Monday, recently-elected Chair of the OSU/A&M Board of Regents Andy Lester toured Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology and learned why President Bill R. Path refers to it as the "university of jobs." Lester saw the labs where industry-grade equipment provides the basis for the technological skills taught by industry-trained instructors.
Lester was joined by the Board of Regents Chief Executive Officer, Jason Ramsey, and Director of State Government Relations, Jessica Russell.
After spending the morning learning about the university from vice presidents and division chairs, Lester attended a luncheon with several Okmulgee community leaders. Lester addressed the group and pointed out an important contrast. He said that OSUIT graduates become employed immediately after earning their degree, unlike many graduates from traditional degree programs.
"Since I have been on the board of regents, I have learned that students graduate from OSUIT with not just jobs, but with excellent jobs, and that's because of the fine work that the instructors at OSUIT do," said Lester.
"It's great to be here, and I want the community to understand how much the board of regents appreciates this institute," Lester continued. "We're thrilled when we look at what OSUIT does -- it has a remarkable mission that is repeatedly accomplished and accomplished well. We on the board of regents appreciate you and thank you."
Dr. Path acknowledged the community leaders who attended the luncheon. "We have representatives from a cross section of leadership in our community -- the Muscogee Creek Nation and College, Green Country Technology Center, the City of Okmulgee, secondary education, the Chamber of Commerce, retail, banking, the Viersen Foundation, health care, and the Okmulgee Economic Development Corporation. In this room is a ‘who's who list' of people that make this community work so well."
Lester, Ramsey and Russell then toured the campus with Dr. Path and Dr. Greg Mosier, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and received an in-depth look at some of the technical degree programs. They toured Orthotics and Prosthetics, Automotive Collision and Automotive Service Technology, Engineering Technologies, Watchmaking, Nursing, Pipeline Integrity and High Voltage.
Regent Lester has served on the OSU/A&M Board of Regents since his appointment by Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry in 2007. Lester attended Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet in Munich, Germany; received a Bachelor of Arts in History degree, magna cum laude, from Duke University 1977; and received a Juris Doctorate and a Master of Science in Foreign Service degree from Georgetown University in 1981. He practices law in Edmond.