Teresa Knox was inducted into the Tulsa Hall of Fame in 2023
Born in Tulsa, fourth generation Oklahoman Teresa Knox is the Founder and former CEO of Community Care College, Clary Sage College, and Oklahoma Technical College which she started nearly 30 years ago. The accredited colleges offer diploma and associate degree programs in the skilled trades, healthcare, business, and personal care professions. She grew the institution from a single program to one of the largest career colleges in America offering 46 academic programs leading to an associate’s degree. Thousands of graduates have filled critical occupations and workforce needs, contributing billions to Oklahoma’s economy. Knox continued her own education, earning her MBA from Oral Roberts University.
Teresa’s journey began as a dental assistant, where she spent seven years honing her skills. During this time, the idea of opening a dental assisting school took root, marking her first “official” business venture. Her message is clear: one doesn’t have to settle, regardless of the circumstances. A rewarding career can be the catalyst for positive change.
Teresa is a vocal voice against drug abuse, recognizing its devastating effects on families and communities. She founded Knox Laboratory Services, a drug and alcohol testing laboratory, with a mission to maintain clean and safe drug-free workplaces and educational environments. Although she sold the business, her commitment to this cause remains resolute.
Beyond education and advocacy, Teresa is a prominent commercial real estate developer and historic preservationist. She specializes in developing business models that support property sustainability and serves as a landlord to numerous commercial tenants. One of her notable projects is the historic Harwelden Mansion, where she successfully created an event center and bed & breakfast. She also undertook a 5-year restoration of The Church Studio, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, it stands as a fully operational recording studio, audio engineering school, event center, and tourist attraction.
Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum issued a proclamation declaring Saturday, April 15, 2023 as Teresa Knox Day for her contributions to making Tulsa a better place for all of its citizens. A true visionary, Teresa has successfully combined her love of music, historic preservation and education. She is a two-time recipient of Tulsa Economic Development Corporation’s “Small Business of the Year.” Teresa received a Newsmaker Award from American Women in Communication and was named 2017 Tulsan of the Year.
Her businesses have been recognized among the “Best Places to Work in Oklahoma” and she is the Crystal Star recipient for Entrepreneurial Success.
Family life is the best for Teresa! Her loving husband, Ivan, hails from the beautiful island of Puerto Rico and her cherished children – Ronnie, Lilliana, and Annabel – are proud of their mom.