams, they are all as qualified as I am – some know the software better than I do,” said Logan.  “It is fine with me that they walk out of my class knowing more than I do.”

Once students have completed the core, they have the opportunity to learn graphic programs including Adobe Photoshop, Pagemaker and In-Design.  They learn to work on a variety of office equipment including a large laminator, color copier, black and white copier, risograph, t-shirt presses, a stitcher, computerized embroidery, laminators, a vinyl cutter and plotter.  They learn how to price jobs as well as other entrepreneurial skills.  

“I believe in technical education,” said Logan. “It is hands-on. The students do the work themselves so they don’t forget.” 

The majority of Logan’s students are considered non-traditional.  The program is self-paced which allows Logan the opportunity to place most of her students in new jobs throughout the year.  After tasting success in Logan’s classroom, some of her students find the courage to go on to more schooling rather than back to the work force. 

Menefee, Logan’s student, will finish her associates degree next year and rather than the head back to work as originally planned, she now has the confidence to pursue her ultimate goal.  She will head to Pittsburg State to study web design with a minor in multi-media.   

“Tina is an outstanding faculty member.  One of her greatest strengths is her ability to adapt to the varied learning styles that make up her classroom.  From the traditional student to the non-traditional – she has a diverse class of people, all with varying levels of ability,” said a co-worker who nominated Tina for the award.  “She structures her time so that she is available for one-on-one tutoring and her dedication to teaching shows in the success of her students.  She is committed to showing her students a wide variety of successes and has traveled all over the country with winning Business Professionals of America teams year after year – demonstrating that no matter the skill of the students, Tina can mold them into a successful unit.  Tina cares about the future of her students and will fiercely protect them from low-paying positions and jobs that do not utilize their new found skills.  She stays in contact with her graduates, further helping her adjust her classroom teachings to changes in the industry.”   

Prior to CCC, Logan spent 20 years with WEB and Sons.  The company owned grocery stores and rental properties.  Logan worked in the stores, design advertising and signs, did payroll and all the computer work.  She kept pricing up-to-date from all vendors and put the pricing into each register.  Prior to WEB and Sons she earned her cosmetology degree and had her own business for about five years.  That training has come back to help her in the CCC classroom. 

“If my students don’t have a job they can’t afford a hair cut,” said Logan.  “I will cut their hair before they go for an interview or their first job.” 

Logan will also go on shopping trips with them and help her students pick out appropriate work clothes.

Logan is married to Jeff, a pipe fitter/welder with Local Union 445.  The couple has three children.  Jadee Logan is 25 and works for Super Wal*Mart in Lawrence, Kan.  Jesse Logan is 23 and currently works as the assistant media director for Texas A&M Commerce.  In the fall he will work part time for the athletic department while he studies for his master’s degree in business.  Janel Logan is 21 and works for Boston Financial in Lawrence, Kan.  She will start classes at Washburn University this summer and plans to complete a degree in marketing before attending law school. 

In her spare time, Logan enjoys gardening, bird watching, taking care of her diverse animal population, cooking, canning and reading.  She was named the 2004 Educator of the Year by the Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce and has been named the Business Professionals of America Honor Advisor for the past 10 years.