NOC celebrates 25th anniversary at Enid
Northern Oklahoma College celebrated 25 years at the Enid Campus Wednesday afternoon with a cookout on the lawn in the center of campus.
“This event recognizes a long-standing partnership in our Enid area community between our outstanding community leaders and other educational partners who believe in the mission of Northern Oklahoma College,” said NOC President Diana Morris Watkins. “While the acquisition of Phillips University predates my time at NOC, I am familiar with and grateful for the efforts that many exerted to find a home for NOC in Enid.”
She then provided NOC’s history at Enid.
“To purchase the Phillips University campus, NOC formed a partnership with the Enid Economic Development Authority and submitted a bid of $5.3 million in April 1999. Of that total amount, NOC provided $3.8 million toward the transaction while the Enid Economic Development Authority provided $1.5 million for the Phillips University assets and the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education provided an additional $800,000.”
“Community leaders along with City of Enid administrators and elected officials saw the need for access to affordable public higher education options and were proactive seeking out Northern Oklahoma College to fill a gap,” she added. “Since 1988 when NOC first started offering classes at various locations around the city, over 15,500 students have taken coursework at Northern Oklahoma College Enid.”
“I would like to thank the City of Enid Administration and our elected officials for not only helping us get started but also continuing to collaborate with a focus on providing higher education opportunities in Enid and Northwest Oklahoma. The work of all those involved in the process of creating NOC Enid has resulted in great dividends for Garfield County as NOC continues to grow and provide Life Changing experiences for students while they complete their first two years of college and earn associates degrees. In fact, I’m happy to report that under the leadership of Vice President Hise we are experiencing the third consecutive year of enrollment growth here at NOC Enid.”
Also in attendance were NOC President Emeritus’ Dr. Cheryl Evans and Dr. Joe Kinzer as well as current and former Northern Oklahoma College regents.
NOC faculty and staff were recognized including employees who were employed at NOC when the campus was purchased in 1999.
Other speakers included NOC Enid Vice President Jeremy Hise, NOC Board of Regent Chair Jason Turnbow and NOC Enid President’s Leadership Council student Ella Mitchell.