New name to help attract students to advancing technology careers at OSU Institute of Technology
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Gathered around Governor Brad Henry's table, left to right, are: Colby Pascoe, student
from Oologah; Rep. Dale Turner; Senator Roger Ballenger; Mikey Desirey, student from
Broken Arrow; Rep. Jerry Shoemake; House Pages Kate Dillsaver, from Morris and Olivia
Matthews, from Morris; and Junior Henry, student from Jamaica.
“We are closely tied to industry partners,” says Bob Klabenes, president of the campus recently renamed Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology-Okmulgee. “We have been working with them to find creative ways to fill the technician shortage, much of which is due to rapid changes in advancing technologies and the retirement of the baby boomer generation.”
Klabenes said the university conducted an extensive marketing study that indicated prospective students were most interested in a college with hands-on learning, paid internships, technology-enriched classrooms and labs, in addition to links with industry. According to Klabenes, the research firm found that the words “Institute of Technology” were most clearly tied to high-quality technical training that led to well-paying careers.
“Prospective students need to understand we are not a trade school,” said Klabenes, “We offer degrees in a variety of technical fields. Our industry partners consistently report that new hires with a degree from OSU Institute of Technology begin employment ready to be productive immediately and, because of their well-rounded education, are more likely to advance to leadership roles.”
Earlier this year, Okmulgee area legislators introduced a legislative bill to change the college’s name from “OSU Technical Branch-Okmulgee” to “OSU Institute of Technology.” Representative Jerry Shoemake (D-District 16), one of the bill’s co-sponsors, said the name change underscores the close interaction of the university with business and industry. “The future of Oklahoma’s economic vitality resides with the retention, expansion and recruitment of high technology companies. These types of companies must have a continuous supply of competent workers. And, it also says that OSU Institute of Technology is, in fact, a high tech college!”
In comparing traditional community colleges and trade schools with the Institute, Klabenes notes the Institute’s real-work approach provides graduates with a head start in high-tech, high-wage jobs. “The foundation of student learning offered by our college is providing hands-on internships with employers prior to completion of the program. Students experience live, industry-based applied research blended with relevant theory and general education classes. What really helps make all this possible is our exemplary partnerships with employers.”
Along with other legislators, State Senator Roger Ballenger (D-District 8) attended the May 12 signing of the name-change law by Governor Brad Henry. A co-sponsor of the bill, Ballenger said that as a graduate of the college himself, he is proud of the new programs developed with industry input. “I think this name change will establish OSU Institute of Technology as a real force in the future for training skilled employees for industry and for expanding economic growth in Oklahoma.”
Colby Pascoe, a Collision Repair Technology major from Oologah, was one of the students invited to attend the governor’s signing of the name-change bill. Pascoe agrees that the name change will be a benefit in attracting more students to the college. “Technology is the key word – we don’t just read about technology -- we are the new technology. In my program we spend some time in the classroom, but we spend much more time in the shop, either reviewing classroom information or doing hours of hands-on work. I was very surprised to learn of the different uses for computers in a body shop. I believe having the instructors educate us on these cutting edge programs and procedures will help every student who plans to advance in their career.”
In 2007, there were 2,855 students enrolled at OSU Institute of Technology. Programs range from Information Assurance and Forensics, to Automotive Technologies, Engineering Technologies, Construction Technologies, Nursing, Watchmaking, Orthotics & Prosthetics, Heavy Equipment and Visual Communications Technologies. Two of the technical disciplines offer Bachelor of Technology degrees that may be earned in three years, since the college operates year round. Associate in Applied Science and Associate in Science degrees are also offered.
Representative Dale Turner, (D-District 24) took the students on a tour of the House and Senate Chambers after the bill signing. Turner says he is well aware how important these students are to the future of the state. “I chaired the Economic Development Committee for four years and worked very closely with the Department of Commerce. There is a great need for these students and I know we can place every graduate in a quality, good-paying job – just as long as we can keep educating them.”
Officials at OSU-Institute of Technology are now working on an awareness campaign to inform Oklahomans about the college’s new name. “We know this will help our industry partners, and we hope it will help prospective students visualize the doors of opportunity that will open to graduates who get their degree from a technical university,” said Klabenes.
About Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology offers high-quality technical training in more than 20 technical professions, planned and guided with the support of leading companies, industries, and high technology firms. As a result, students learn the latest technical advances that meet the demanding needs of employers.
For more information call 918.293.4678 or 1.800.722.4471. Information also is available online at www.osu-okmulgee.edu.