Oklahoma Sen. Roger Thompson was recognized with a 2019 Distinguished Service Award for Higher Education during today’s meeting of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. He was honored for his support of higher education in his role as Chair of the Appropriations Committee and as a member of the Finance and Rules committees.
“We are pleased to honor Sen. Roger Thompson, a strong advocate for higher education since his election to the State Senate in 2014, with a Distinguished Service Award for Higher Education,” said Chancellor Glen D. Johnson. “Sen. Thompson has been steadfast in his support of the state system of higher education’s budget priorities, including a much-needed faculty salary increase, fully funding the concurrent enrollment program, and providing funds for Section 13 offset monies, which are utilized for deferred maintenance and capital expenditure purposes at our colleges and universities. He has also been a very effective voice in the Legislature on behalf of our Endowed Chairs program, including the need to address the state matching fund backlog.”
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.
“People are moving to Oklahoma because of the quality of our workforce, which is a product of our higher education system,” said Sen. Thompson. “Higher education in Oklahoma is enhancing lives, both economically and socially. I am very supportive of our higher education programs and honored to receive this award.”