School District Five lead advisor for the SkillsUSA chapter receives national award

For Immediate Release – July 15, 2025

School District Five lead advisor for the SkillsUSA chapter receives national award

IRMO – Joseph Chapman, the lead advisor for the SkillsUSA chapter and law enforcement instructor at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies (The Center), received the prestigious Outstanding Career and Technical Educator award at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, Georgia on June 25, 2025.

The Outstanding Educator of the Year recognition is awarded to outstanding individuals who guide SkillsUSA members to become leaders in their chosen fields. To earn this award, a nomination and application was provided to the SkillsUSA Board of Directors who then decide who will be honored due to their exceptional service and dedication.

Joseph Chapman became a SkillsUSA advisor in 2017 when he began his position as a law enforcement teacher at The Center. He began as the lead advisor for the SkillsUSA chapter at the Center in 2019 and has since led the chapter to being named a National Model of Excellence chapter five times, has mentored over a dozen state officers and our state’s first ever national officer, has over thirty state championships and seven national placement individuals or teams in SkillsUSA. Chapman is also a member of the SkillsUSA National Facilitation Team where he has helped advance career and technical education across the country.

One of his students said, “Mr. Chapman is quite possibly the most beloved educator in our school and advisor in our state. His passion for students, for the values of career and technical education and his devotion to anyone needing someone in their corner is unmatched.”

“Joseph Chapman is a SkillsUSA champion with a true passion for helping youth develop the knowledge and skills that empower every student to achieve career success. His passion and dedication to SkillsUSA and career and technical education are inspiring,” said SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis.

Joseph Chapman was one of three educators from across the country to earn this honor. He also earned the National Advisor of the Year award in 2020. His wife, Michelle, and oldest daughter, Harper, were on hand in Atlanta to see him receive this award from SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis.

“It is very humbling to receive this award,” said Joseph Chapman. “This would not be possible without the amazing support from my wife, my family, my administration and co-workers, and the students, which is the reason we teachers and advisors do what we do. It is a privilege to work in this school district and help build the future leaders and professionals of our great community.”

SkillsUSA is the #1 workforce development organization for students, empowering them to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. SkillsUSA represents more than 442,000 career and technical education students and teachers in middle schools, high schools and college/postsecondary institutions nationwide. Those members represent 130 in-demand occupational areas from 3-D animation to welding. A vital solution to the skills gap, SkillsUSA has served over 15 million members since its founding in 1965.

To learn more about the SkillsUSA chapter at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies, contact the chapter at skillsusad5@gmail.com.