8-21, What’s Happening

NOC Fall scholarship deadline August 25, scholarships still available

听91成人 is continuing to accept scholarship applications for Fall 2026.

The Presidential Leadership Scholarship, the NOC/OSU Gateway Ambassadors Scholarship and the State Regents Oklahoma Rising Scholarship application deadline is closed but other fall scholarships are available.

To apply, simply apply for admission to NOC, apply for financial aid and then fill out the scholarship form online.

For the FY 2026-2027 academic year, the college will provide nearly $3.5 million in waivers and scholarship support to our students, which is 13.3% of our operational budget. These waivers and scholarships continue to assist our students with academic accomplishments and participation in college activities.

Additionally, the NOC Foundation has invested $1.5 million in private scholarships for this fiscal year. Some previously un-funded and under-funded programs will see an increase as a result of an infusion of funds, The Foundation has also been working with our private donors to increase not only the number of scholarship awards given but also increase the dollar amount awarded. The Foundation鈥檚 goal is to maximize the financial assistance provided to each student through private awards, thus reducing any out-of-pocket expenses.

According to Sheri Snyder, Vice President for Development and Community Relations, 鈥淲e are excited to provide a combined total of $5 million in scholarship support this year. There are some institutional scholarships along with numerous private scholarships through the NOC Foundation still available. Scholarships will be awarded to qualified applicants on a first come, first serve basis through August 25 for the fall semester. We encourage everyone to apply.鈥�

To be considered for scholarships, applicants are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) at (Northern鈥檚 Title IV Institutional Code is 003162) within 30 days of accepting a scholarship award.

For a complete listing of all scholarships available, please visit our website at . For more information contact the NOC Scholarship Office at 580-628-6760 or scholarships@noc.edu.

91成人, the state鈥檚 first public two-year community college, is a multi-campus, land-grant institution that provides high quality, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities and services.

NOC serves nearly 3,100听 students through the home campus in Tonkawa, branch in Enid, and NOC/OSU Gateway Program in Stillwater.听 Of these students about 85% receive financial aid and/or scholarships. 69% of NOC students complete their degree with zero debt.

The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers associate degrees in three general areas: Arts, Science and Applied Science; the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs; and the Accreditation Commission for Education and Nursing.

For more information about 91成人 or giving to the NOC Foundation, please contact the development office at (580) 628-6208 or visit the NOC website at .

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8-14, What’s Happening

Native American youth from north central Oklahoma attended the 2026 Native American Youth Leadership Day at NOC Tonkawa July 22. (photo by Dina Kleinmann/NOC).

Over 80 attend NOC Native American Youth Leadership Day

听Over 80 Native American youth attended the Native American Youth Leadership Day Wednesday, July 22, at the 91成人 campus in Tonkawa.

The one-day event brought Native American students from the Tonkawa, Ponca, Pawnee, Otoe-Missouria, and Kaw tribes together for a day of fun and learning.听 The event was emceed by Greg Victors, award winning fancy dancer from Wichita, Kansas.

Students broke out into a number of morning breakout sessions including Horticulture/Greenhouse led by science instructor Scott Harmon, Process Technology/Rockets by Dr. Frankie Wood-Black,听 Nursing Simulations by nursing instructor Brian Baird, and Respiratory Care by Dr, Deryl听 Guilford.

Afternoon breakout sessions included Digital Media/Animation and Design by DMI Instructor Brad Matson, Managing your Money by the Otoe Credit Union鈥檚 Leilani Harpole, Healthy Lifestyles by White Eagle Behavioral Health鈥檚 Stephen Seymour, and Life Choices by Paula Lewis.

During the day, students toured the NOC Tonkawa campus and participated in a panel discussion about life after high school.

The day concluded with an Indian Dice Game hosted by Chris Littlecook.

91成人, the state鈥檚 first public two-year community college, is a multi-campus, land-grant institution that provides high quality, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities and services.

