Sixteen business and higher education partnerships across Oklahoma were recently recognized as innovative collaborations that strengthen the state’s workforce and expand educational opportunities.
The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education’s Regents Business Partnership Excellence Award is designed to highlight successful partnerships between higher education institutions, businesses, and the community that create meaningful pathways between education and employment. Through these collaborations, institutions work directly with industry partners to align academic programs with employer needs, ensuring students gain relevant, in-demand skills.
“Partnerships between local businesses and our public colleges and universities strengthen our workforce, benefiting both our state and individual students,” said Chancellor Sean Burrage. “The State Regents are proud to recognize these collaborative efforts that drive economic growth, foster innovation, and expand career opportunities for Oklahomans.”
Collectively, these collaborations play a critical role in building a more responsive, skilled, and future-ready workforce for Oklahoma. The partnerships recognized for 2026 are:
Murray State College and Lighthouse Behavioral Wellness Centers
Murray State College recognizes its partnership with Lighthouse Behavioral Wellness Centers, a collaboration that strengthens student support services while helping develop Oklahoma’s behavioral health workforce. The partnership began in 2021 with the establishment of a Lighthouse location on MSC’s Tishomingo campus. Since then, enrolled students have had access to comprehensive mental health services. In 2025, MSC and Lighthouse expanded the partnership to develop a new learning pathway that connects classroom instruction with real-world clinical experience, preparing students for immediate employment and long-term career success. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting students while addressing critical workforce needs across Oklahoma.
Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College and CANCO
CANCO, owned and operated by Chuck and Ann Neal, has been a steadfast partner and driving force behind Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College’s continued success and growth. Through numerous charitable contributions, scholarship support, and active involvement in institutional campaigns, CANCO has played a meaningful role in expanding access to education and advancing opportunities for NEO students. Their scholarship support directly impacts students by reducing financial barriers and allowing them to focus on academic achievement, leadership development, and personal growth. CANCO’s impact spans academics, scholarship support, student clubs and organizations, athletics, agriculture, campus facilities, and the arts, helping ensure students receive a well-rounded, high-quality educational experience.
Northeastern State University and Northeastern Oklahoma Public Facilities Authority
The Northeastern State University Foundation plays an important role in advancing student success through scholarships and private support. Central to this impact is its longstanding partnership with the Northeastern Oklahoma Public Facilities Authority (NOPFA), which has generously supported NSU for more than a decade. Through this partnership, NOPFA has helped provide scholarships, expand academic programs, and enhance student learning experiences aligned with regional workforce and community needs. These investments have created meaningful pathways for students while strengthening the university’s ability to respond to economic and educational priorities in northeastern Oklahoma. The collaborative relationship between NSU, the Foundation, and NOPFA continues to be vital to student access, institutional growth, and the long-term prosperity of the communities NSU serves.
Northwestern Oklahoma State University and Northern Oklahoma College and Enid Higher Education Council, Inc.
For more than 20 years, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Northern Oklahoma College and community leaders in Enid have maintained a collaborative partnership focused on higher education, community engagement, and economic development. Since 2003, the Enid Higher Education Council, Inc. (EHEC) has led multiple scholarship campaigns, raising nearly $1.3 million in contributions. EHEC has awarded $190,470 in direct scholarships to students attending NOC Enid and NWOSU Enid and, since 2011, has distributed over $1 million to establish temporary and permanent endowment funds for both institutions. Supported by local businesses and individual donors, the Enid Higher Education Scholarship Fund helps students pursue affordable degrees while remaining in Enid. EHEC prioritizes underserved and non-traditional students, with the goal that at least 80% of recipients complete a college degree, strengthening the regional workforce and economy.
