House Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols was recognized with the 2019 Distinguished Service Award for Higher Education during a ceremony today at Oklahoma City Community College. He was honored for his support of higher education in his role as House Majority Floor Leader and as a member of the Appropriations and Budget, Higher Education and Career Tech, Joint Appropriations and Budget, Rules and Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency committees.
“Since his election to the House of Representatives in 2012, Rep. Echols has been a leader in maintaining the current law regarding weapons on campus, and he has been steadfast in his support for the state system of higher education’s appropriation, including increasing faculty pay, fully funding concurrent enrollment for high school seniors and providing funds for Section 13 offset monies for Oklahoma’s 25 public colleges and universities, which are utilized for deferred maintenance and capital expenditure purposes,” said Chancellor Glen D. Johnson.
The Distinguished Service Awards for Higher Education recognize individuals who demonstrate distinguished leadership and support of higher education in Oklahoma during the legislative session. It is the highest award presented by the State Regents and the Council of College and University Presidents.