Education Forum and Luncheon Held in Owasso
DISCUSSING THE FUTURE: The Owasso Chamber of Commerce recently held a forum to discuss the future of higher education in the area.
The Public Education for Lifetime Learning forum and luncheon was held Dec. 16 at the Bailey Education Foundation located in Bailey Medical Center in Owasso.
The Owasso Chamber of Commerce presented the event that provided the opportunity for the community to become involved with the ongoing discussion of higher education with a number of distinguished panelists. Superintendent of Owasso Public Schools, Dr. Clark Ogilvie introduced the panelists and moderated the event. Panelists included Superintendent and CEO of Tulsa Tech, Dr. Kara Gae Neal; President of Tulsa Community College, Dr. Tom McKeon; President of the University of Oklahoma–Tulsa, Dr. Gerry Clancy; President of Rogers State University, Dr. Larry Rice; President of Oklahoma State University, Howard Barnett and President of Northeastern State University, Dr. Don Betz.
Dr. Kara Gae Neal described the involvement of Tulsa Tech in the community. “Tulsa Tech is literally and figuratively a part of the Tulsa landscape.” Most recently, she explained, 55 acres of land have been donated to the school to support the newly planned Owasso complex.
All of the panelists have collaborated with one another in a variety of ways to bring the best possible education opportunities to the Tulsa area. Tulsa Tech and Tulsa Community College have worked together to form the Owasso complex and both will offer classes in a collaborative effort. The complex will enable 600 students to join the already 4,000 students currently attending Tulsa Tech.
Tulsa Community College has seen a 12 percent increase in student enrollment this year explained Dr. Tom McKeon. In the Tulsa Achieves program alone, 650 new students were recently enrolled.
Dr. Gerry Clancy described the impact that the last nine years have had on the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa campus. “In nine years, we have doubled the number of faculty, students and square footage of the campus.” The 4,000 square foot building provides a dynamic partnership between students of different career paths. On average, the school receives over 300,000 patients and $25 million in research funding.
Dr. Larry Rice described the historical roots of Rogers State University and how the past has impacted the present. The school has been located in Claremore since 1909. It was originally established as the Eastern University Preparatory School to bring higher education closer to ranchers and Native Americans in the area. In 1919, the school became known as the Oklahoma Military Academy and in 1917, it became known as Claremore Junior College then Rogers State College in 1982. Finally, in 2000, the school was accredited as a four-year baccalaureate university and currently offers 30 degrees. He also noted that the school has a therapeutic equestrian center that reaches out to 80 students a semester. “It is incredible to see the special bond between horse and rider there.”
Howard Barnett explained that the mission of Oklahoma State University-Tulsa is to, “bring the opportunity for the community to earn a degree from a comprehensive university.” Currently, there are 80 degree programs offered at the school and half of the courses are taught by Stillwater faculty.
Dr. Don Betz described that Northeastern State University dates back to 1851 when it was established as a Cherokee Women’s Seminary. Thanks to Vision 2025, the school recently opened a new location in Broken Arrow. He emphasized that the school is committed to growth. He also touched on the relationships that all of the agencies present had formed with one another. “We all need each other to create the opportunities and outcomes this area needs.”
The presenting sponsor of the event was the Lafarge-Tulsa Plant. Gold sponsors included Bailey Medical Center, Tulsa Community College, AT&T, Oklahoma Natural Gas, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, Tulsa Technology Center, Tyann Development Inc. and Waterstone Wealth Management. The Platinum sponsor was L&M Office Furniture. Table sponsors included Bank of the Lakes, The Baysinger Law Firm, St. John of Owasso and Resolution Resources.
The Bailey Medical Center is located at 10502 N. 110th E. Ave in Owasso. For additional information, call the Owasso Chamber of Commerce at (918) 272-2141 or visit www.owassochamber.com.
Updated 12-17-2009
Back to Top
