Industry News

The Sooner Nation Collective announced its first three community partners: Oklahoma Humane Society, Wings Special Needs Community and the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.

This new collective developed two NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) opportunities for OU student athletes to bring awareness to the missions of these nonprofits. The women’s basketball team worked with Wings to promote its annual fall festival, while the baseball team worked to advertise the OK Humane’s Sweet Sixteen Hero Awards. The Collective is expected to announce upcoming work with the food bank soon.

Learn more about becoming a partner or making a contribution: thesoonernation.org.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

The Sooner Nation Collective proudly welcomes Megan Ellis as its executive director. With over two decades of experience in the nonprofit sector, Ellis previously led the Oklahoma Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs and served as the director of communications for the Oklahoma Public School Resource Center.

An OU graduate with advanced degrees from Boston University and Harvard, her passion for fostering community-minded individuals aligns seamlessly with The Sooner Nation Collective’s goals to make service to others part of student athletes’ personal brands.

Learn about the positive impact that NIL will have on student athletes and the community at thesoonernation.org.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

The Sooner Nation Collective – the Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) program supporting community-based nonprofits and businesses – launched on Thursday, Oct. 19. Celebrated with OU VP and Athletics Director Joe Castiglione in addition to the collective’s Executive Director Megan Ellis, both individuals emphasized the program’s alignment with OU’s commitment to make service a part of student-athletes’ personal brands.

The collective aims to bridge the gap between scholarships and educational costs, enabling student-athletes – especially those without full scholarships – to earn money leveraging their NIL and raising awareness for community nonprofits and businesses.

For more information on how to get involved, visit thesoonernation.org.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

Moore Norman Technology Center (MNTC) recently celebrated the opening of its aviation maintenance technology training program.

Students in this program learn how to conduct pre-flight inspections, perform routine and preventive aircraft maintenance and repair airframe and powerplant (engine) components. This is a hands-on program providing authentic training experiences to prepare students for careers in the field.

“Moore Norman Technology Center’s aviation maintenance technology program speaks to the limitless future of the district. May we continue to clear the runway for students to fill the ever-changing workforce needs of our community, state and country,” shared MNTC Superintendent and CEO Brian Ruttman.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

After gas and oil production, aviation is the second largest industry in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission is investing in the future aerospace and defense industry workforce by adopting its largest ever Aero Education Program for FY 2024, a $1 million investment.

More than half the money is going towards competitive grant awards. Funds were also awarded to all Oklahoma high schools teaching the AOPA “You Can Fly” curriculum to provide supplies and professional development opportunities. Additionally, funding was approved for four major aerospace education events and development or improvement of classroom laboratories dedicated to teaching aviation and aerospace programs.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

We may have more students considering a career in the film industry. For two days this summer, 89 high school students got an up-close look at the world of filmmaking through deadCenter University, learning from industry professionals that included directors, stunt artists, special effects makeup artists and directors of photography.

The experience was free for the students, thanks to a partnership between deadCenter Film Festival and Metro Technology Centers. They got to work on four scene scenarios at Green Pasture Studios. The program is open to any student in grades 9-12.

Find out more about the program at metrotech.edu/dcu.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

Rose State College and National University (NU) have joined forces to enhance educational opportunities for students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in paralegal studies.

Their partnership aligns NU’s foundational paralegal courses with Rose State’s equivalencies and streamlines the transfer process for Rose State students seeking to expand their studies at NU.

Once students complete 45 quarter units of transfer courses at Rose State, they become eligible for NU’s paralegal studies program, along with a tuition reduction scholarship.

To learn more about Rose State, visit rose.edu. For more information about the partnership with National University, please visit nu.edu.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

Rose State College received approval from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to offer a Bachelor of Applied Technology in Cybersecurity. Rose State’s cybersecurity program earned the distinction of being a National Center of Academic Excellence as awarded by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.

The four-year degree, designed in collaboration with industry partners, equips students with the skills and knowledge to address the challenges of cybersecurity. With a focus on workforce demand, the program aims to meet the growing need for cybersecurity professionals in various industries, while providing flexibility and personalized support for students.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

The 2023 Reader Rankings in “The Journal Record” have recognized Rose State College as top-ranked in two categories: Best Paralegal Program as well as Best Undergraduate Program. The honorees are selected via a nomination and voting process by the readers and subscribers of “The Journal Record.”

Rose State offers more than 60 associate undergraduate degree programs that are designed for students to easily enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year college or university.

The college’s two-year paralegal studies program prepares students for employment as legal assistants or paralegals and offers classes in a FLEX format to accommodate student needs.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100