Cutline: NOC Regent Jami Groendyke was sworn in today for a five-year term by the Hon. Lee Turner at the NOC Board of Regents meeting at NOC Tonkawa (photo provided)
Regents hold first meeting with Dr. Harris
The Northern Oklahoma College Board of Regents met Wednesday at NOC Tonkawa in Dr. Clark Harris’ first meeting as NOC president.
“I am so excited to be here,” Dr. Harris said. “The Northern employees and area communities we serve have made me feel so welcome. Everyone has been phenomenal and I can see the tremendous work ethic of our employees. I’ve been having meetings to get acclimated and I think things are going well in my first month.”
Regent Jami Groendyke was administered the Oath of Office by Hon. Lee Turner, Kay County Special District Judge for Kay County. Groendyke was appointed by Governor Kevin Stitt in 2020 to a one-year unexpired term and reappointed to a five-year term in 2021. Wednesday’s meeting was also the first meeting for Regent Chair Michael Martin of Stillwater. During introductions of visitors and guests, he welcomed Assistant Attorney General Whitney Herzog Scimeca who is newly assigned to represent our institution on behalf of the legal counsel division of the Oklahoma Office of the Attorney General.
The regents approved the school’s food service vendor for NOC Tonkawa and NOC Enid. NOC has entered into a contract with Aladdin Campus Dining. Vice President for Financial Affairs Anita Simpson said she is excited about the new vendor and what they are going to offer students this fall.
In other business, the regents approved the installation of a new signage on the NOC Enid campus. The sign is located on Garriott Road. The $35,000 sign is funded by a combination of private and college funds.
Vice President for Community Relations and Development Sheri Snyder reported that Dr. Cheryl Evans, President Emeritus, was named the Enid YWCA Woman of the Year at a ceremony in Enid July 15.
Snyder and Vice President for Enrollment Management Dr. Rick Edgington also explained to the regents the marketing plans for NOC to reach prospective students through regular mail and digital means. The plan targets NOC’s service area but also other areas in the Oklahoma and Kansas markets.
Vice President for Student Affairs Jason Johnson reported that NOC had one positive COVID-19 case currently ongoing. Johnson said that his office will continue to track COVID-19 cases as students come back to campus this fall.
Vice President for Stillwater Diana Watkins said she has been meeting with Oklahoma State officials to better incorporate NOC Gateway students into student activities at OSU to provide a better experience for students interested in attending NOC.
Jeremy Hise, Vice President for Enid, said he has been meeting with Northwestern Oklahoma State University officials to continue to build relationships with NWOSU and the Enid community.
Dr. Pam Stinson, Vice President for Academic Affairs provided updates on the school’s Academic Calendar and Academic Plan for 2021-22.
The board also heard a presentation by Dr. Kathleen Otto regarding the NOC Fact Book. Dr. Otto, NOC’s Director of Institutional Research and Assessment, said the 108-page book is used both internally and externally. The book, in its 9th edition, is a demographic snapshot of NOC from the previous year.
The regents approved the NOC Employee Handbook for 2021-22.
The board’s next meeting is Wednesday, Sept. 15 at NOC Enid.