NOC Regents hear reports from three campuses

Dale DeWitt of Braman took the oath of office as a member of the Northern Oklahoma College Board of Regents at the February Regents’ meeting at NOC Tonkawa. Special District Judge Lee Turner of the Eighth Judicial District administered the oath.

A retired educator and former Oklahoma State Representative, DeWitt is currently filling the position vacated by Tom Dugger, Stillwater, upon his election to the State Senate. On July 1, DeWitt will begin a five-year term on the Board.

NOC President Dr. Cheryl Evans congratulated the new Board member, saying, “Regent DeWitt is a champion of education and an NOC Hall of Fame member. I look forward to serving with Regent DeWitt.”

Suzi Brown, chair of the Division of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, told the Board that the five fulltime HPE&R faculty have a total of 51 years’ experience among them. She reported that the number of degrees in the program has grown, briefly discussed the Athletic Training option and the new Personal Trainer option and noted the formation of an advisory committee with representatives from health education fields.

Regent Linda Brown commented on the success of Higher Education Day at the State Capitol, attended by representatives from the NOC student body and administrative personnel.

Dr. Pam Stinson, vice president for academic affairs, told the Regents that accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission is essential for the college to offer financial aid. NOC is preparing for an HLC accreditation visit in February 2018.

According to Dr. Ed Vineyard, vice president for Enid site, Upward Bound student Viviana Madrid, a Hennessey High School senior, has received a QuestBridge National College Match full four-year scholarship, valued at $200,000, to the University of Chicago.

Sheri Snyder, vice president for development, updated information concerning institutional and private scholarship programs. No reductions will be made in resident tuition waivers for FY 2018.To be considered for scholarships, applicants must complete the Institutional Scholarship Application form on the college website. 

Dr. Shannon Cunningham, vice president for Stillwater site, announced that the groundbreaking ceremonies will be March 22 for the new classroom building at Stillwater. The building is expected to be completed in summer of 2018.

Personnel actions included the hiring of Tyler Huffstickler, Boehme residence hall director; Ted Moore, Title III NASNTI Native American student success specialist; and Mark Tarrant, grants accountant, as well as the resignation of Chris Ortiz, network and server administrator.

Regents approved naming the Memorial Student Union west dining room in honor of Marlin “Ike” Glass, Jr., of Newkirk, former state regent for higher education. The Glass Room will be dedicated May 17.

Also approved were modification of concurrent enrollment fees associated with the NOC/OCU Gateway Program and a resolution opposing weapons on campus.

Anita Simpson, vice president for financial affairs, reported total net assets of $8,648,372.85 for the fiscal year 2016-2017 and presented January financial reports for the Regents’ approval. Regents also approved purchases of a mailing machine and a folder inserter as well as a baseball/softball scoreboard for the Tonkawa site plus monthly allocation requests totaling $1,520,000 for various projects at Enid and at Stillwater.

Present were Regents Linda Brown, Ponca City; Jeff Cowan, Ponca City; Stan Brownlee, Enid; Chad Dillingham, Enid; and Dale DeWitt, Braman. The Board of Regents will meet March 22 at NOC Stillwater.

Official minutes of the NOC Board of Regents prior meetings are available online at www.noc.edu.