April 25, 2007 :: State Regents Recognize Institution, Business Partnerships

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Twenty-two business and higher education institution partnerships throughout the state were recently recognized for outstanding cooperation that leads to furthering the education of Oklahoma’s workforce.

The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education’s Economic Development Grant for the Partnership Recognition Program is designed to highlight successful partnerships between higher education institutions and businesses and to further cultivate the higher learning environment through State Regents’ Economic Development Grants.

Institutions involved in these partnerships provide $500 for tuition waivers to employees of the partnering businesses, internships for current students of the institutions to work at the partnering businesses, or faculty externships with the partnering businesses. The State Regents provide a $500 match to the waivers.

"If we're to improve Oklahoma's future, we need creative collaborations like this program," said Chancellor Glen D. Johnson. "The partnership between business and higher education benefits us threefold: businesses retain employees, employees improve their education, and immediate needs are solved in Oklahoma's economy."

The Partnership Recognition Program is an annual event. For more information, visit www.okhighered.org/eco-devo/.

The partnerships recognized this year include:

Cameron University and Advanced Systems Technology, Inc. – AST has been a leader in developing the reputation of CU’s Department of Multimedia Design. Several years ago, AST agreed to partner with the program to establish a multimedia/instructional design internship through the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology Research and Development Intern Program. The company has hosted numerous interns from CU, helping build a reputation of excellence for the university’s multimedia design graduates.
Carl Albert State College and Eastern Oklahoma Medical Center – EOMC has recognized that southeastern Oklahoma experiences difficulties in recruiting and retaining qualified radiologic technologists. As a result, the Le Flore County Trust Authority, for EOMC, and CASC formally established a partnership to develop a new radiologic technology program to meet the staffing needs in the area. The program graduated its first class of students in 2005, and EOMC immediately employed four graduates.
Connors State College and Armstrong Bank – Since 1988, Armstrong Bank has been a proud supporter of CSC and the Connors Development Foundation. As part of the partnership, bank employees have been allowed to make presentations to college classes and have served as guest speakers at a variety of college functions. Armstrong Bank also has contributed monetarily to many of the programs sponsored by CSC and provides banking services to CSC faculty and staff members.
East Central University and Gov. Bill Anoatubby – The Chickasaw Nation has become a staunch supporter of both higher education and economic development in partnership with ECU. Through the leadership of Gov. Bill Anoatubby, the Chickasaw Nation supports numerous projects in this partnership, including internship and graduate practicum experiences. In conjunction with ECU and the Pontotoc County Technology Center, the Nation also works to create training programs needed in their area of the state.
Eastern Oklahoma State College and McAlester Regional Health Center – MRHC and EOSC have a long-standing partnership in working with students and staff in EOSC’s registered nursing program. The hospital serves as a primary clinical site, allowing students to receive hands-on guidance and training from employees who act in the capacity of clinical adjunct faculty. MRHC offers tuition reimbursement for their employees who complete EOSC’s nursing program.
Murray State College and the Chickasaw Nation – Since its founding in 1908, MSC and the Chickasaw Nation have been partners in numerous projects, including three recent major projects: construction of the Tishomingo Softball/Baseball Complex, development of a new city water tower and renovation of the former Armory located in Tishomingo.
Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College and Vicki Cossairt – INTEGRIS Grove General Hospital is an integral part of NEO’s nursing program and human resources director Vicki Cossairt maintains the momentum of this partnership. The hospital serves as a clinical facility for students enrolled in NEO’s nursing courses and provides high-quality clinical learning experiences for students. Cossairt serves on NEO’s Grove Advisory Council for the new LPN-to-RN Fast Track program and she works to expand NEO’s nursing program in Grove and surrounding communities.
Northeastern State University and State Farm Insurance – State Farm Insurance and NSU have partnered together to develop a number of programs that have had a positive impact not only on State Farm and NSU but also on the financial education of prospective accounting and finance professionals and working professionals throughout the northeastern Oklahoma. Through the support of the State Farm Foundation, NSU has developed a CFP® Certification Education Program in financial planning. The State Farm Foundation also has provided support for the Master of Science in Accounting and Financial Analysis.
Northern Oklahoma College and Mercury MerCruiser Corporation – For more than 10 years, the unique partnership between NOC and the Mercury MerCruiser Corporation of Stillwater has perpetuated economic development in northern Oklahoma, as well as prepared the MerCruiser workforce to compete in a global economy. NOC has established a total of five Associate in Applied Science degree programs to provide engineers, technicians and manufacturing specialists with an opportunity to complete a degree, at the request of MerCruiser. To date, more than 100 employees have either completed or are working to complete a degree through this partnership.
Northwestern Oklahoma State University-Enid and INTEGRIS Bass Baptist Health Center/St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center/Northern Oklahoma College – NWOSU established partnerships with NOC, INTEGRIS Bass Baptist Health Center and St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center to develop the Ketterman Simulation Laboratory, a high tech laboratory located on NWOSU’s Enid campus. The lab provides simulation training to nursing students from NWOSU and NOC, as well as continuing education opportunities for professionals in the regional health care industry.
