IRMO – Joseph Chapman, law enforcement instructor at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies and lead advisor for the school’s SkillsUSA chapter, has received a top national award for his dedication to career and technical education.
Chapman was named Outstanding Career and Technical Educator during the 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta on June 25. The award is one of SkillsUSA’s highest honors and is given to educators who show exceptional leadership and inspire students to succeed in their career paths.
Since becoming a SkillsUSA advisor in 2017 and taking over as lead advisor in 2019, Chapman has helped guide the Center’s chapter to incredible achievements. Under his leadership, the chapter has earned the title of National Model of Excellence five times. His mentorship has produced over 30 state champions, seven national medalists, more than a dozen state officers—and even the state’s first-ever national SkillsUSA officer.
“Mr. Chapman is quite possibly the most beloved educator in our school and advisor in our state,” said one of his students. “His passion for students, career and technical education, and being there for anyone in need is unmatched.”
Chelle Travis, executive director of SkillsUSA, called Chapman “a SkillsUSA champion with a true passion for helping youth develop the knowledge and skills that empower every student to achieve career success.”
Chapman was one of just three educators nationwide to receive the award this year. He also previously received the National Advisor of the Year award in 2020. His wife, Michelle, and daughter, Harper, joined him at the awards ceremony in Atlanta.
“It is very humbling to receive this award,” Chapman said. “This would not be possible without the amazing support from my wife, my family, my administration and coworkers, and most importantly, the students. They are the reason we teachers and advisors do what we do.”
SkillsUSA is the nation’s leading workforce development organization for students in career and technical education, representing more than 442,000 members nationwide.
To learn more about the SkillsUSA chapter at The Center, contact the chapter at [email protected].
