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 Secretary of Education Nellie Tayloe Sanders, Speaker Kyle Hilbert, Sen. Ally Seifried, Rep. Arturo Alonso Sandoval, State Regents chair Dennis Casey, and Chancellor Sean Burrage.
“Students, faculty and staff from Oklahoma’s public colleges and universities came together today at our State Capitol to highlight the value of a college degree and the importance of the Oklahoma’s Promise scholarship for our citizens and for our state’s economy,” said Burrage. “Over half of the top 100 occupations identified as critical for our state – including the top 22 highest paying jobs – require an associate degree or higher. Meeting workforce needs, especially in STEM, healthcare, and education fields, remains our top priority.”
Three students also spoke at the event. Maci Passmore, Carl Albert State College; Cate Campbell, Rogers State University; and Josie Castles, University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, shared how pursuing higher education at Oklahoma’s public college and universities has positively impacted their lives.
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 legislative session:
- Sen. Chuck Hall
- Sen. Adam Pugh
- Sen. Kristen Thompson
- Rep. Arturo Alonso Sandoval
- Rep. Trey Caldwell
- Rep. Kyle Hilbert
- Rep. Gerrid Kendrix
- Rep. Anthony Moore
- Rep. Cyndi Munson
“These legislative leaders are investing in Oklahoma’s future: the students we serve,” said State Regents Chair Dennis Casey. “Each award recipient shares our vision for higher education’s critical role in meeting current and future workforce needs and strengthening our economy by helping more Oklahomans earn college degrees.”
The State Regents are requesting $9.3 million for FY26 to fund implementation of the Strong Readers Act provisions and expand concurrent enrollment. Public higher education’s budget request also includes strategic investments that align with Oklahoma’s projected workforce demand in STEM and healthcare and focus on increasing adult degree completion. The State Regents seek $42 million for critical workforce development initiatives, including funds to increase enrollment and graduation in STEM, nursing, and other healthcare 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 $43.7 million in FY26 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 advocate for institution-specific allocations of $403 million to meet campus needs, including system and structure maintenance projects, and fund strategic collaborations.
Expanding the Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Scholarship Act tax credit is also a priority for the State Regents. Authorizing the tax credit for donor contributions to fund need-based scholarships for students attending public colleges and universities will support efforts to increase Oklahoma’s college-educated workforce.
Another legislative priority for public higher education is refining Oklahoma’s Promise to reduce administrative barriers to scholarship access and participation. Strategies include developing an appeal process to assist students facing unique circumstances and extending the application deadline to ensure no qualified student is excluded.
Recognized by many as one of the top promise scholarship programs in the nation, 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.