Northern Oklahoma College was named Tonkawa Chamber of Commerce “Business of the Year” at the chamber banquet at the Renfro Center Thursday night.
President Diana Morris said, “It was incredibly gratifying to see the outstanding work the NOC team does each and every day (and night!) recognized by the Tonkawa Chamber of Commerce. I try to tell our Stacutly often how amazing I think they are, but it’s nice for them to receive the external validation as well. The award coming as NOC celebrates 125 years of providing higher education in the Tonkawa community was icing on the cake!”
The following is the narrative read by NAPA’s Jeremy Owen, the 2024 Business of the Year Award Winner.
“Northern Oklahoma College, the State of Oklahoma’s first public community college, has been a pillar of access, opportunity, and service since its founding in 1901. As a multi-campus, land-grant institution, NOC remains dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities that create life-changing experiences and prepare students to be effective learners and leaders in their communities within an ever-changing, connected world.
Today, Northern Oklahoma College serves nearly 3,100 students through its campuses in Tonkawa and Enid, the NOC/OSU Gateway Program in Stillwater, and the University Center in Ponca City. NOC’s commitment to affordability and student success is evident: approximately 80 percent of its students receive financial aid and/or scholarships, and an impressive 75 percent complete their degrees with zero student debt. These outcomes reflect the college’s long-standing focus on removing barriers and expanding opportunity for students from all backgrounds.
Northern Oklahoma College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers associate degrees in the areas of Arts, Science, and Applied Science. Its academic excellence is further demonstrated through specialized accreditations, including the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. These recognitions underscore NOC’s commitment to quality instruction, accountability, and workforce relevance.
As NOC approaches a historic milestone—celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2026—the college remains firmly grounded in the mission that has guided it for more than a century. That mission continues to shape not only the institution’s future, but the future of the communities it serves.
Northern Oklahoma College deeply values its relationship with the City of Tonkawa and the Tonkawa area community. That partnership has been vital to NOC’s success and growth, and the college remains committed to strengthening and investing in the community it proudly calls home.
NOC’s impact has also been recognized nationally through a transformational $17 million unrestricted gift from philanthropist Mackenzie Scott. This investment affirms confidence in NOC’s mission and will help ensure continued strength and opportunity for both the college and the Tonkawa community.
Simply stated, a strong Northern Oklahoma College means a strong Tonkawa—and a stronger future for generations to come.”
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.
NAPA’s Jeremy Owen presented NOC with the Tonkawa Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Thursday night at the 2026 Tonkawa Chamber of Commerce Banquet. Pictured (L-R): Sandy Mulligan, Audrey Schmitz, Mark Tarrant, NAPA’s Jeremy Owen, Sheri Snyder, Scott Cloud, President Diana Morris, Renna Bowers, Anita Simpson, Candy Oller, Ciera Kirby, Dr. Rick Edgington, Stacy Burns.
