While the main news at the Northern Oklahoma College Board of Regent May 22 meeting was the hiring of Diana Watkins as the college’s 15th president, the board took other actions as well.
Regents approved an increase in room and board rates at Tonkawa and Enid.
Vice President for Financial Affairs Anita Simpson explained to board members the increase averages 5% for double occupancy in residence halls at both campus locations. Simpson also reported the occupancy rates for Tonkawa was 64% in Fall 2023 and 58% for Spring 2024. The Enid occupancy rate was 73% for Fall 2023 and 59% for Spring 2024.
The regents also approved the increase of residential rental properties and facility rentals at Enid and Tonkawa effective July 2024. Rental properties will increase by $25/month bringing potentially an additional $10,800 per year to NOC. NOC owns 27 rental properties in Tonkawa and 20 in Enid.
Other increases include rental fees for Montgomery Hall, the President’s Conference Room, and the Gantz Center in Enid. Those increases also begin July 2024. There will be no increase to the Wellness Center at NOC Tonkawa.
Regents also approved the college’s financial report, presented by Simpson. They also approved three purchases of $25,000 or more including a $33,000.00 roof repair at Elliot-Goulter Residence Hall in Enid, 50 Computers for all campuses at a cost of $60,000.00, and roof replacement at Wilkin Hall at Tonkawa at a cost of $219,698.83.
Numerous policies from the Northern Oklahoma College Foundation, Inc. were approved as presented by Vice President for Development and Community Relations Sheri Snyder, who also serves as Executive Director to the Foundation.
In Vice President updates, Vice President for Academic Affairs Diana Watkins reported that 35 students completed their degrees through the Reach Higher Program from the state regents’ office. She also reported that NOC Tonkawa will be hosting a workshop for Math Instructors this summer.
Vice President for Enid Jeremy Hise reported that four Enid High School students and one Drummond High School student earned degrees from NOC as part of the Dual Credit to Degree Program. He said 12 other students are currently in the program.
Hise added that the City of Enid will be hosting the NJCAA Division 2 World Series for an additional three years through 2028.
The regents also heard a wrestling report as NOC Tonkawa re-establishes the men’s program and starts the women’s program in Fall 2024. Athletic Director Alan Foster reported that 41 men and 23 women have committed to be part of NOC wrestling this fall.
The board also approved the meeting dates for 2024-25. The regents primarily meet on the third Wednesday of each month at 2 p.m. excluding August and January.
Regents will meet again on Wednesday, June 19, at 2 p.m. in the President’s Large Conference Room in Tonkawa.