NWOSU, NOC recognized for partnership with Enid Higher Ed Council
Northwestern Oklahoma State University and Northern Oklahoma College are among sixteen business and higher education partnerships across Oklahoma recently recognized as innovative collaborations that strengthen the state’s workforce and expand educational opportunities.
NWOSU and NOC were recognized for their partnership with the Enid Higher Education Council, Inc.
The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education’s Regents Business Partnership Excellence Award is designed to highlight successful partnerships between higher education institutions, businesses, and the community that create meaningful pathways between education and employment. Through these collaborations, institutions work directly with industry partners to align academic programs with employer needs, ensuring students gain relevant, in-demand skills.
“Partnerships between local businesses and our public colleges and universities strengthen our workforce, benefiting both our state and individual students,” said Chancellor Sean Burrage. “The State Regents are proud to recognize these collaborative efforts that drive economic growth, foster innovation, and expand career opportunities for Oklahomans.”
“We are incredibly thankful for the work that EHEC does for our students and the support they provide to each of our institutions,” Dr. Bo Hannaford, Northwestern President, said. “These partnerships are vital to the community and understanding why obtaining a college degree is so vital for a student’s career trajectory. We often get to hear from students about how EHEC has supported their education and that is exactly why we have this partnership.”
NOC President Diana Morris agreed with Dr. Hannaford.
“I’m so pleased for this opportunity to highlight the work done by the Enid Higher Education Council,” said NOC President Diana Morris. “ The passion these business and community leaders have for improving the post-secondary completion rates for Enid area students is unmatched. They invite representatives from Enid Public Schools, Autry Technology Center, Northern Oklahoma College and Northwestern Oklahoma State University to present at their quarterly meetings to ensure they are familiar with the needs of the educational community and many EHEC members serve on advisory boards for these institutions to ensure we are better equipped to prepare Oklahoma’s workforce.”
Collectively, these collaborations play a critical role in building a more responsive, skilled, and future-ready workforce for Oklahoma. The partnerships recognized for 2026 are:
Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Northern Oklahoma College and Enid Higher Education Council, Inc.
For more than 20 years, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Northern Oklahoma College and community leaders in Enid have maintained a collaborative partnership focused on higher education, community engagement, and economic development. Since 2003, the Enid Higher Education Council, Inc. (EHEC) has led multiple scholarship campaigns, raising nearly $1.3 million in contributions. EHEC has awarded $190,470 in direct scholarships to students attending NOC Enid and NWOSU Enid and, since 2011, has distributed over $1 million to establish temporary and permanent endowment funds for both institutions. Supported by local businesses and individual donors, the Enid Higher Education Scholarship Fund helps students pursue affordable degrees while remaining in Enid. EHEC prioritizes underserved and non-traditional students, with the goal that at least 80% of recipients complete a college degree, strengthening the regional workforce and economy.
Northern Oklahoma College, the state’s first public two-year community college, is a multi-campus, land-grant institution that provides high quality, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities and services.
NOC serves nearly 3,100 students through the home campus in Tonkawa, Enid, and NOC/OSU Gateway Program in Stillwater, and the University Center in Ponca City. Of these students about 80% receive financial aid and/or scholarships. 75% of NOC students complete their degree with zero debt.
The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers associate degrees in three general areas: Arts, Science and Applied Science; the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs; and the Accreditation Commission for Education and Nursing.
For more information about Northern Oklahoma College please call (580) 628-6208 or visit the NOC website at www.noc.edu.
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