Representatives from six universities and the Oklahoma Regents for Higher Education gathered on the campus of OSU Institute of Technology Wednesday for Articulation Day, a collaborative event that will make degree completion an easier process for students in Oklahoma.
The institutions taking part in Articulation Day include OSUIT, Langston University, Mid-America Christian University, Northeastern State University, Oklahoma Panhandle State University and St. Gregory’s University.
The institution’s representatives all signed articulation agreements that align coursework so that the credits earned by OSUIT students will transfer seamlessly to any of the four-year institutions.
OSUIT President Bill R. Path said these agreements represent a sentiment of collaboration which higher education administrators, such as those at Articulation Day, must promote.
“It would be easy to look at us as competitors today, but instead what you see here is a shared commitment among us because it’s the right thing to do to prepare our students to impact their individual communities, the state’s economic prosperity, and society’s overall well-being,” Dr. Path said.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, by the year 2020, 67 percent of all jobs created in Oklahoma will require some college, long-term certificate or a college degree. Further, 37 percent of all jobs created in Oklahoma by 2020 will require an associate degree, bachelor’s degree or higher.
Dr. Debbie Blanke, Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, said Articulation Day was a unique occasion for six universities to come together as colleagues, all for students’ welfare
“The event takes diverse institutions and shows them standing one with another to prepare a better path for students to pursue a multitude of degree fields that will build their careers and Oklahoma’s future,” Blanke said. “Through the efforts of these institutions working together, they are providing the leaders of tomorrow a path to finish their education, establish careers, and realize their role as engaged and productive citizens of Oklahoma.”
Dr. William Mayfield, St. Gregory’s University president, said there’s been a paradigm shift in higher education, and these articulation agreements are addressing that change.
“Used to be Mohammed came to the mountain. Now, the mountain must come to Mohammed. We must take education to you. You have jobs, families, and commitments. You may not have time for an education in the traditional sense,” Mayfield said.
NSU President Dr. Steve Turner said when he was in college, the first in his family to attend, he didn’t know what articulation meant, and now it’s an important part of the university’s future.
“What we are doing here is good and right,” said Turner. “Anytime when we have the chance to help students, that’s a good day. Our commitment is to serve students."