Redlands, USAO expand pact to fortify workforce Dayna Rowe - R… Mon, 04/15/2024 - 14:13

In a continued effort to address the state’s workforce needs while maximizing resources, the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma and Redlands Community College are expanding their partnership to provide greater career readiness support, increase the number of graduates with associate and bachelor degrees and grow the teacher pipeline.

“We are excited to announce the expansion of our collaborative efforts with Redlands Community College, aimed at enriching educational pathways and fortifying workforce readiness,” said USAO President Kayla Hale.

Redlands President Jena Marr added, “This partnership has been critical to the advancement of Redlands’ retention and outreach efforts, which is evident in our sustained growth in enrollment over the past three semesters.

“By pooling our administrative resources and expertise, we’ve been able to maximize efficiency and effectiveness, ultimately ensuring that every student receives the support they need to thrive academically and professionally.”

The next step in this collaboration addresses the state’s workforce challenge.

The institutions are creating a shared counselor position in Career and Workforce Development Readiness to provide comprehensive support to students on both campuses as they navigate their educational and career pathways.

To meet the demand for teachers, Redlands and USAO are also introducing a pathway from an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree in education, providing a streamlined route for aspiring educators to pursue a career in teaching.

Additionally, the institutions are facilitating a seamless transition for students with a certificate in Film Studies from Redlands to enroll in the bachelor’s program in Digital Media and Technology at USAO, ensuring they have the necessary skills for success in the state’s growing film industry. Moreover, through a reverse transfer initiative, former USAO students with 64 or more college credit hours will have the opportunity to earn an Associate of Arts degree from Redlands.

In an effort to expand access to higher education, USAO faculty will be embedded at Redlands to offer bachelor’s degrees at the college’s campus in El Reno.

In 2022, the two institutions formed a shared collaboration as a way to increase administrative efficiencies in both schools.

Since that time, the implementation of enrollment management and network security software has allowed both institutions to enhance retention, recruitment and transfer services, as well as improve network security and functionality.

In addition to these positions, the institutions share a webmaster and a Canvas learning management system expert, and Redlands print shop director serves as a consultant for USAO’s operation.

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