Burns Hargis officially announces new program at the University Center at Ponca City

Burns Hargis was all over Ponca City today to inform the community about a partnership Oklahoma State University is starting with the University Center at Ponca City. His day started at City Hall talking to a full room about OSU’s growth. He talked about enrollment rates, out-of-state percentages and improvements you should expect to see on campus. Hargis also said right now more than 300 OSU students call Ponca City home. And 40 of those students shook his hand at commencement ceremonies this past May. Hargis had the crowd laughing the whole 40 minutes he spoke.

After enjoying a classic Ponca City lunch at Enrique’s, Hargis met up with another group at the UC. UC CEO, Adam Leaming gave Hargis a tour right before he officially announced their partnership. Hargis said he was pleased to announce the UC will now offer OSU’s wind turbine program.

“We started a wind turbine program at OSU-Oklahoma City three or four years ago, I think,” Hargis said. “Its obviously been a very popular program, because you see these wind farms going up all over. Adam and Natalie Shirley, who runs OSU-Oklahoma City got together and worked on a way that program could be offered here at the University Center through technology. That’s how they were able to develop and create the program. Then, the Technology Center [Pioneer Tech] will actually provide the instruction on the hands-on work that you have to do if you’re a technician on those wind turbines. So, really it’s a great partnership between Career Tech, University Center and OSU.”

Leaming said they hope to have the program available in August. However, there is some work to be done before that becomes set in stone. If the papers aren’t signed and approvals aren’t given soon enough, it may have to wait until January. Leaming said they will heavily publicize the official starting date as soon as they know.

Leaming said students can either get their associates degree or certificate in wind turbine technology. The associates degree is a two year program that includes general education classes. If you want to bypass those general education classes you can get your certificate. A certificate can be earned in a year. To view a degree sheet that tells you exactly which classes are offered visit OSUOKC.edu/wind.

Hargis said he was impressed with the UC and hopes to develop a stronger relationship with them.

“I got to come out here and see the University Center, which I have not seen and is really beautiful,” Hargis said “It’s a fantastic facility and I am thrilled we are having interaction with it, and now this new wind turbine program is just going to be great and will be a catalyst to grow into a lot of other areas.”