Northern Oklahoma College hosted NASA officials on April 9 at the NOC Enid Campus.
As part of NASA Connect Grant “Exploring the Sun and night sky through the lens of the Skywatchers,”
NASA program representatives, Ebony Maureen and Caroline Montgomery met with NOC officials at Enid
According to Dr. Frankie Wood-Black, Division Chair for Process Technology; Instructor & Division Chair, Engineering, Physical Science, PTECH, the visit was to review the upgrades to the facilities on the NOC campus which included the installation of the new planetarium computer and optics and the new image processing center, and to meet with students that have been supported and/or impacted by the work with the NASA individuals.
The representatives also observed the planetarium in use as part of the Northern Encounter for Enid High School Seniors. The representative had a chance to meet with six students individually to discuss their projects, and impressions of the program. These students also presented to the Enid High School Students as part of the events for Northern Encounter.
NOC’s grant is a two-year grant with the period of performance ending July 31, 2024, however, discussions with NASA has indicated that this program is eligible for a one year no cost extension which will allow students to be supported through the 2024-2025 Academic year.
This program has been very successful for NOC as the students are in the process of working with Slooh. Slooh is an international educational organization that allows students to explore astronomy using telescopes in the Canary Islands and Chile, to publish at least three cultural quests based upon the work completed by the students.
Additionally, this program has placed NOC into the National Minority Serving Institution (MSI) database, which has opened up additional research opportunities for NOC students. Discussions with the NASA representatives, has opened up additional opportunities as NOC is going to approach the Science Directorate and work to expand our collaborations.
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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