OHLAP scholarship promise kept, but many programs suffer $83 million in overall cuts to higher education

Oklahoma’s families counting on Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program (OHLAP) scholarships will be receiving some good news, while other programs and higher education institutions will face major cuts based on the budget that was passed recently by the Oklahoma Legislature.

“Our higher education system is coping with an $83 million cut, so sacrifices in other programs and at our institutions had to be made, but the commitment to OHLAP scholarships will be maintained for next year,” said Paul Risser, chancellor of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. Read more on higher education funding.

Oklahoma Film Institute offers summer program

Up-and-coming filmmakers from all over the United States will have an opportunity to learn first-hand the intricacies of making movies from some of Hollywood's production veterans during the annual Oklahoma Film Institute at Oklahoma City Community College July 14 through Aug. 1. Read more on the Oklahoma Film Institute.

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation donates advanced DNA sequencers to Cameron

Thanks to a recent donation from the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Cameron University students will have the tools necessary to conduct cutting-edge genetic research alongside leading scientists this fall.

The OMRF, which has garnered international attention for its research on Alzheimer's disease, lupus and other diseases and disorders, has donated two automated DNA sequencers to Cameron's biological sciences department. Read more on the OMRF donation.

OSU engineering student is nation's best

OSU-Stillwater graduate, Christina Lupher was recently honored as the top industrial engineering student in the nation.

The award is given by the Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE), which represents more than 17,000 industrial engineers and 150 chapters worldwide. The IIE Student Award for Excellence acknowledges undergraduate students who have distinguished themselves through scholarship and campus leadership and, in doing so, have brought distinction to industrial engineering at their institution. Read more on Christina Lupher.

Kegans ends 40-year career at NOC

Coach, physical education instructor, cheerleader sponsor, dean, division chair—Nevona Kegans spent her entire professional career at her alma mater, Northern Oklahoma College. She retired this May after a total of 40 years’ service, including 36 years as Dean of Women.

Kegans’ career began with her employment in 1963 as head of women’s athletics and assistant residence hall hostess. A physical education major at Central State University, now University of Central Oklahoma, she was in Wichita signing a contract to teach elementary school physical education when the Northern president and the dean of women left her an invitation to teach for Northern’s new women’s physical education department. Read more on Nevona Kegans.