The Northern Oklahoma College Board of Regents approved a proclamation that makes NOC a Purple Heart College.
Regents passed the proclamation at a recent meeting in Enid.
The board heard a presentation from Elaine Johns, Executive Director of the Woodring Wall of Honor and Veterans Park in Enid. Three-time Purple Heart recipient Jack Toney was also present at the presentation.
Pictured: Vice President for Enid Jeremy Hise, Regent Mike Loftis, Regent Chair Jason Turnbow, Purple Heart Recipient Jack Toney, Regent Jami Groendyke, Regent Sandy Mulligan, President Diana Morris Watkins.
Johns explained the mission of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
“The mission of the Military Order of the Purple Heart is to foster an environment of goodwill and camaraderie among combat wounded veterans, promote patriotism, support necessary legislation initiatives, and provide service to all veterans and their families.”
NOC will receive campus signs, a large personalized plaque, and a professional proclamation suitable for framing.
Board of Regent Chair Jason Turnbow said, “We appreciate this opportunity and we thank you for your service.”
A formal ceremony will be held during the Fall 2025 semester.
In other actions, the regents approved an Exchange of Service Agreement and Resource Agreement with the Northern Oklahoma College Foundation, inc. The annual agreements allow the NOCF and NOC to operate.
Regents also approved the Group Three Trustees for the NOCF including Patricia Hullet, Brady Purdy, LynnDe Funk, Dr. Cheryl Evans, and Tom Poole. There was one resignation from the NOCF, Ken Bellmard.
“While we will miss having Trustee Bellmard’s input,” NOC President Diana Morris Watkins said, “We are proud of the work he’s doing in Washington DC which prevents him from continuing on the board at this time and are excited to have former Social Science Instructor and current Blackwell Mayor Pat Hullet joining the strong group of leaders who make up the NOC Foundation Board.”
Regents approved a contract with Great Western Dining Services for the 2025-26 academic year. The past year was the first year for Great Western Dining Services at NOC. Regents also approved rental property, facility rental fees, and facility usage fees for all college communities.
Room and Board rates were also approved for the 2025-26 academic year with a slight increase for students depending on their choice of dining options. The highest increase would be $195 per semester per student.
Regents approved the financial report, presented by Vice President for Financial Affairs Anita Simpson. Regents also approved the following purchases of $25,000 or more. Approved were Annual Microsoft Volume Licensing Renewal, $37,227.50; Residential Houses (roofs), $25,620.00; Nursing Testing Software, $54,352.00; Print Shop Equipment, $176,591.52.
In administrative updates, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Shelly Mencacci reported that graduation went very well and the academic office is currently performing assessments of the 2024-25 academic year.
Sheri Snyder, Vice President for Development & Community Relations, reported that the school’s new website project is moving forward with an expected launch on Aug. 18.
Vice President for Enid Jeremy Hise said that three Enid High School students will receive a Dual Credit Degree from NOC at their graduation this weekend. He said there continue to be more Enid High students taking advantage of the Dual Credit Program.
Dr. Rick Edgington, Vice President for Enrollment Management said that Fall 2025 enrollment is going well with a number of the athletic participation groups beginning to enroll in the next few weeks. The next NOC Targeted Enrollment dates are May 20-22.
Vice President Simpson said that work on the 2025-26 budget is going well with the budget set for approval at the June 18 meeting. She said that worker’s compensation insurance costs have stabilized but health insurance costs continue to rise. She added that NOC expects a flat budget from the Oklahoma Legislature for the 2025-26 year. She said that 60 employees received service pins at the end of the year in-service on May 9.
Dr. Marsh Howard, Vice President for Stillwater, said that his staff continues to implement cost cutting measures at NOC Stillwater with expected savings in HVAC.
Vice President for Student Affairs Jason Johnson reported that new security cameras have been installed at NOC Enid and NOC Tonkawa with Oklahoma State Legislature deferred maintenance funds. He said that NOC now has a total of 241 cameras on the two campuses.
President Watkins said that work on NOC’s Strategic Plan is underway with recommendations from the four target areas including Staff/Faculty Engagement, External Stakeholders, Student Engagement, and Facilities. She said the implementation of plans will start this summer.
Regents also approved the 2025-26 regular meeting dates.
The June regent’s meeting will be held in the NOC Tonkawa President’s Large Conference Room at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18.
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 4,000 students through the home campus in Tonkawa, branch in Enid, and NOC/OSU Gateway Program in Stillwater. 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.