Oklahoma City Community College and Whitten Newman Family Foundation
The Whitten Newman Family Foundation has been a cornerstone at Oklahoma City Community College in providing students with critical support across a myriad of platforms. Through their generosity, students have been provided opportunities to help others, learn about international humanitarian efforts, and expand their global horizons. The Whitten family established the Whitten Fellows program at OCCC with an annual life-changing service-learning trip to Uganda that supports Sewing Hope’s Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe. This experiential learning initiative has changed the lives of OCCC’s students, faculty, and staff by providing them a chance to pour into the lives of women and children at the sanctuary. The Whitten Family serves as guest lecturers and volunteers for the college, invest in student scholarships, and support the college’s areas of greatest need, which ensures the mission of student success and community enrichment is achieved. OCCC appreciates the support of Reggie, Rachelle, and Hannah Whitten along with Sister Rosemary, Jeff Hargrave, and Patricia Smith, each of whom has helped OCCC students lead more fulfilling lives through service and scholarships.
Oklahoma State University and Tulsa Innovation Labs
Oklahoma State University’s partnership with Tulsa Innovation Labs (TIL) aligns community-driven economic development with industry-driven aerospace innovation. TIL’s industry network and operational expertise connect OSU students and faculty with real-world support in autonomy, propulsion, and flight testing. OSU’s LaunchPad leverages these connections to mentor student teams, integrate industry internships, and accelerate early-stage entrepreneurship. Similarly, Skyway Range, a controlled, scalable flight test environment at the Osage Nation with connectivity to OSU Tulsa’s Greenwood Droneport, offers hands-on experience that reflects employer requirements in defense, UAS operations, and aerospace systems integration. Through collaborative research contracts, workforce pipelines, and commercialization outcomes, the TIL-OSU partnership strengthens the state’s competitiveness in high-growth aerospace sectors while delivering sustainable economic benefits, demonstrating regional impact with global reach.
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology and P&K Equipment
P&K Equipment is a valued Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology industry partner, working collaboratively to support workforce development in agricultural technologies. Through this partnership, P&K Equipment provides meaningful industry engagement that enhances student learning and career readiness. The company supports OSUIT students through internship and employment opportunities, industry-aligned training experiences, equipment access, and technical insight that ensures curriculum relevance. P&K Equipment representatives also serve as industry advisors, offering feedback on program outcomes, emerging technologies, and workforce expectations to help maintain alignment with current employer needs. This collaboration strengthens the connection between classroom instruction and real-world application, creating a direct talent pipeline that benefits students, the institution, and the regional agricultural industry.
Redlands Community College and CL Boyd
Redlands Community College and CL Boyd formed a partnership last year to expand career opportunities for students enrolled in the Industrial Automation Applied Technology program. The primary purpose of the partnership is to provide students with a clear pathway to earn a college degree in their field of interest while also gaining access to employment opportunities with an established industry leader. Through this partnership, students pursuing an Applied Technology degree in Industrial Automation Applied Technology are given the opportunity to apply for CL Boyd’s Technician Apprentice Program. This partnership is highly workforce-relevant, addressing the increasing demand for skilled technicians in industrial automation and related technical fields.
Rogers State University and RCB Bank
Rogers State University has a long partnership with Claremore-based RCB Bank, one that provides significant support for student scholarships and advancing the mission of the institution. RCB Bank employs a number of RSU graduates, and several of its employees have been active participants in the university’s Business Advisory Council and have served in director positions with the RSU Foundation. In 2024, RCB Bank and RSU agreed on a seven-year exclusive naming rights partnership that brands the school’s softball and baseball facilities as the RCB Bank Sports Complex, providing critical support for initiatives that support student success.
Rose State College and CAE
Rose State College’s partnership with CAE represents a strategic collaboration designed to meet critical workforce needs in the rapidly growing field of simulation technology. Over the past year, CAE has played a central role in shaping Rose’s new state-of-the-art Simulation Technology program. This partnership directly supports regional and national workforce needs by preparing students for high-demand careers in simulation operations, maintenance, and system integration—fields experiencing steady growth as simulation becomes increasingly essential for defense, aerospace, and commercial training environments. CAE’s engagement ensures that graduates enter the workforce with skills aligned to employer expectations, strengthening the talent pipeline for Oklahoma’s aerospace and defense sectors.
