Dr. Randall Raburn, OASA executive director, said, "These OASA awards are presented to loyal administrators who have demonstrated a long-time commitment to education in Oklahoma, and who have dedicated their careers to improving education through strong leadership. We congratulate Theron Croisant on this prestigious honor."
Croisant was one of two Lifetime Achievement Award recipients to be recognized at the awards banquet.
Croisant was an educator for 47 years, with 29 years as a school administrator.
He served as superintendent of Vian Public Schools from 2000 to 2004. Before moving to Vian Croisant was the superintendent of Mustang Public Schools from 1992 to 1999. He served the Mustang Schools in several positions beginning in 1980 as assistant principal. Other positions he held in Mustang were assistant superintendent and administrative assistant. He began his administrative career in Midwest City Schools in 1974.
Croisant said he was influenced to enter the field of education for several reasons.
"When I was in school, I was influenced by one of my math teachers and coach, Don Garvin. By the time I coached a church basketball team during my college years, I knew I wanted to be an educator. I genuinely enjoyed people and found I had the ability to communicate with them. It has been rewarding to see students excited about education," Croisant said.
Croisant said that some of the most satisfying accomplishments he has enjoyed as a superintendent include never having lost a bond issue. His efforts helped raise a lifetime total of $17 million for his school districts.
Serving Vian Public Schools as superintendent was also satisfying, he said.
"I am also very proud of my involvement with my professional organizations, the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration (CCOSA) and the Oklahoma Association of school Administrators," Croisant said. "I enjoyed my participation on the legislative committee at the local and state levels on both educational and local community issues."
Croisant was an active member of CCOSA, attending every fall meeting sponsored by CCOSA since its first meeting in 1975. He was also a founding member and officer of the United Suburban Superintendents Association in 1992, and is a past president of the Oklahoma Curriculum Improvement Commission.
Raburn said the purpose of the Lifetime Achievement Award is to honor commitment to the highest ideals of Oklahoma education and the OASA. "Those honored have demonstrated professional and ethical leadership throughout their careers," Raburn said. "Only administrators who are retiring or who have already retired from education are eligible for the award."
Raburn said recipients are chosen by an OASA committee based on lifetime effectiveness in educational administration, community activities, legislative involvement, and contributions to education and educational issues in the state.