Oklahoma City Community College and the Greater Oklahoma City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce – Hoping to address the interest of many in the Hispanic community to establish their own businesses, the Greater Oklahoma City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and OCCC established a partnership in 2005. A one-stop shop, the Business Assistance Center provides entrepreneurs assistance in launching, incubating and expanding their businesses. At the center, one-on-one consulting sessions, printed materials and educational opportunities are provided to clients. In addition, the project includes a business incubator, a place where a new businesses can have essential support and services during their formative years.
Oklahoma Panhandle State University and Tri-County Electric Cooperative – Tri-County Electric Cooperative and OPSU have been in very strong growth processes in recent years, and through a mutual relationship, both have grown together in several areas. From overall partnerships and facility enhancement to financial considerations and technology sharing, Tri-County Electric Cooperative and OPSU participate in several mutual endeavors.
Oklahoma State University and Williams – OSU has developed an Inclusion Leadership Program (ILP) to connect OSU students and students from high schools in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. OSU has partnered with Williams to provide funds in support of student stipends, awards and internships for ILP. In return, OSU connects some of their most outstanding students with Williams, developing a more global perspective for both summer internships and employment after graduation.
Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City and OGE Energy Corporation – Four years ago, a discussion about a possible power transmission/distribution technical degree program occurred between representatives of OSU-OKC and OGE. Today, that discussion has become a reality with the Power Transmission and Distribution Technology Associate Degree program at OSU-OKC. To help facilitate student learning, OGE has donated poles, trucks and equipment, as well as truck maintenance, to OSU-OKC’s unique program. In return, to expedite transition to the program for OGE employees, OSU-OKC has conducted on-site enrollment at OGE regional offices.
Redlands Community College and INTEGRIS Canadian Valley Regional Hospital – INTEGRIS Canadian Valley Regional Hospital, located in Yukon, is one of the premier health care providers in Canadian County. In August 2006, as part of a training package designed to address the business goals of reducing employee turnover and increasing employee retention, RCC designed, developed and delivered preceptor training for ICVRH employees. In addition to the training provided to hospital employees, the establishment of the partnership provided RCC with much needed data for their nursing program.
Rogers State University and Claremore Regional Hospital – In 1981, CRH and RSU worked together to establish RSU’s Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing. Since that time, RSU and CRH have enjoyed a long and productive partnership. CRH provides clinical learning sites for RSU nursing and Emergency Medical Service students, and the hospital serves as a major employer of RSU nursing graduates. Through the equipment support, the offering of a clinical site and continuing education opportunities, RSU and CRH are working together to enhance the knowledge and education of the workforce that provides critical health care, not only in Claremore, but throughout northeastern Oklahoma.
Rose State College and Midwest Regional Medical Center – A distinguished partner of RSC and the RSC Foundation, MRMC is an asset to the community and to higher education. With a history steeped in tradition and giving, MRMC has assisted the RSC Foundation in numerous ways during the past few years. In addition, MRMC also collaborates with RSC’s corporate training division to enhance the hospital’s employee development program.
Seminole State College and the Seminole Nation – A long-time partnership between SSC and the Seminole Nation has benefitted the economic climate and celebrated the cultural diversity of many communities in central Oklahoma. Through the college’s Business and Industry Training Program, numerous training seminars, workshops and conferences have been conducted on the SSC campus and at the Seminole Nation tribal headquarters. In order to raise awareness and create sensitivity to cultural diversity, SSC organized and implemented a program at the local high school, featuring Seminole Nation artists, musicians and historians.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University and Medical Center of Southeastern Oklahoma – As one of the largest employers in Durant, MCSO understands the necessity of high-quality education and the importance in supporting such endeavors. With the large numbers of employment shortages in the medical field, MCSO has collaborated with SOSU to assist in educating and training students for careers in the medical profession.
Southwestern Oklahoma State University and WestOak Industries, Inc. – WestOak Industries, Inc. and SWOSU have partnered together to offer business student interns the opportunity to gain practical experience serving in an advisory capacity for small business owners. SWOSU student interns conducted a market analysis to determine where the company stood relative to its competitors and how the industry has changed in recent years. The market analysis provided students with hands-on learning experiences and provided WestOak Industries, Inc. with much-needed information.
Tulsa Community College and UAW1895 Ford/ACH Tulsa Glass Plant – Since its inception in 1993, the educational partnership between TCC and the UAW/Ford Joint Program has provided training and lifelong learning opportunities for hundreds of Tulsa Glass Plant employees and their spouses. The partnership encourages plant hourly employees and spouses to participate in educational activities and skill enhancement programs through communication with TCC faculty and Learning Resource Center staff members, annual education fairs, monthly open houses and periodic surveys.
Western Oklahoma State College and Great Plains Regional Medical Center/Jackson County Memorial Hospital/Comanche County Memorial Hospital/Southwestern Medical Center/Duncan Regional Hospital/Memorial Hospital and Physician Group – WOSC has formed a partnership with a consortium of partners, including Great Plains Regional Medical Center, Jackson County Memorial Hospital, Comanche County Memorial Hospital, Southwestern Medical Center, Duncan Regional Hospital, and Memorial Hospital and Physician Group. Through the dedication and willingness of these facilities to partner with WOSC, the number of registered nurses produced by the college each year will increase from 20 to approximately 88.