NOC serves nearly 3,100 students through the home campus in Tonkawa, Enid, and NOC/OSU Gateway Program in Stillwater, and the University Center in Ponca City. 听 Of these students about 80% receive financial aid and/or scholarships. 75% of NOC students complete their degree with zero debt.

The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers associate degrees in three general areas: Arts, Science and Applied Science; the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs; and the Accreditation Commission for Education and Nursing.

For more information about 91成人 please call (580) 628-6208 or visit the NOC website at .

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What’s Happening, 8-7

Thomas Owings set to lead NOC livestock judging program

91成人 has named Thomas Owings as the new Livestock Judging coach for 2026鈥�27.

Owings, a native of Huntsville, Missouri, is part of a family business, 鈥淥wings Genetics,鈥� a livestock operation specializing in cattle, swine and goats. He grew up in a family deeply involved in the livestock genetics industry, an experience that helped develop his passion for livestock evaluation and the agricultural industry.

He earned an Associate of Science degree from Redlands Community College in El Reno, Oklahoma, where he competed on the nationally recognized Livestock Judging Team.

He then transferred to the University of Arkansas, where he received numerous livestock judging honors and graduated in 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education and extension. During his time at Arkansas, Owings was also selected as a member of the inaugural 2025 Top Judge Program.

He is excited to join 91成人 as the livestock judging coach.

“I look forward to mentoring student-athletes, building on the program’s tradition of excellence, and helping students develop the knowledge, skills, work ethic and leadership qualities needed for success both in and beyond the livestock industry,” he said.

Owings added that he is honored to join the NOC family and is eager to invest in the next generation of livestock evaluators while building lasting relationships with students, alumni, producers and industry partners.

“I’m truly honored and humbled to join the 91成人 family. Livestock judging has opened countless doors for me, but more importantly, it has introduced me to incredible mentors and lifelong friends,” he said. “I’m excited for the opportunity to help students develop not only their evaluation skills, but also the confidence, work ethic and leadership abilities that will serve them throughout their careers. I can’t wait to get to work and continue building on the proud tradition of NOC Livestock Judging.”

Owings replaces Jennifer Bedwell who led the program six years.

NOC Regent Jami Groendyke is sworn in for another five-year term by fellow regent Andrew Eubank at last Wednesday鈥檚 regent meeting in Tonkawa.

Jami Groendyke sworn in at NOC regent meeting

91成人 Regent Jami Groendyke was sworn in for another five-year term at Wednesday鈥檚 Board of Regents Meeting at NOC Tonkawa.

Groendyke will serve her second term as a regent.

NOC President Diana Morris is excited that Groendyke chose to serve another term.

“I鈥檓 thrilled that Regent Groendyke has chosen to continue to serve in this role.,鈥� Morris said.听 鈥淪he is an alumnus of NOC Enid and thus has firsthand experience with the impact of a community college education. That knowledge combined with her strong business sense offers invaluable perspective on the Board. I am grateful for her continued leadership as we seek to provide Life Changing experiences for NOC students.鈥�

The swearing in was performed by NOC Regent Andrew Eubank.听 Other regents include Brad Fox, Sandy Mulligan, and Mike Loftis.

In other business, the board approved the Course Catalog, Student Handbook, Athletic Handbook, and Employee Handbook for the coming academic year.

The board also approved a new HVAC system for the Kinzer Performing Arts Center at NOC Tonkawa.

Vice President for Student Affairs Jason Johnson reported that NOC had 112 athletes make Academic All-American.听 He said that 37 athletes had 4.0 Grade Point Averages, 30 had between 3.8 and 4.0 GPA鈥檚 and 40 had between 3.6 and 3.8.

Johnson added that 11 of 12 NOC athletic programs had 3.0 or higher team GPA鈥檚 and the other had a 2.95.

