Industry News

Francis Tuttle Technology Center and Edmond Santa Fe High School excelled at the Ben E. Keith Oklahoma ProStart Student Invitational, hosted at Francis Tuttle Technology Center. Francis Tuttle Technology Center won the culinary competition and Edmond Santa Fe High School won the management competition.

Both teams have earned the chance to participate in the 2025 National ProStart Invitational, where the nation’s top high school teams will compete in Baltimore, Maryland.

“The skills, creativity and work ethic these high school students have demonstrated preparing for this state competition have been incredibly impressive,” said ProStart mentor, Nick Schaefer with Urban Management Group.

Congrats to Francis Tuttle and Edmond Santa Fe teams!

– Brenda Jones Barwick, APR, Jones PR

Dr. Jeanie Webb, the first female president of Rose State College, will retire on July 1, 2025, after serving as president since 2013. Webb’s tenure has been transformative, marked by record enrollment, enhanced infrastructure and innovative programs like Oklahoma’s first on-campus housing at an urban community college and a Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity.

She led the launch of an AI and Machine Learning degree, positioning Rose State as a leader in emerging technologies. Webb also secured $22 million in grants and funding, including $9.4 million in ARPA funds, significantly impacting workforce development efforts. A comprehensive search for her successor is underway.

– Staff report, The Oklahoma 100

In a recent study, Oklahoma’s career and technical schools reported its programs are adding nearly $1 billion to the state’s economy.

“CareerTech is strengthening our state’s economic future and providing life-changing opportunities for thousands of Oklahomans,” said Brent Haken, Oklahoma CareerTech director.

These programs include Oklahoma CareerTech’s 29 technology centers, 16 Skills Centers and 32 adult education and family literacy providers. The technology centers supported more than 8,500 jobs.

In FY23, CareerTech’s programs had a 94% placement rate for its graduates. The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Cincinnati. Learn about educational and career opportunities here.

– Staff report, The Oklahoma 100

Oral Roberts University (ORU) is bolstering Oklahoma’s workforce through its renowned internship program. With a focus on fields projected for double-digit growth by 2030 – such as finance, accounting, marketing, strategic media, communication and human resources development – the university’s internship initiative is crucial for preparing students for professional success.

The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission states jobs requiring bachelor’s degrees, particularly those which lead into people and processes management, are set to expand significantly. ORU’s College of Business and College of Arts & Cultural Studies have tailored their internship programs to meet this demand, partnering with local employers to address critical workforce needs.

– Staff report, The Oklahoma 100

Junior Achievement and Big Village shared survey results that reported 68% of teens would be “likely” to take a class on financial literacy, according to this press release. However, only 31% of teen participants shared that they have access to financial literacy courses at their schools. This survey was conducted by Big Village between July 9-14 and included 1,002 teens between the ages of 13 and 17.

“When you ask adults what they wish they learned in school but didn’t, it usually involves topics like understanding how money works,” said Shannan Beeler, president of Junior Achievement of Oklahoma.

Read more here.

– Staff report, The Oklahoma 100

Last week, Semper Fly Helicopters, a veteran woman-owned business, officially opened. Its owner, Brandi Rector, did two tours of duty with the Marine Corps and earned her pilot’s license after leaving the military.

The University of Oklahoma School of Aviation is partnering with Semper Fly Helicopters to offer a Professional Pilot – Helicopter Bachelor of Science degree.

“Semper Fly Helicopters is more than just a flight school. It’s a testament to resilience, passion and the pursuit of excellence,” Rector said, according to The Journal Record.

To learn more about this exciting new program, including application guidelines and due dates, click here.

– Staff report, The Oklahoma 100

Oklahoma State University and Oral Roberts University are among the 25 U.S. colleges and universities that are the first to receive the Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose Classification. This classification is an elective designation and “recognizes institutions that have committed to campus-wide efforts to advance leadership in pursuit of public goods like justice, equity, diversity, and liberty,” according to the press release.

“Students from these institutions will undoubtedly shape a brighter future for us all, upholding fundamental American values and advancing opportunity for the nation,” said Carnegie Foundation President Timothy F.C. Knowles.

Learn more about this classification here.

– Staff report, The Oklahoma 100