Oklahoma Rep. Chris Kannady was recognized with a 2020 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 Judiciary Committee and as a member of the Appropriations and Budget, Appropriations and Budget Judiciary, and Rules committees, the Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget, and the State and Federal Redistricting South Central Oklahoma Subcommittee.
“Rep. Kannady is a strong advocate for the state system of higher education’s budget priorities, including the Endowed Chairs program, scholarships, 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,” said Chancellor Glen D. Johnson. “He has also been supportive of emergency measures for state agencies and higher education institutions during the early days of the COVID-19 crisis. The State Regents and I are pleased to honor Rep. Kannady, an advocate for Oklahoma higher education since his election to the House in 2014, with a Distinguished Service Award for Higher Education.”
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 accept this award and proud to help lead our efforts in higher education,” said Rep. Kannady. “The gateway to success in life is education, and here in Oklahoma, we need to keep pushing to create the best possible opportunities for our students to succeed. A robust higher education system means more investment in our state, more jobs for our students upon graduation and a brighter future for us all. Our state is blessed with exceptional leadership from the Chancellor to the state regents and on down in higher education.”