Oklahoma State University Student Government Association President Erica Stephens was among students, faculty and representatives from Oklahoma’s public colleges and universities gathered at the state Capitol Tuesday, February 13, to promote the value and importance of higher education in the state. 

Speakers included Gov. Mary Fallin; Sen. Roger Thompson; Rep. Jadine Nollan; State Regents chair Ronald H. White, M.D.; State Regent Gen. Toney Stricklin; State Regent Jeffrey W. Hickman; Chancellor Glen D. Johnson; and President Jerry Steward, Oklahoma City Community College.

“Today, more than 300 students from Oklahoma’s public colleges and universities, as well as members of our statewide campus community, met with legislators to underscore the importance of restoring funding for higher education,” said Chancellor Glen D. Johnson. “We believe that higher education is the best investment in Oklahoma’s economic future. The State Regents’ Task Force on the Future of Higher Education has affirmed that we must remain focused on increasing college degree completion in our state.”

Stephens and three other students also spoke at the event and told attendees how they have benefitted from higher education and how attending one of Oklahoma’s public colleges and universities has positively impacted their lives.