Students and personnel from Oklahoma’s state system institutions gathered at the State Capitol today to demonstrate the value and importance of higher education in the state and celebrate the Governor and Legislature’s ongoing support of the Oklahoma’s Promise program.
Speakers during the event included Gov. Kevin Stitt, Sen. Adam Pugh, Sen. Ally Seifried, Rep. Collin Duel, Rep. Mark Lawson, Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval, State Regents chair Courtney Warmington, and Chancellor Sean Burrage.
“Students, faculty, and staff from Oklahoma’s public colleges and universities came together at the State Capitol today to showcase the impact of investing in public higher education and the importance of the Oklahoma’s Promise scholarship,” Burrage said. “More than half of Oklahoma’s top 100 critical occupations — including the 22 highest‑paying careers — require a college degree. Building a strong workforce in key fields including STEM, healthcare, and education is our highest priority.”
Three students also spoke at the event. Paige Harrison, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College; Laney McAlester, Eastern Oklahoma State College; and Janie Rempel, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, shared how pursuing higher education at Oklahoma’s public colleges and universities has positively shaped their lives and future opportunities.
During the program, the following recipients of the Distinguished Service Award for Higher Education were recognized for their steadfast leadership and support of public higher education in the 2024 and 2025 legislative sessions:
- Sen. Julia Kirt
- Sen. Adam Pugh
- Sen. Aaron Reinhardt
- Sen. Kristen Thompson
- Rep. Chad Caldwell
- Rep. Toni Hasenbeck
- Rep. Dell Kerbs
- Rep. Cyndi Munson
- Rep. Tammy Townley
- Rep. Josh West
“Our legislative leaders are making a meaningful investment in Oklahoma’s future and the students we serve,” said State Regents Chair Courtney Warmington. “Each award recipient demonstrates our shared commitment to higher education’s essential role in strengthening the workforce and building a more resilient economy by helping more Oklahomans earn college degrees.”
For FY27, the State Regents are requesting $13.5 million for critical workforce development initiatives, including funds to increase enrollment and graduation in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and other critical workforce disciplines and provide additional scholarships for adult students nearing completion of a college degree or pursuing an industry-recognized micro-credential or certificate.
The State Regents also request $43.5 million in FY27 to fund performance-based institutional allocations; strengthen college access and academic success services and FAFSA completion; expand student scholarships; fund innovations and efficiency initiatives; and enhance campus physical and cyber security. Additionally, the State Regents seek $21.5 million for implementation of the Strong Readers Act provisions, for the National Guard Educational Assistance Program and Oklahoma Rising Scholars Scholarship, and to expand concurrent enrollment. The State Regents also will advocate for institution-specific allocations of $348 million to meet campus needs, including system and infrastructure maintenance projects, and fund strategic collaborations.
Supporting campus research capacity and partnerships is also a priority for the State Regents in the current legislative session. The State Regents support legislation that creates additional opportunities and provides resources to our public institutions to serve as hubs of discovery, generating new knowledge and technologies that can lead to breakthroughs in healthcare, agriculture, energy, and more.
Another legislative priority for public higher education is refining the Oklahoma’s Promise scholarship program to expand access to more Oklahoma families. Strategies include increasing the annual family income limit to $100,000, clarifying eligibility requirements for children of certified public classroom teachers, and refining high school course requirements for students pursuing various post-secondary opportunities through the scholarship.
Recognized by many as one of the top promise scholarship programs in the country, Oklahoma’s Promise is considered a national model that emphasizes both academic preparation and financial support for college. More than 115,000 students have earned college tuition scholarships through Oklahoma’s Promise since the program’s inception. For more information about Oklahoma’s Promise or to apply online, visit www.okpromise.org.