Blake Mathews, a proud alum of Northeast Tech’s Visual Communications program, has built a thriving career in digital media. After graduation he started with the Tulsa Drillers, but recently returned to his alma mater, Claremore-Sequoyah Public Schools, to work in IT and videography. Mathews attributes much of his success to the skills and confidence he gained during his time at Northeast Tech’s Pryor Campus.
Mathews chose to attend Northeast Tech as a junior in high school.
“The extended time in the classroom was a huge draw—it wasn’t just about escaping high school for a few hours. It gave me the space to dive deep into what I loved," Mathews explained. "Spending three hours a day focusing on video and communications helped me gain real skills I could use in my career.”
One of the skills Mathews developed was leadership, something he hadn’t initially expected.
“I was a shy kid growing up,” he recalls. “At Northeast Tech, I was pushed to step outside my comfort zone. Being part of our monthly news broadcast meant I was out talking to staff and students across campus to gather footage. That experience really helped me build confidence.”
Mathews describes his time with the Business Professionals of America (BPA) as an impactful experience, offering opportunities to compete at state and national levels and collaborate on meaningful projects. One highlight was working alongside the State BPA President to create a promotional video that was used statewide, which helped him connect with talented individuals and broaden his professional network.
His time at Northeast Tech connected Mathews to real-world opportunities, including his role with the Tulsa Drillers as Manager of Video Production, which kick-started his career.
“After being accepted into the Visual Communications program, I learned more than just running a camera—I learned how to create a vision and bring it to life,” he says.
For students considering Northeast Tech, Blake’s advice is simple but powerful, “Put in the work, and it won’t go unnoticed. The experiences and connections you make here will stay with you long after graduation.”
Learn more about the Visual Communications program, and all Northeast Tech programs, at netech.edu.
