Hands-on Education: Renovated OSU-Tulsa wing one of many additions to OSU’s workforce development program
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Media Contact: Mack Burke | Associate Director of Media Relations | 405-744-5540 | editor@okstate.edu
Oklahoma is at a critical crossroads.
Across every sector and region, industry leaders are sounding the alarm: the need for skilled, adaptable and work-ready talent has never been greater.
Oklahoma State University listened and is now leading a response — one that the future of the state’s economy depends on.
Its latest solution to persistent labor shortages, an aging workforce and rapid advances in technology is a 12,300-square-foot renovated space in downtown Tulsa.
OSU President Jim Hess and university leaders cut the ribbon on the 1300 Wing at OSU-Tulsa this fall as part of the Orange Impact event, highlighting the university’s growing role in workforce development, health care innovation and economic growth across Oklahoma.
“Today we cut a ribbon, but what we are really opening is opportunity,” Dr. Hess said. “This renovation represents a promise to every student that when you walk through these doors, you have a place designed for your growth, your learning and your future.
“Through OSU-Tulsa, OSU Center for Health Sciences and OSU Institute of Technology, we are deploying the full strength of the OSU System to serve Green Country. Our campuses, faculty and programs are working together to meet the workforce needs of this region — from health care and technology to engineering and business — ensuring Oklahomans have access to the education and training that lead to rewarding careers.”
Dr. Johnny Stephens, president of OSU-Tulsa and OSU Center for Health Sciences, emphasized that both campuses are designed to meet real-world needs by connecting students directly to high-demand careers.
“OSU-Tulsa is OSU’s anchor in northeastern Oklahoma, connecting our strengths to the needs of Tulsa’s people, economy and communities,” Stephens said. “Our graduates are stepping into professional and leadership roles employers struggle to fill — the engineers, accountants and health care administrators that power this region’s economy.”
The 1300 Wing is the newest addition to the OSU System’s response to what industry employers have been asking for — one of many initiatives and ideas to emerge from the 17 workforce roundtables OSU hosted across Oklahoma, engaging more than 200 organizations in honest, solution-driven dialogue. They discussed the areas of Information Technology and Data; Aerospace and Aviation; Construction and Real Estate; Advanced Manufacturing; Health Care and Life Sciences; Energy and Power; Transportation, Distribution and Logistics; and Agriculture and Agribusiness.
Here is a sampling of the feedback employers and industry leaders have provided:
- The old models of workforce development are not keeping pace with the needs of business.
- Employers need faster pathways to skills.
- More hands-on learning opportunities are needed.
- Greater access for rural communities.
- Stronger partnerships between industry and education.
- And above all, a renewed focus on building not just technical ability, but the soft skills and confidence that help people grow — and lead — in careers.
Employers consistently rank soft skills — communication, teamwork and reliability — as critical gaps.
OSU addresses this through microcredentials in leadership, professionalism and conflict management, ensuring graduates are prepared to lead.
OSU has focused on implementing workforce development solutions, like these stackable microcredentials, in key sectors across our state and is seeing real results.
Advanced Manufacturing
From robotics to automation, manufacturing is evolving fast.
OSU offers more than 60 programs across its campuses, including engineering technologies and applied design. Ninety percent of graduates land jobs within six months, many earning starting salaries above $50,000.
In a significant move to position Oklahoma as a hub for advanced manufacturing, OSU’s Hamm Institute for American Energy has partnered with Divergent Technologies Inc. to accelerate the adoption of next-generation manufacturing processes across the state. Divergent’s Adaptive Production System uses AI-driven design, additive manufacturing and robotic assembly to create high-performance, cost-efficient structures. The collaboration leverages Oklahoma’s energy resources, transportation access and defense infrastructure, including Tinker Air Force Base, to scale advanced manufacturing for defense and industry.
Aerospace and Aviation
Oklahoma’s aerospace industry generates $44 billion annually and employs more than 200,000 people.
OSU is helping sustain that momentum through targeted training in avionics, composites and automation. Programs like the upcoming Advanced Air Mobility microcredential program will prepare students for next-generation flight technologies, industry breakthroughs and real-world challenges in Advanced Air Mobility.
