Our Team

Meet the team behind our mission.

Sooner Job Challenge Staff

The SJC Staff includes several teams that specialize in different areas of Associate care, support, and education. Schedules and areas of expertise vary widely, but our mission remains the same: to produce young professionals who are prepared for life, ready to face any challenge, and equipped with the skills they need to thrive as young adults.

Leadership

State Youth Programs Director
Colonel Kevin Roland
OKARNG Military
Personnel Director

SJC Director
Rosemary Masters
OKARNG Chief Warrant
Officer Five, Retired

SJC Deputy Director
Matthew Tempelmeyer
LCSW

SJC Commandant
Johnnie Dale Moss
OKARNG Colonel, Retired

Program Departments

Outreach, Admissions, and Recruiting Outreach, Admissions, & Recruiting

OAR manages the full lifecycle of recruiting and admissions, from connecting with and educating Thunderbird cadets and graduates about SJC, to interviewing applicants and guiding candidates through the enrollment process. OAR also works to build community awareness and support for the shared mission of National Guard Youth ChalleNGe and Job ChalleNGe programs through school visits, social media, community outreach, and local partnerships.

Health Services Health Services

Health Services oversees the physical health of Associates. During weekdays, a nurse is available on campus to assess and care for Associates, along with managing medications and medical appointments. Associates also have access to a local Urgent Care seven days a week. Questions regarding illnesses, injuries, prescriptions, and appointments should be directed to the Health Services Department.

Operations Operations

Operations is committed to the 24/7 supervision and safety of our Associates, and also oversees their daily physical fitness. The staff most frequently in direct care of Associates are called Residential Advisors (RAs). Each shift of RAs is supervised by a shift supervisor referred to as a TAC, and the entire team is overseen by the Commandant and Assistant Commandant. Operations is committed to building a quasi-military culture of structure, discipline, and leadership, while providing daily mentorship and support to our Associates.

Counseling Counseling

Counseling teaches our Resiliency and Life Skills curriculums, provides individual and group counseling to Associates as needed, and oversees the Student Government. Counseling is committed to supporting the individual needs and mental health of our Associates, while teaching them the civic responsibility, teamwork, and soft skills they will need to make positive contributions as citizens and succeed as young professionals.

Education Education

Education is committed to supporting Associates in completing their high school or equivalency diplomas. Education provides instructional support and resources tailored to each Associate’s unique educational needs and goals, while also collaborating closely with Metro Tech to ensure Associates are making progress towards their career goals.

Job Placement Job Placement & Community Engagement

The Job Placement & Community Engagement team works with our Associates to form a Graduate Action Plan (GAP) for their year following the residential phase of the program. Our Job Counselors are committed to providing guidance to Associates as they apply the skills learned throughout the program to their ultimate goal of continuing their education or entering the workforce. Counselors stay in touch with Associates during their GAP year to track their progress and offer as-needed coaching and mentoring. This department also builds partnerships with employers and community organizations around the state to provide Associates with a variety of community service or professional development opportunities while in the program, and employment opportunities after graduation.

Support Staff Support Staff

Our support staff includes Dining Services, Staff Training, Supplies and Logistics, Budgeting, Human Resources, and Information Technology. Although their work is often behind the scenes, the expertise and dedication of these team members are essential to everything we do. Whether it’s providing clothing, gear, and nutritious meals for our Associates, managing our budget, troubleshooting technology, or onboarding new team members, these teams work tirelessly each day to ensure Sooner Job ChalleNGe operates seamlessly.

See our current job openings

Staff Directory
Outreach, Admissions, & Recruiting (405) 900-4525, ext. 1 sjc.oar@thunderbird.org
Medical & Health Services (405) 900-4525, ext. 2 sjc.health@thunderbird.org
Operations (405) 900-4525, ext. 3 sjc.info@thunderbird.org
Counseling (405) 900-4525, ext. 4 sjc.counseling@thunderbird.org
Education (405) 900-4525, ext. 5 sjc.edu@thunderbird.org
Job Placement & Community Partnerships (405) 900-4525, ext. 7 sjc.partner@thunderbird.org