5 takeaways from 2018 Higher Ed Day
![Dr. Ronald White applauds as fellow state regents are introduced Tuesday at the Higher Education Day event in the House chamber at the Capitol. [Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/w620-109ecbf9ad7716f8c340f39aeb67220c.jpg)
Over the past three years, state appropriations for Oklahoma higher education have been cut by 23 percent, putting the amount below the 2001 funding level. During those same 17 years, enrollment has increased by 14,000 students. The negative impacts include the reduction of academic programs, personnel, student services and college degree completion efforts.
– Ronald White, M.D., chairman of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
![Gov. Mary Fallin addresses college students Tuesday in the House chamber. “Education is the key to everything,” Fallin said. [Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/w620-1c9f7946edffa4ca64fabe242775625d.jpg)
A major factor in the state’s economic success is having a skilled, educated workforce. Oklahoma companies need that to fill positions and expand operations. And even more skilled workers are needed to draw new companies to the state. Education is important to the state’s growth, to its children’s future, to the business community and the state’s prosperity.
– Gov. Mary Fallin
![Rep. Jadine Nollan, R-Sand Springs, attends Higher Education Day events Tuesday at the state Capitol. [Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/w620-90c3b637673988baa003b68bba7ed342.jpg)
First-generation college students are changed when they graduate with their degree. During the years in college, they learn to overcome challenges, to deal with fear, to step out of their comfort zone, to dream big, to be disciplined and to interact with professors and peers.
– Rep. Jadine Nollan, R-Sand Springs, chair of the House Committee on Higher Education and CareerTech

A college education ensures a brighter future for students across the state, but many need help paying for college. The Oklahoma’s Promise tuition scholarship is one way the state is giving families in need a chance to send their children to college. It’s important for students who have found a way to pay for college to keep advocating for state funding so future generations can afford a higher education.
– Erica Stephens, Oklahoma State University senior, student body president and Oklahoma’s Promise recipient
![State Regent Toney Stricklin speaks about programs to assist veterans, active duty military members and their families Tuesday at the state Capitol. At left are Presdients Tim Faltyn, Oklahoma Panhandle State University; Burns Hargis, Oklahoma State University; and Don Betz, University of Central Oklahoma. [Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/w620-67556df6b488e515e92ecbcc3f0b7068.jpg)
Higher education is important to veterans and military-connected students, who face unique issues. Several initiatives in Oklahoma assist them. For example, active duty military members and their families pay in-state tuition, and the National Guard tuition waiver program covers up to 18 credit hours per semester for members. Plans call for developing a course equivalency matrix to allow veterans to count military services and experience for college credits and decrease the time to completing a degree.
— Ret. Gen. Toney Stricklin, member of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education

![Gov. Mary Fallin. [Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman archives]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/sq150-1c9f7946edffa4ca64fabe242775625d.jpg)



![Gov. Mary Fallin. [Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman archives] Photo - Gov. Mary Fallin. [Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman archives]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-1c9f7946edffa4ca64fabe242775625d.jpg)












Kathryn McNutt covers higher education for The Oklahoman and NewsOK. Since joining the staff in August 2000, she also has worked as the Breaking News editor, Metro editor and assistant Local editor. A native of Oklahoma City, she graduated from... Read more ›