OSU Institute of Technology staff members Fran Colombin and Beth Rogers received recognition from Oklahoma Career and Technical Education Equity Council at their annual “Make it Work” ceremony.

This annual ceremony is a recognition that gives thanks to students, instructors, administrators, community partners, businesses and industries who “make it work” in education and the job market for Oklahoma.

Colombin is dedicated to her community through her work in education. She was a middle school science teacher in Okmulgee for 35 years and has been at OSUIT in the Adult Basic Education program since 1998. Colombin started with the institution as an instructor and became director in 2015. She is active in her community, volunteering with many local organizations, including Deep Fork Community Action, Salvation Army, Pete’s Pantry and Morris Public School Booster Club.

She was named the Outstanding Instructor of Non-Traditional Students for 2022 and received a Citation of Congratulations from Senator Roger Thompson and Representative Scott Fetgatter.

Rogers worked as a Deaf Interpreter for the public school system for seven years. She taught middle school American Sign Language before working as the deaf interpreter for OSUIT. Since 2013, Rogers has served at OSUIT as an instructor for Sign Language, Computer Literacy and Psychology. She is a social services liaison and plays an intricate role in Pete’s Pantry’s success. Beth volunteers her time with many organizations, including the Deaf/Blind Association, Tulsa Community Partners, Tulsa Responds, Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, and Khan Ohana along with spending extra time at Pete’s Pantry.

Pete’s Pantry was opened in 2019 by Rogers with the help of the Service-Learning Committee in a small cubical space. Today, it encompasses four office spaces and a large classroom. Last year alone, there were over 1,200 visits, 8,600 lbs. of food distributed, 1,000 clothing items provided, 60 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Applications Processed and two subsidized childcare applications approved.

Rogers was recognized as the Outstanding Community Partner by the OkTEEC and received a Citation of Congratulations from Senator Roger Thompson and Representative Scott Fetgatter.

For 22 years, OkTEEC has been devoted to the vision of increasing the awareness of collegiate and technical education by focusing on high expectations and full participation for all students and employees in career and education in Oklahoma.

The state is separated into four quadrants. Each region accepts nominations, and the officers/council selects the winners for each region.

The awards are presented by dignitaries from Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Oklahoma Department of Career and Technical Education and Oklahoma Legislators - State Representatives and Senators.