Adam Leaming is a 1999 graduate of Newkirk High School. Adam has received a B.S. in Mathematics from Northwestern Oklahoma State University, and a M.S. in Public School Administration from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. His life work has been in the field of public education. Beginning as a substitute teacher in 2002, then as a 6th grade math teacher in 2003, he later transitioned into leadership roles as an assistant principal, and then building principal for Ponca City Public Schools. In 2010, Adam was named Oklahoma’s Assistant Principal of the year by the Cooperative Council of Oklahoma School Administrators and represented Oklahoma in a national search for the nation’s top assistant principal. Currently he holds Oklahoma State Department of Education credentials for Advanced Math, Secondary Principal Administration, and Superintendent Qualifications.
In January 2013, Adam transitioned into higher education leadership when he was tabbed as the third CEO/President of the University Center at Ponca City by the UC regents. Adam quickly became involved with the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce and a number of other local entities. In 2014, Adam graduated from the 28th Ponca City Leadership class. Immediately following he was selected as one of the 2014 participants for Leadership Oklahoma’s 28th class. In 2015 upon graduating Leadership Oklahoma, Adam was named by the Oklahoma Magazine as one of Oklahoma’s 40 under 40 top professionals. Later in 2015, the Journal Record named Adam as one of their Top Achiever’s under 40 in Oklahoma. In 2016, the University Center served more students in the past year than in any other year since inception.
Leaming is currently serving a multitude of Chamber committees. Adam served as the 2015 Partners in Education chair, bridging businesses with every private and public educational institution in Ponca City and McCord. Adam is currently involved in a number of organizations at the state, county, and local level. In addition, he has served on the Ponca City Rotary board, Newkirk First United Methodist Church trustees, and is currently serving with the University Center Foundation board, Ponca City Business Council, and Community Development committee. He also serves on Oklahoma’s Small Business Development Center Advisory board, Standing Bear Native American Foundation board, Marland Estate Foundation, and the Leadership Oklahoma board of directors.
Adam moved to Ponca City from Newkirk and enjoys balancing a career and his commitment to his family, including his two children, Annie and Sam, and his girlfriend Elizabeth Pershing. Together they enjoy being outdoors, exercising, and exploring Ponca City.
