Sen. Bill Coleman was recognized with the 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 Vice Chair of the Business, Commerce and Tourism Committee and as a member of the General Government and Transportation, Public Safety, Transportation, and Rules Committees and the Select Committee on Redistricting.
“Since his election to the state Senate in 2018, Sen. Coleman has been a steadfast advocate for Oklahoma’s state system of higher education, supporting increased funding for our colleges and universities and legislation that strengthens higher education opportunities for students,” said Chancellor Allison D. Garrett. “The State Regents, college and university presidents and I are honored to present him with this Distinguished Service Award.”
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.
“Ensuring students get the best possible education in our state colleges and universities means they’ll be better prepared for success not only in their careers, but in adulthood,” said Coleman. “And as a father of two Oklahoma college graduates and another attending one of our state’s fine universities, I can attest to the fact that Oklahoma’s higher education system is truly one of the best in the nation, and my wife and I are so blessed and glad our children had the opportunity to be a part of it. I’m proud to support legislation to strengthen higher ed in Oklahoma and improve access to this precious gift that’s helping shape the minds of our future.”