The Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) Board of Regents recognized Oklahoma State House of Representatives majority floor leader Jon Echols for his dedication to the college by awarding him the Regents Excellence Award at the meeting Monday, Jan. 23, 2017.
“I’ve known Representative Echols for many years,†said OCCC President Jerry Steward. “I’m so proud of all he’s accomplished. He has truly dedicated himself to the people of Oklahoma. He’s a friend of the college, all of District 90 and the entire state of Oklahoma.â€
A small businessman from Oklahoma City, Echols is a firm believer that education is key to entrepreneurial success, as well as the success of so many other careers.
“I am so honored to have received this award from OCCC,†said Echols during the meeting. “Having grown up in south Oklahoma City, and representing so many school districts that benefit from this institution, I know the impact it has on our community. Education is a key out of poverty and Oklahoma City Community College has made all the difference for so many.â€
Echols graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Political Science degree. He then went on to Oklahoma City University School of Law, where he received numerous academic awards and graduated first in his class. He has since been asked to return to OCU as an adjunct law professor. In addition to his entrepreneurial pursuits he practices law in the family firm of Echols and Associates.
Echols grew up in the south Oklahoma City metro and has served House District 90 in the Oklahoma State House of Representatives since 2012. After his freshman year, Echols received numerous legislative awards including freshman of the year from OK2A for his support of the Second Amendment, award from the Oklahoma Injury Benefits Coalition for his work supporting small business and was named the Oklahoma State Chamber’s Rising Star. Echols has also served as the vice-chair of the Judiciary and Civil Procedure Committee and as an assistant majority whip.
He has been married to his high school sweetheart Kristen for 12 years and they have three children. Echols is ordained as a deacon and is currently a member of Eagle Heights Baptist Church.
OCCC enrolls more than 20,000 students and has more than 90,000 participants in its various community programs annually. The college is currently the largest adult basic education provider in the state. OCCC offers a full range of associate degree programs that prepare students to transfer to baccalaureate institutions while other degree and certificate programs prepare students for immediate employment. At OCCC, students receive a quality education with small class sizes, dedicated professors and leadership opportunities. Students can choose from more than 80 major fields of study and participate in any of the 40+ clubs and organizations. For more information about OCCC, visit www.occc.edu.