Northern Oklahoma College students, faculty, and staff joined other state system institutions at the state Capitol recently to demonstrate the value and importance of higher education in the state.NOC took a contingent of 25 students, faculty, and staff from the Tonkawa, Enid, and Stillwater campuses.Speakers included Dr. Brandon Tatum, Chief of Staff for Governor Kevin Stitt; Speaker Charles McCall; Rep. Anthony Moore; Sen. Adam Pugh; State Regents chair Michael C. Turpen; and Chancellor Allison D. Garrett.“Students, faculty and staff from Oklahoma’s public colleges and universities came together today at our State Capitol to highlight the value of a college degree,” said Garrett. “Over half of the top 100 occupations identified by Oklahoma Works as critical to economic growth in our state will require an associate degree or higher, including the top 29 highest paying jobs. Bachelor’s and associate degree holders earn 75% more and 25% more, respectively, than those with only a high school diploma. Investing in higher education drives economic opportunity for individual Oklahomans and attracts high-wage employers, which creates vibrant communities across our state.”While bachelor’s degrees in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) disciplines increased 47% and health professions degrees increased more than 26% over the last decade, shortages persist in these sectors. For FY24, the State Regents request $26.3 million for critical workforce development initiatives, including funds to expand nursing education program and medical residency capacity to address the state’s shortage of Registered Nurses and physicians; support institutional efforts to increase enrollment and graduation in STEM disciplines; and continue providing scholarships for adult students nearing completion of a college degree or pursuing an industry-recognized micro-credential or certificate.The state system of higher education budget request includes $23 million to fund the Oklahoma National Guard Educational Assistance Program, the Oklahoma Future Teacher Scholarship and Employment Incentive Program (“Inspired to Teach”), and the Concurrent Enrollment Tuition Waiver program.The State Regents request $49.3 million in FY24 to fund performance-based institutional allocations to address operational support needs; strengthen college access and academic success services for students; fund strategic collaborations, shared services, and educational resources that drive longterm efficiencies across the state system; and continue investments in data analytics, digital transformation, and cybersecurity. The budget request also includes capital funding for system and structure upgrades to enhance campus safety and security.The State Regents request a FY23 supplemental appropriation of $9 million to fund the Oklahoma National Guard Educational Assistance Program, established by SB ...
