NOC Receives Clean Audit Report

Northern Oklahoma College recently received a clean audit report at the November Board of Regents meeting in Enid.

The external audit, performed by Hinkle & Company, PC, of Tulsa, audited the college’s financial statements for the year ending June 30, 2024.  The report was given by Kirk Vanderslice.

“Our job is to express an opinion based on the financial statements provided,” he said.  “We are happy to report we have a clean unmodified opinion on financial statements, a clean opinion on internal controls with no deficiencies noted, and a clean opinion on compliance with federal programs.”

“The process went smooth this year,” he added.  “You (NOC) were one of the better clients we work with.  You did a great job this year providing timely information and supporting documentation.  Your financial statements also look really good.  You have increases in net position and an increase in cash which are the two areas I like to highlight.”

President Diana Morris Watkins commented on the audit.

“I am extremely pleased with the findings of this external audit which are a testament to the diligent work Vice Presidents Simpson and Snyder and their teams do together in the daily management of Northern Oklahoma College’s financial resources,” she said.

“I’d like to thank our employees in finance, financial aid, and scholarships for their assistance during this process,” said Anita Simpson, Vice President for Financial Affairs.  “It takes a lot of employees to help with this process.  We have a lot of hard-working people who do their best to do things the right way.”

“Congratulations on a clean audit,” said regent chair Jason Turnbow.

In other business, the regents performed the following actions:

Approved the academic calendar for 2024-25, approved the financial report for October 2024, approved two monthly purchases over $25,000.  They include a roof repair at the Zollars Library in Enid and new roofs for NOC rental properties in Tonkawa.  The regents also allocated funds for the branding of four new recently purchased vans.

In administrator updates, vice presidents made their reports to the regents.

Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Shelly Mencacci reported that NOC is receiving two grants from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education ($15,000 each) to be used in developing micro credential programs (specialized training) aimed for adult learners. They are Cinema Set Construction for Fine Arts and Spanish for Health Care Workers.

Vice President for Development & Community Relations Sheri Snyder reported the First-Gen/First Choice Campaign was held Nov. 8.   The campaign raised nearly $10,000 and an anonymous donor has matched those fund-raising efforts with another $20,000 making a total of $30,000 for the program.

Jeremy Hise, Vice President for Enid, reported that President Leadership Council students traveled to Tulsa visiting the Greenwood District.  He said the trip was very enlightening and educational for students.

Vice President for Enrollment Management Dr. Rick Edgington reported to the regents the initial spring enrollment report which shows a preliminary increase in head count and credit hour production.  He also provided a 15-year enrollment report for NOC at all campuses highlighting enrollment trends.

Anita Simpson, Vice President for Financial Affairs, reported on the economic impact of NOC for the college service area.  She said that NOC pays $11 million in salaries that boost the local economy.

Dr. Marsh Howard, Vice President for Stillwater, reported that NOC Stillwater held a Northern Encounter recruiting event with 33 students attending.  He said that surveys with those potential students showed a positive impression of NOC for those students.

Vice President for Student Affairs Jason Johnson reported the first wrestling duals were held Oct. 30 with more duals in the future.  He said that NOC is glad to have wrestling back on the Tonkawa campus.

In the president’s report, Diana Morris Watkins reported the NOC Executive team had the opportunity to hear from OSRHE Chancellor-Elect Sean Burrage in Enid.

“We are super excited about his leadership for higher ed in Oklahoma,” she said.

The December meeting will be held in Tonkawa in the Presidents’ Large Conference Room at 2 p.m. on Dec. 11.

Northern Oklahoma College, the state’s first public two-year community college, is a multi-campus, land-grant institution that provides high quality, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities and services.

NOC serves nearly 4,000 students through the home campus in Tonkawa, branch in Enid, and NOC/OSU Gateway Program in Stillwater.  Of these students about 80% receive financial aid and/or scholarships. 75% of NOC students complete their degree with zero debt.

The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers associate degrees in three general areas: Arts, Science and Applied Science; the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs; and the Accreditation Commission for Education and Nursing.

For more information about Northern Oklahoma College please call (580) 628-6208 or visit the NOC website at www.noc.edu.