A BROADER IMPACT FOR ALL

WRITTEN BY SARAH NEESE

FOR MANY YEARS, Central has served as the only four-year public institution for higher education in the Oklahoma City metro. In order to help meet the evolving needs of the metro, strong connections between the UCO campus community and partners across the metro are imperative. In the area of legislation, however, the need for strong partnerships is greater than ever.

Partnership is the keyword for UCO Public Affairs, and for this arm of the university, connection begins right here on campus. The division works closely with Central’s three governing bodies: Staff Senate, Faculty Senate and the UCO Student Association. By coming together with these entities, Public Affairs garners a broader look at the way in which legislation impacts the UCO community. In collaboration with the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and the Regional University System of Oklahoma, Central helps convey to both federal and state legislators and policymakers the importance of higher education and, in turn, its funding.

But, why is higher education important, and what’s different about Central?

UCO’s presence within the community helps to advance the economic development of both the metro and the state. Central graduates directly contribute to the Oklahoma workforce. In fact, UCO students are 83% more likely to stay in the metro area, and have a job, five years after graduation, compared to their counterparts. They also accumulate less debt, as UCO student debt is lower than both the national and state averages. For every $1 of taxpayer money invested into higher education in the state of Oklahoma, there is a $7 return on investment. However, at UCO, that return on investment increases to $14.80 for every $1 invested.

“We’ve had a great relationship with UCO through the years and especially appreciate when we can partner directly. ACM@UCO and the rowing activities on the [Oklahoma] River are perfect examples,” said Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt.

Central provides the largest impact among regional universities in Oklahoma. UCO supplies 4,900 jobs, pays $170 million in employee compensation and produces more than $685 million in economic output. Additionally, UCO posted $29,766 in median annual earnings, higher than other regional-tier universities, as well as the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University.

“We greatly appreciate our institutions of higher learning in the metro. They help to create a culture of learning and an educated workforce, both of which are integral to our progress,” Holt said.

While it’s clear that UCO students earn the tools to succeed, it’s not uncommon for them to be priced out of earning a degree, as state funding for higher education steadily declines. For the 2018-19 academic year, more than 1,500 students stopped attending, with more than 71% of those students being in good academic standing. The most common reason for dropping out? Money. Many of these students cited having problems juggling work with school, while also encountering financial hardship.

This is the heart of UCO Public Affairs’ mission. Through tracking legislation and maintaining strong relationships with major stakeholders, Central’s efforts to advocate for more funding never stop.

“Communication is critical,” said Laura Butler, UCO’s legislative liaison. “By sharing student stories, our goal is to help legislators gain a greater understanding of the student experience and highlight just how important every dollar is that goes into higher education.”

And you, the community, can help. UCO encourages community members to become civically engaged through legislative visits and civic engagement events to help spread the word about the university’s impact and the importance of greater funding.

“Policymakers shared it takes as little as seven times for a legislator to be contacted about a bill causing additional review,” Butler said. “That means just seven community members could make a meaningful difference. Advocating for our students and campus communities is advocating for the future.”

To learn more about Central’s community economic impacts or to engage with UCO Public Affairs, visit www.uco.edu/offices/publicaffairs.

Kindness In Bloom

r Flowers are a staple at many events, including weddings. However, when community efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 led to the cancellation of myriad events, many of event-designated flower orders were left with no place to go. Melissa Brumfield and Amanda Robie, with New Leaf

Virtual Voices

w The Accidentals, a UCO-based, a cappella, co-ed, pop group, created a “Quarantine Virtual Choir,” performing various songs together through the power of technology and editing. Their debut quarantine performance of The Beatles’

“Because,” arranged by Roger Emerson, garnered thousands of views, as the choir assembled their voices into one video. The group’s following video on their Facebook page also earned thousands of views, bringing a little togetherness into homes even from miles apart.

Florist, decided to do something positive with the unused flowers to bring joy to the community. After discovering that both hospitals and nursing homes were not accepting floral deliveries, Brumfield and Robie planted the flowers around several public art pieces throughout the community, including the “Touch the Clouds” installation on Central’s campus.