HIGHER EDUCATION CHANCELLOR PRESENTS PLAN TO MEET OKLAHOMA’S WORKFORCE NEEDS

Increasing degree completion to strengthen Oklahoma’s workforce pipeline in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), education, and healthcare fields continues to be the state system of higher education’s top priority. That was the message delivered by Chancellor Sean Burrage as he presented the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education’s 2026 legislative agenda and FY27 budget request to an audience of lawmakers, community leaders, and educators at Pete’s Place in Krebs, OK, on December 11, 2025.

For FY27, the State Regents request an increase of $57 million or 5.5% over the FY26 appropriation.  “Producing more college graduates to address the business community’s evolving demands is key to economic growth in our state,” said Chancellor Sean Burrage. “This thoughtful budget request leverages successful workforce development initiatives and fosters continued innovation at our state system colleges and universities.”

Public higher education’s budget request includes strategic investments that align with Oklahoma’s projected workforce demand in STEM and healthcare and focus on increasing adult degree completion. The State Regents request $13.5 million for critical workforce development initiatives, including funds to increase enrollment and graduation in STEM and other crucial disciplines and provide additional scholarships for adult students nearing completion of a college degree or pursuing an industry-recognized micro-credential or certificate.

The State Regents seek $43.5 million in FY27 to fund performance-based institutional allocations; strengthen college access and academic success services and FAFSA completion; expand student scholarships; fund innovations and efficiency initiatives; and enhance campus physical and cyber security.

To fund legislative initiatives and programming, the State Regents also request $21.5 million for FY27 for implementation of the Strong Readers Act provisions, for the National Guard Educational Assistance Program and Oklahoma Rising Scholars Scholarship, and to expand concurrent enrollment. In addition, the State Regents will advocate for institution-specific allocations of $348 million to meet campus needs, including system and infrastructure maintenance projects, and fund strategic collaborations.

Supporting campus research capacity and partnerships is also a priority for the State Regents in the upcoming legislative session. Research conducted by colleges and universities plays a vital role in driving a state’s innovation, economic growth, and public well-being. The State Regents support legislation that creates additional opportunities and provides resources to our public institutions to serve as hubs of discovery, generating new knowledge and technologies that can lead to breakthroughs in healthcare, agriculture, energy, and more.

Another legislative priority for public higher education is refining the Oklahoma’s Promise scholarship program to expand access to more Oklahoma families. Strategies include increasing the annual family income limit to $100,000, clarifying eligibility requirements for students in DHS and foster care and for children of certified public classroom teachers, and refining high school course requirements for students pursuing various post-secondary opportunities through the scholarship. Recognized by many as one of the top promise scholarship programs in the country, Oklahoma’s Promise is considered a national model that emphasizes both academic preparation and financial support for college.

To learn more or to apply online, visit https://okpromise.org/.

Pictured L to R, front to back: Kelly Vongnarath, VP of Student Life, Cortney Payne, Executive Assistant in the President’s Office, Jerry Ellis, Director of IT, Regent Belva Barber, Regent Mark Caldwell, Rachel Johnson, VP of Enrollment Management, Jaime Henson, Director of Sallisaw Campus/Workforce Development, Mandy Roberts, Executive Director of CASC Development Foundation, Regent Lavon Williams, President Jay Falkner, Brian Roberts, CFO, Regent Mark Allen, Representative Rick West, Holly Bormann, Director of Marketing & Communications.

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