NOC named to Aspen Institute College Excellence Program

TONKAWA — Northern Oklahoma College President Dr. Cheryl Evans announced to the board of regents that NOC was recently named to the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program, which lists the top 150 community colleges.

“NOC once again is honored to be recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the best community colleges in the country,” Evans said. “I’m especially proud of our employees’ efforts to create life-changing experiences to help Northern students achieve their academic goals to complete a college degree in order to join Oklahoma’s workforce or transfer to one of our partner institutions to complete their next post-secondary goal.”

NOC is now eligible to receive the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America’s community colleges. Based on strong and improving in student outcomes — including in learning, completion rates, employment rates and earnings, and equity — 15 percent of community colleges nationwide have been invited to apply for the Aspen Prize.

This is the fourth time that NOC was named to the list.

The regents meeting was held in Tonkawa Nov. 15.

In other business, the regents approved changes to the school’s social networking and social media policy, pending the attorney general’s office approval.

Regents also approved the Oklahoma State Regents of Higher Education program review for the Associates of Arts in Music.

Also approved was the academic calendar for 2020-21.  The calendar mirrors the calendar for Oklahoma State University.  There are no significant changes to the calendar.

Regents approved Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Pam Stinson’s recommendation for the approval of Meteorology and Mathematics Technology options for Associate of Science in Mathematics and Physical Science Degrees.  She said the offerings provide “a better pathway for student outcomes.”

In updates, Vice President for Enid Raydon Leaton said that 60 NOC Enid students participated in the “Act of Kindness,” an Enid community service project.  He also said the Mackie Planetarium Christmas shows are set for Dec. 4 and Dec. 11 in Enid.

The next meeting is set for Monday, Dec. 9 in Stillwater.

Call (580) 628-6200 for more information about Northern Oklahoma College or visit www.noc.edu .