鈥淲e are proud of our athletic programs and their success in the classroom,鈥� Johnson said.听 鈥淚t鈥檚 a tribute to our athletes and our coaches for emphasizing academics to our athletes.鈥�

The next board meeting is Wednesday, Sept. 16, in the Gantz Center at NOC Enid starting at 2 p.m.

Over 40 area students attended the annual Art Adventure Camp at NOC Tonkawa July 13-16.听 (photo by Ken Crowder).

NOC hosts Art Adventure Camp

听Approximately 40 students sang, painted, drew, sculpted and made videos, jewelry, ornaments and cartoons during the 35^th听Annual Arts Adventure summer camp at 91成人 Tonkawa from July 13-18.

Expert artists Justin Stier, Kellie Rains, Jason McNaughton, Chad Anderson, Brad Matson and Audrey Schmitz offered unique classes in visual and performing arts for area youth in grades 6-12. This year鈥檚 camp was directed by Stacie Danks with assistance by Jessica Swain. Apprentices assisting the Artists were Nichelle Alley,听听Sam Anderson, Isabelle Danks, Samantha Hill, Terri McNaughton and Dianne Smith.

Classes offered this year included Cartooning, Digital Escape Room, Drawing Fundamentals, Black Light Painting, Figure Drawing, Jewelry and Ornament Making, Musical Theatre, Stage Makeup, Video Production, and Dragon Eyes Sculpture.

Students showed off their work Thursday night during an Open House Showcase for family and friends.

Eight NOC students and three sponsors visited three Arkansas museums this summer.听 Pictured (L-R):听 Brad Matson, Angel Garcia, Trystyn Estes, Audrey Schmitz, Neally Lantz, Kris McDaniels, Samantha Hill, Danikka Hardy, Sunday Reynolds, Delaney Fox, Jason McNaughton.

NOC Tonkawa art students visit Arkansas museums

听Eight students from the 91成人 Fine Arts Division joined faculty members Audrey Schmitz, Brad Matson and Jason McNaughton on an overnight trip to tour three fine art museums in Bentonville, Arkansas: Crystal Bridges Museum of Art, The Momentary, and 21C Hotel Museum. Highlights of the trip included James Turrell鈥檚 Skyspace: The Way of Color, 2009; Marisol Escobar鈥檚 The Bathers, 1961-62 and Anita Field鈥檚 The Elements of Being, 1997.

The participating students were Neally Lantz, Stillwater; Angel Garcia, Ponca City; Samantha Hill, Ponca City; Kris McDaniels, Ponca City; Trystyn Estes, Newkirk; Delaney Fox, Tonkawa; Sunday Reynolds, Tulsa; and Danikka Hardy, Ponca City.

Along with touring the diversity of art held permanently at each museum, temporary exhibits such as Keith Haring in 3-D, America 250 Common Threads, The Machine Behind the Art: Inside JR鈥檚 Printing Press and The Greatest Wildlife Photographs were experienced. Additionally, students enjoyed exploring outdoor art trails on the extensive Crystal Bridges Museum campus nestled in the Ozarks.

The overnight art experience made possible with the financial support of Masonic and Presidential Partners grants.

鈥淣one of the students had been to the Bentonville before, and for many it was their first time to view high caliber American art 鈥渋n the flesh,鈥� said NOC Visual Arts Instructor Audrey Schmitz.听听 鈥淥ur only regret was that we unable to see everything, but more than one student remarked that they were anxious to return on their own 鈥� accompanied by family and friends.鈥�

91成人 Enid is hosting two planetarium shows at the Mackie Planetarium on Wednesday, July 29, and Tuesday, Aug. 4.

The free shows begin at noon on July 29 and 6 p.m. on Aug. 4.

The show will demonstrate the Great Planet Adventures as well as what to view in the night sky in the Enid area.

The planetarium may also be reserved for school and community groups.

When the school year begins, planetarium shows will occur on the fist Tuesday of each month beginning in September at 6 p.m.

For more information, contact Dr. Frankie Wood-Black at Frankie.woodblack@noc.edu .