Oklahoma higher ed playing key role in historic economic development project

If a statewide economic development project currently in the works does what state leaders envision, more business and industry could be calling the Sooner State home in the not-too-distant future.

Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry, along with Higher Education Chancellor Paul G. Risser and Secretary of Commerce and Tourism Kathy Taylor, recently announced the kickoff of the ambitious project known as Oklahoma’s EDGE, an acronym for Economic Development Generating Excellence. Risser and Taylor will spearhead the creation and direction of the project. Read more on EDGE.

NOC, OSU partner in Gateway Program

Billed as “A Partnership for Oklahoma,” the NOC/OSU Gateway Program began classes Aug. 18 with an enrollment exceeding 500 students, according to Director Debbie Quirey.

The program, officially launched in conjunction with a grand opening of Northern’s Stillwater facility Aug. 15, resulted from a partnership between the Northern Oklahoma College and Oklahoma State University to provide greater access to higher education for Oklahoma’s college-bound students and a better chance of success for them in the classroom. Read more on the Gateway Program.

Northeastern opens its doors to Russian delegates

Delegates from Ulan-Ude, a city located just north of Mongolia in the Buryatia region of Russia had the opportunity to learn about cultural and historical preservation on a recent visit to Oklahoma and Northeastern State University. The group of 10 men and women was brought to the state by the Tulsa Global Alliance as part of a cultural exchange program between the United States and former Soviet citizens. Read more on Russian delegates.

Western, Cameron collaborate to increase number of qualified nurses in area hospitals

Western Oklahoma State College and Cameron University have become educational partners in an effort to alleviate Southwest Oklahoma’s nursing shortage. The project is a unique collaboration of public and private resources to increase the number of qualified registered nurses at a time of critical need. Read more on nurses.

Great western trail marked

Youth at the Foss Lake Adventure Program of Southwestern Oklahoma State University recently witnessed the marking of the Great Western Cattle Trail almost in the front yard of the FLAP group home.

Oklahoma City television station OETA (Channel 13) was in attendance working on a Great Western Trail special that will be aired later this fall. Read more on trail.