Higher Education

Tulsa must work harder to build partnerships with our local university and with OU and OSU to expand the presence of higher education here In 2003, Tulsans passed Vision 2025, a major commitment to expand higher education opportunities in our area. OU estimates that the $30 million investment at the OU-Tulsa medical school will return $1.5 billion to Tulsa in the next 15 years. Within 5 years, OU will attract at least 10 new medical residents, 40 new physicians and will develop a clinical research program that draws $5 million each year in federal funding. Each physician represents a small business with a payroll of $1 million. OSU-Tulsa also receives $30 million from Vision 2025 to fund a new high-tech facility, specializing in engineering and nanotechnology which is due to open soon. That economic investment will likewise spur an enormous return to our great city.

It seems obvious that policy makers everywhere recognize that the quality of life for all citizens connected to the presence of higher education in their communities.

My Record

As state senator, I voted for and helped pass the Oklahoma Higher Education Promise of Excellence Act. The Act provides $475 million in capital improvement bonds. For the Tulsa area, projects include nearly $100 million in higher education investments for OU-Tulsa, OSU-Tulsa, Tulsa Community College, Northeast State University and Langston University. With these investments, the promise of a college degree and a brighter future is within reach for more and more Oklahomans.