Lawton Public Schools Superintendent Kevin Hime has been named a 2026 OASA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.
Hime, who has been LPS superintendent since 2019, is one of three educators who will be recognized by the Oklahoma Association of School Administrators (OASA) at the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration’s (CCOSA) Summer Leadership Conference May 27-29. He will retire from LPS’ top administrative position June 30.
The OASA Lifetime Achievement Award honors administrators who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and sustained contributions to public education, while creating a lasting impact on students, schools and communities across Oklahoma.
“Their careers reflect not only longevity but meaningful, measurable impact,” said CCOSA/OASA Executive Director Pam Deering. “They have shaped systems, mentored future leaders, and strengthened communities in ways that will endure for generations.”
In Lawton, Hime’s work has included implementing districtwide programs such as Lawton’s innovative Life Ready Center, receiving the 2024 Grand Prize Magna Award for it; expanding virtual education to more students, which earned him a Public Choice Award for giving students and parents flexibility; and creating Makerspace programs on every Lawton elementary campus.
“Receiving this lifetime achievement award is incredibly humbling,” Hime said. “Education has never been about one person — it has always been about students, teachers, support staff, administrators, families, and communities working together to create opportunities for kids. To be recognized by peers and colleagues for a lifetime of service in public education is truly special. I’ve been blessed to spend my career doing work that matters, and this award reflects the relationships, teamwork, and shared commitment that made all of it possible.”
Hime has been an educator for 40 years, serving in administrative roles since 2005. In addition to serving as superintendent for Lawton Public Schools, he led Clinton Public Schools from 2011 to June 2020 and Woodland Public Schools from 2007-2011.
He was named Oklahoma State Superintendent of the Year in 2022 and Oklahoma Schools Public Relations Association (OKSPRA) Superintendent of the Year for 2021-2022. He has been inducted into the Oklahoma Educators Hall of Fame and received the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Medal of Excellence.
He has served as president of the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Athletic Association (OSSAA) and also served as OASA president.
Hime began his teaching career in 1986 as a coach and history teacher at Hugo, and also taught and coached at Woodward and Idabel. He earned his bachelor of science degree in education and masters of education degree in educational administration at Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
Hime said what he will miss most about education and Lawton Public Schools is the people.
“Schools are about relationships, and I’ve had the privilege of working alongside outstanding educators, employees, board members, students, and community leaders,” he said. “I’ll miss the energy of a school district — the excitement of graduations, athletic events, fine arts performances, classroom visits, and seeing students achieve their goals. Public education is challenging work, but it is also deeply meaningful work, and I will always treasure being part of it.
“Public schools change lives every single day, and I’m grateful I had the opportunity to be part of that mission for so many years.”