[OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, February 3] — Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) will host the Central Oklahoma portion of the 2022 Legislative Tour on February 11 at 12 p.m. in the Visual and Performing Arts Center Atrium. Guests include Oklahoma’s new Higher Ed Chancellor Allison D. Garrett, local legislators, and educators from OCCC, Langston University, OSU-OKC, Rogers State University, Rose State College, UCO, OU, and OU Health Sciences Center.

“Our State Regents recognize the significant workforce needs of our state, and are seeking additional investments,” said Garrett. “Clearly, public higher education plays a pivotal role in workforce and economic development.”

The State Regents are requesting $40m for critical workforce development initiatives, including funds to help meet engineering, nursing, and teacher education workforce needs, increase physician residency capacity, fund pre-collegiate STEM Summer Academies, and provide scholarships for adult students returning to complete the college degree or to earn an industry-recognized micro-credential or certificate. The State Regents are also requesting $34.3m for system operations, including campus operational support needs, deferred maintenance priorities, and shared services and resources for strengthening the quality and experience of online education.

“It is always a pleasure to welcome peers and legislators to Oklahoma City Community College,” said OCCC Interim President Dr. Jeremy Thomas. “We’re looking forward to reviewing the Chancellor’s legislative agenda, and discussing how we can work together as educators in our state in the year ahead.”

With more than 60 majors to choose from, and more than 40 student-led clubs and organizations, OCCC offers an affordable, accredited college education with associate degrees, certifications, non-credit classes, and leadership opportunities to more than 17,000 students annually. Whoever you are and whomever you love, wherever you’ve been and wherever you’re going: You’re welcome here.

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For information and updates, visit occc.edu and follow @OtripleC on social media.