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Michael Martin named new NOC regent

Michael Martin was sworn in as a new Northern Oklahoma College regent on Wednesday. Martin was sworn in by the Honorable Judge Lee Turner. (photo by John Pickard/Northern Oklahoma College)

The Northern Oklahoma College Board of Regents met on Wednesday at their monthly Regents meeting at NOC Tonkawa. Chair Dale Dewitt presided over meeting with Regents Jodi Cline, Chad Dillingham, Stan Brownlee and Michael Martin present.

Michael P. Martin of Stillwater was sworn in as a Northern Oklahoma College Regent with the Honorable Judge Lee Turner administering the new regent oath of office. Martin is an attorney at Martin, Jean, and Jackson Attorneys at Law in Stillwater.

“It is an honor to be appointed by Governor Stitt to the Northern Oklahoma College Board of Regents,” Martin said. “I am excited for the opportunity to serve as a Regent for this outstanding institution. I look forward to working with Dr. Evans and the other Regents to ensure NOC continues to provide a top-notch education while remaining accessible and affordable.”

Michael P. Martin grew up in Ponca City and graduated from Ponca City High School in 2001. He attended Oklahoma State University, graduating magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 2005. He received his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 2008, and was admitted to practice in the State of Oklahoma that same year.

Martin is a member of the law firm of Martin, Jean and Jackson whose statewide practice focuses on helping injured Oklahoman’s. Martin served as President of the Payne County Bar Association and is a member of the Advisory Board for the Oklahoma Association for Justice.

He also holds membership in the American Bar Association, Oklahoma Bar Association, Kay County Bar Association, Payne County Bar Association, American Association for Justice, and Oklahoma Association for Justice. Martin resides in Stillwater with his wife Abigail and their five children, Isabella, Sophia, Knox, Nicholas, and Elliana.

NOC President Evans commented, “NOC is pleased that Governor Stitt nominated Mr. Martin and that the Oklahoma Senate approved his service to our Board of Regents. Michael will bring a new perspective and legal expertise to the board. In addition, he is excited to serve students and provide oversight to NOC. I look forward to working with him.”

Martin replaces Jeff Cowan, who retired from the board after serving eight years. He will serve a five-year term ending June 30, 2024.

Board action also included approving changes to the 2019-2020 NOC Employee Handbook pending review from legal counsel. Also approved were monthly financial reports for June 2019 and monthly Section 13/New College Fund 600-650 allocation requests for various projects totaling $75,000. Monthly purchases approved over $25,000 included annual contract renewal for online tutoring services – Tutor.Com for $27,000 (capital funds), and annual Blackboard learning core contract – Blackboard, Inc. for $25,753.40 (capital funds).

During regents’ comments, Chairman Dewitt expressed his appreciation for how nice the Tonkawa campus this time of year. Additionally, he welcomed new regent Michael Martin to the Board.

During the administrators’ monthly updates, Associate Vice President for Physical Plant Operations Larry Dye commented on the upcoming surplus sale on August 20. Vice President for Financial Affairs Anita Simpson updated the Board on the ongoing training with the new ERP system. Vice President for Enrollment Management Rick Edgington provided an update on enrollment for fall 2019 showing a slight decline.

During the president’s monthly report, Dr. Cheryl Evans announced the celebration and ring ceremony on September 14 for the Jets Baseball Team as 2019 NJCAAA Men’s Baseball National. She also expressed her gratitude to Regent Dillingham for his service as chair this past year and looks forward to working with chair Dewitt in his role this year.

In other business, several annual updated documents were presented to the board including the 2019-2020 Academic Plan, NOC Graphic Standards Guide, NOC Fact Book, and Information Technology and Telecommunication Plan.

Next scheduled meeting will be September 17 at NOC Enid.