“The aerospace industry doesn’t just need engineers — it needs communicators, critical thinkers and team players. OSU’s focus on both technical education and human interaction skills is exactly what companies like NORDAM need to thrive,” said Bailey Siegfried, vice president of culture, communication and human resources at NORDAM.
“It’s not just about landing jobs — it’s about shaping our culture with the right people and developing the next generation of aerospace professionals who can grow into leaders.”
Construction and Real Estate
Middle-skill jobs — roles requiring more than a high school diploma but less than a bachelor’s degree — account for nearly half the labor market.
OSU’s construction programs meet this demand with 20 microcredentials in construction and real estate, as well as certificates and associate degrees in electrical; heating, ventilation and air conditioning; and surveying technologies. Graduates enter the workforce ready to contribute on day one, and 91% would recommend OSU’s programs to others.
The OSUIT Workforce Partnership team continues to build on this momentum, recently announcing a new collaboration with AAON that establishes specialized HVAC training programs to meet immediate workforce needs while creating a scalable model for future industry partnerships.
Anna Dinsmore-Hearn, OSUIT’s director of workforce and economic development, highlighted the institute’s role in aligning education with employer needs.
“Our collaboration with AAON demonstrates how higher education and industry can work together to create innovative, hands-on training programs that strengthen Oklahoma’s workforce and support the continued growth of one of the state’s leading manufacturers,” Dinsmore-Hearn said.
Energy and Power
With OG&E’s donation of a state-of-the-art power plant simulator, OSU students have another exciting new opportunity to gain real-world experience in energy systems.
Programs in power transmission, automation and environmental safety prepare graduates for careers in a sector vital to Oklahoma’s economy.
“Oklahoma Gas & Electric has demonstrated its commitment to workforce development by donating a state-of-the-art power plant simulator to OSUIT,” said Michael Eckart, supervisor, technical learning ops for OG&E. “This simulator provides students with hands-on experience in a mock control room environment, allowing them to navigate real-world scenarios and develop critical decision-making skills. Such practical training ensures that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the energy industry.”
Information Technology and Data
Cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analytics … These aren’t buzzwords — they’re essential skills in today’s economy.
OSU offers 14 microcredentials in IT and data, alongside associate and bachelor’s programs that keep pace with evolving technology. Graduates enter roles in cybersecurity, networking and software development, with 85% employed within six months.
“Finding talent with specialized skills has been a persistent challenge for us. At Devon, we need expertise in automation, instrumentation, data analytics, geology and engineering to drive our business forward,” said Trey Lowe, senior vice president and chief technology officer at Devon Energy. “Oklahoma State’s approach — from Ph.D. programs all the way through the programs at OSU-OKC — is addressing workforce gaps we face at Devon. They are helping solve real challenges for our company.”
Addressing the Workforce Gap
According to Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, nearly 10,000 students transition directly into the workforce without earning a degree or certification.
From stackable microcredentials to industry certificates and associate degrees, along with new spaces like OSU-Tulsa’s 1300 Wing, OSU has created pathways to help upskill employees, opening doors to career opportunities and boosting Oklahoma’s economy.
“Our graduates are stepping into professional and leadership roles employers struggle to fill — the engineers, accountants and health care administrators that power this region’s economy.”
To eliminate barriers for working adults and rural learners, OSU has also expanded its online programs, added night and weekend options and invested in broadband-accessible training modules.
“What makes OSU uniquely powerful is that it isn’t merely reacting to workforce trends — it is actively shaping them in partnership with Oklahoma’s employers,” said Kyle Wray, senior vice president for OSU System Affairs.
With more than 75 years of applied learning and thousands of graduates already powering Oklahoma’s economy, OSU has the programs, people and partnerships to make a difference — now.
“From engineering to health sciences, OSU is helping build the talent pipeline that keeps our economy strong,” said Mike Neal, president and CEO of the Tulsa Regional Chamber. “When education, business and government move forward together, the entire region benefits.”
Photos by: Andrew Nichols and Ellie Piper
Story by: Sheila Moore | STATE Magazine