2027 Legislative Agenda
Supporting Campus Research Capacity and Partnerships
Investing in a strong research ecosystem will empower Oklahoma to remain competitive, resilient, and forward-thinking. Research conducted by colleges and universities plays a vital role in driving a state’s innovation, economic growth, and public well-being. 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. Academic research attracts federal grants and private investments, creates high-skill jobs, informs public policy, enhances education, and addresses region-specific challenges.
Oklahoma's Promise
The Oklahoma’s Promise scholarship program has been named by the Southern Regional Education Board as a top promise scholarship program in the nation. Funding support is requested to ensure we continue to keep the promise to every eligible Oklahoma student.
Inspired to Teach
The Inspired to Teach scholarship and employment incentive program continues to positively impact Oklahoma’s teacher education pipeline. Since inception, enrollment in teacher preparation programs has increased 8%, including a 25% increase in freshman enrollment in education. Goals for the 2027 legislative session include increasing the scholarship amount and providing stipend support for the required student teaching segment of the degree-earning process.
Oklahoma Rising Scholars Award
The Oklahoma Rising Scholars Award provides scholarships to academically outstanding students who attend an Oklahoma college or university. Rising Scholars receive a scholarship to help cover the cost of room, board, tuition, books and incidental fees for up to eight semesters. The program grew substantially in the last academic year, empowering our state to retain more of the most talented students right here at home. Additional funding is needed to ensure every eligible Oklahoma student receives full financial assistance through the program.
Concurrent Enrollment
The concurrent enrollment program allows eligible high school juniors and seniors to get a head start on college by taking courses for college credit while still in high school. Participating students may also be eligible to receive a tuition waiver. Concurrent enrollment strengthens student preparation, reduces family college costs and decreases the time required to complete a degree. The State Regents will continue efforts to refine concurrent participation options, financial models and course delivery modes to strengthen the program for Oklahoma students.
Enhance Campus Safety and Security
State system institutions must be equipped with the necessary personnel and financial resources to proactively mitigate risks and ensure the safety of campus communities. This includes addressing both physical and cybersecurity threats, challenges and incidents. Appropriate investment in security infrastructure, trained personnel and cybersecurity protocols is essential to safeguarding students, faculty, staff and institutional assets while also fostering a secure learning environment.
Contact
Chancellor Sean Burrage
sburrage@osrhe.edu
Dr. Jarrett Jobe, Vice Chancellor for Governmental Relations
jjobe@osrhe.edu
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
405.225.9424
www.okhighered.org