House Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols was recognized today with the 2021 Distinguished Service Award for Higher Education. 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, Alcohol Tobacco and Controlled Substances, Joint Appropriations and Budget, Rules, and Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency committees. He is also a member of the Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding Health and Human Services Working Group and the State and Federal Redistricting Oklahoma County Subcommittee.
“The State Regents, Council of Presidents and I are honored to present this award to Leader Echols,” said Chancellor Allison D. Garrett. “He has been a tireless supporter of Oklahoma students and a strong advocate for our state colleges and universities since his election to the House of Representatives in 2012.”
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.
“I’m honored to have received this Distinguished Service Award for the fourth time,” said Leader Echols. “The true heroes in higher education are our local administrators, faculty and staff working to serve our students every day. It is an honor to support them at the state legislature. Maintaining a stronger higher education system is critical to provide economic opportunities for the citizens of House District 90 and the state as a whole.”