Eight Oklahoma legislators are recognized by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and the public college and university Council of Presidents as recipients of 2025 Distinguished Service Awards for Higher Education. The awards are conferred in the following categories: Chair of the Year, Outstanding Legislative Leadership, Outstanding Legislation, and Trailblazers.
“These legislative leaders are making strategic investments in Oklahoma’s future – our students,” said State Regents Chair Courtney Warmington. “Each honoree exemplifies our shared commitment to broadening access to higher education, cultivating student achievement, and ensuring academic programs are aligned with the state’s workforce needs.”
2025 Distinguished Service Awards for Higher Education: Chair of the Year
Rep. Chad Caldwell, Rep. Dell Kerbs, and Rep. Toni Hasenbeck received Distinguished Service Awards for Higher Education for their work as Chair of the House Appropriations and Budget Education Subcommittee, Chair of the House Education Oversight Committee, and Chair of the House Postsecondary Education Oversight Committee, respectively.
“We’re proud to recognize Representatives Chad Caldwell, Dell Kerbs, and Toni Hasenbeck for their steadfast support of public higher education,” said Chancellor Sean Burrage. “Understanding that a strong economy relies on a well-educated workforce, each of these leaders has taken meaningful steps in their legislative roles to help our colleges and universities meet that need.”
“I’m honored to receive the Distinguished Service Award from the State Regents,” said Caldwell. “Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to shape Oklahoma’s future, and I’m grateful to play a role in that work. Through initiatives like the Rising Scholars scholarship, designed to celebrate, challenge, and champion Oklahoma’s top students, we hope to keep more of our best and brightest learning, leading, and launching their futures right here at home. It’s a privilege to serve this state alongside so many who are committed to excellence and to building the future of Oklahoma.”
“I am honored to be recognized with this prestigious award,” Kerbs said. “As Chair of the Education Oversight Committee, I take the responsibility seriously of helping shape a stronger future for our state through public education. Our students are the next generation of leaders, and their success is directly tied to the success of Oklahoma. I strive every day to ensure our education system, from pre-K to our career techs, colleges and universities, works for the benefit of all Oklahomans. None of that is possible without dedicated teachers, and I remain committed to supporting the educators who make it all happen.”
“Strong colleges and universities are the foundation of a thriving state,” said Hasenbeck. “When we invest in higher education, we’re building a skilled workforce, fostering innovation and laying the groundwork for long-term economic growth. I’ll continue to work with my colleagues at the State Capitol to provide our institutions with the resources they need to deliver affordable, high-quality education to all Oklahomans, regardless of their background.”
2025 Distinguished Service Award for Higher Education: Outstanding Legislative Leadership
Sen. Julia Kirt and Rep. Josh West were recognized with Distinguished Service Awards in acknowledgment of their exceptional leadership and unwavering support for higher education.
“We thank Sen. Kirt and Rep. West for their consistent advocacy and strategic efforts on behalf of public higher education,” said Burrage. “Both legislators played a pivotal role in advancing key legislation that strengthens the state system and enhances the state’s global competitiveness.”
“I’m honored to be recognized for legislative leadership alongside my colleagues,” Kirt said. “Higher education is one of the great levers of economic mobility that we can provide, and I will continue to champion the value of an excellent college education and the promise of fulfilling careers possible with attainable college for every Oklahoman who seeks it.”
“An investment in higher education is an investment in the people, ideas and innovation that will shape the next generation,” said West. “Oklahoma’s colleges and universities strengthen local economies and keep talent here at home. I’m committed to ensuring these institutions have the support they need to thrive and that every student has access to an affordable, high-quality education.”
2025 Distinguished Service Awards for Higher Education: Outstanding Legislation
Rep. Tammy Townley has been awarded the Distinguished Service Award for Higher Education in recognition of her efforts to increase scholarship eligibility and improve student engagement within the higher education governance process. Townley authored HB 2888, which modified the Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant by excluding non-taxable income from eligibility calculations – an adjustment that simplifies the process and allows more students to qualify for financial assistance. She also championed HB 2903, which repealed outdated statutory language related to the State Regents’ student advisory board, paving the way for a more transparent, efficient, and student-centered governance model.
“Rep. Townley continues to be a strong advocate for Oklahoma’s college students,” Burrage said. “Her work in the last legislative session expanded access to a key scholarship program and facilitated a pathway to ensure student voices are meaningfully represented in higher education policymaking.”
“As a proud supporter of Oklahoma’s colleges and universities, I’m grateful for this recognition,” said Townley. “Our state’s future depends on preparing the next generation with the tools, training and critical thinking skills they need to lead and succeed. We must continue to champion policies that expand access, improve affordability, and strengthen the partnership between our campuses and the workforce.”
2025 Distinguished Service Awards for Higher Education: Trailblazers
Sen. Todd Gollihare, Assistant Majority Floor Leader and Sen. Aaron Reinhardt, member of the Senate Education Committee are recognized as “trailblazers” for their dedication and innovation in advancing impactful legislation.
“Through their work with key committees, Sen. Gollihare and Sen. Reinhardt have demonstrated a deep commitment to student success,” said Burrage. “Their support of critical initiatives, including increasing financial aid through updates to the Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant program and ensuring fair compensation for student-athletes through NIL opportunities, reflects a forward-thinking approach to higher education policy.”
“I’m honored to receive the Distinguished Service Award and to be recognized in the ‘trailblazers’ category,” Gollihare said. “Oklahoma’s colleges and universities are critical to our state’s success as they prepare the next generation with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the Board of Regents, the Council of Presidents, and my legislative colleagues to advance policies that strengthen higher education and expand opportunities for our students.”
“It was an honor to carry legislation that simplifies the scholarship process for Oklahoma students,” said Reinhardt. “I worked hard to champion and support legislation that supports education and our higher education partners here in this state. I am humbled to be recognized by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, and I look forward to continuing to champion productive and meaningful legislation in the coming years.”
The Distinguished Service Awards for Higher Education recognize individuals who demonstrate extraordinary leadership and support of Oklahoma higher education during the legislative session. It is the highest award presented by the State Regents and the Council of Presidents.