NOC Regents extend Dr. Clark Harris contract
The Northern Oklahoma College Board of Regents extended President Dr. Clark Harris’ contract for one-year at Wednesday’s regent meeting in Enid. Dr. Harris completes his second full year at NOC in June.
“The regents are thankful to President Harris for his leadership and continued work with the Northern community,” said NOC Board of Regent Chair Jami Groendyke. “We feel that NOC is making strives to provide our students with the best opportunities. President Harris has our support as we continue to navigate the ever-changing world of higher education.”
“I am honored to receive the continued support of the NOC Board of Regents as we continue to build a better NOC,” said NOC President Dr. Clark Harris. “We are making progress in growing enrollment and making Northern Oklahoma College a welcoming college experience where students want to live and learn. I am looking forward to leading NOC as we focus on campus engagement for students, faculty, staff and the community. “
Also, the regents read a proclamation that was presented during a reception in honor of the Livestock Judging Team. The proclamation recognized the NOC Livestock Judging Team for their “Team of the Year” honor and for coach Jennifer Bedwell who was named “Coach of the Year.” Bedwell was the first woman to receive the coach of the year honor.
Two agreements were approved with NOC and the NOC Foundation. One agreement is a service agreement between the two entities while the other allows allocated resources to support development activities.
Residential rental properties, facility rental fees, and facility usage fees at Tonkawa and Enid were discussed with the board approving various increases for each category.
The regents also increased NOC residential housing room and board rates for Enid and Tonkawa. The increases are the first since 2016-17.
NOC’s financial report, prepared by Vice President for Financial Affairs Anita Simpson was approved.
The regents also approved a proposal to enter into an Oklahoma Purchasing Card Agreement with JP Morgan Chase Bank to provide a procurement card program for NOC purchases.
In the administrator reports, Vice President for Academic Affairs Diana Watkins reported that NOC received a letter from the Higher Learning Commission stating the college is on track for their 10-year evaluation in 2027-28 and successfully completed the mid-cycle report.
Vice President for Community Relations and Development Sheri Snyder reported on the progress of several grants for NOC campuses and also reported that NOC received a $71,000 grant for a chair-lift for the Classroom Building in Enid.
NOC Vice President for Enid Jeremy Hise commended athletic director Alan Foster for his work at the Plains District Baseball Tournament in Enid. The tournament concluded last Monday in Edmond due to rain in Enid.
Dr. Rick Edgington, Vice President for Enrollment Management, provided an enrollment report to the regents. The report states that summer enrollment is equal to Summer 2022 while fall enrollment is ahead of Fall 2022 numbers.
Vice President for Student Affairs Jason Johnson listed the All-Region players for Jets Softball and Mavs Baseball. He also reported that NOC will no longer provide a weekly COVID-19 report since the health departments are no longer providing such a report.
In the president’s report, Dr. Harris provided a legislative update including one bill that will require all high school students to complete a FAFSA application. He also reported that 653 students graduated in the NOC Commencement exercises at the Tonkawa and Enid campuses on May 6.
The next meeting will be held in Tonkawa on June 14. Regents requested that an NOC Tonkawa Wrestling Proposal for Fall 2024 be placed on the agenda.
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.
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