Seminole State College and Canadian Valley Electric Cooperative
Seminole State College and Canadian Valley Electric Cooperative (CVEC) share a strong partnership rooted in a mutual commitment to community investment, workforce development, and regional economic growth. CVEC has supported campus safety by donating and installing a taller electrical pole to expand the reach of SSC’s emergency siren system. The partnership also extends through leadership engagement and student development. Carla Tollett, CVEC Director of Communication and Member Engagement, serves on the SSC Educational Foundation Board of Trustees and supports fundraising efforts while promoting CVEC’s Digital Marketing Internship to qualified students. In addition, CVEC Human Resources Manager Kendi Cox contributes her expertise through SSC’s B.L.A.S.T. program (Business Leadership Academy Skills Training) and Mock Interview Workshops. Together, SSC and CVEC are strengthening career pathways and preparing students for professional success in the region.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University and CrainCo
Southeastern Oklahoma State University is proud to partner with CrainCo, a locally owned, Durant-based custom metal fabrication company serving commercial waste equipment and steel skid markets. CrainCo provides skilled manufacturing and fabrication jobs that strengthen Bryan County’s economy and support an essential workforce sector in southeastern Oklahoma. The company’s leadership, including owner and Southeastern alumnus J. Scott Crain, sons Drew Crain (also a SE alumnus) and Chase Crain, maintain strong ties to the university through student support, scholarship funding via the SE Foundation, and engagement with campus events. This partnership helps expand educational access, promote workforce readiness, and retain skilled talent in the region.
Tulsa Community College and DMI Companies Inc.
Tulsa Community College is proud to partner with DMI Companies Inc., a worldwide leader in the manufacturing and supply of HVAC products, services, and design. Locally, DMI operates out of Wagoner, Oklahoma, and requested training for their employees in two areas, Lean Manufacturing and Industry 4.0. TCC developed two microcredential programs using SME ToolingU as the learning management system. DMI had 15 employees complete the Lean Manufacturing program and 17 employees complete the Industry 4.0 program. Employees trained included staff from their Tulsa plant location and from their Pittsburgh, Penn., location, which serves as their headquarters.
University Center at Ponca City and Phillips 66 Ponca City Refinery
The Phillips 66 Ponca City Refinery has been a major University Center at Ponca City partner since it was founded in 1999. In the last 12 months, Phillips has provided $25,000 in grants for concurrent student scholarships. The Phillips 66 Create Lab houses summer Lego Robotics camps and other STEM offerings to elementary and middle school students. The partnership has transformed the workforce of northern Oklahoma; hundreds are now in the local workforce as a direct result of Phillip’s investments in UCPC. The partnership provides students opportunities to engage in STEM activities and STEM career exploration. The Ponca City Refinery’s investment in concurrent student education provides a jumpstart on college degrees, making it possible for students to enter the workforce sooner.
University of Oklahoma and the Cherokee Nation
The University of Oklahoma is proud to partner with the Cherokee Nation. The Nation’s forward-thinking leadership and major investments have forged a transformative collaboration, advancing healthcare education, workforce development, and top-tier cancer care throughout Oklahoma. Building on a longstanding relationship, OU and the Cherokee Nation have elevated their collaboration, aligning shared priorities in healthcare, education, and community wellbeing. A landmark $30 million commitment from the Cherokee Nation is establishing the Cherokee Nation Nursing and Allied Health Education Center in Tahlequah. In partnership with OU, it will train hundreds of nurses annually, directly addressing Oklahoma’s critical nursing shortage. Additionally, the Nation’s $8 million contribution supports the new OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center facility in Tulsa. This funding enables the delivery of advanced, research-driven cancer care to residents of northeastern Oklahoma. By bringing specialized cancer treatment closer to home, this partnership expands access to life-saving care for Cherokee citizens and communities across the region.
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