91成人 has been ranked No. 1 in Oklahoma in PracticalNursing.org鈥檚 2027 rankings of LPN-to-RN/BSN programs.

NOC earned the top position among 10 Oklahoma colleges and universities included on the website鈥檚 list, which reported a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for NOC based on a three-year weighted average. The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses is the licensing examination for aspiring registered nurses.

Advancing from LPN to RN is more than earning another credential for our students,鈥� said Nursing Division Chair Dr. Vickie Crouch.听 鈥� It is an investment in their future, an opportunity to broaden their scope of practice, and a pathway to greater professional responsibility and career growth. At 91成人, we are proud to help experienced nurses build upon their accomplishments, achieve their potential, and make an even greater difference in the lives of patients, families, and the communities they serve. At NOC, we don’t simply prepare LPNs to become RNs鈥攚e invest in the people, potential, and possibilities that will shape the future of nursing.鈥�

According to PracticalNursing.org, first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates carry the greatest weight in its rankings. Accreditation, program completion and retention also factor into the evaluation.

NOC President Diana Morris said, 鈥淎s healthcare systems continue to rely on highly skilled workforce, LPN-to-RN pathways play an important role in helping experienced nurses advance into expanded clinical roles.听 By creating opportunities for nurses to build on their existing knowledge and patient care experience, these programs strengthen the profession while helping meet the evolving needs of patients and communities.鈥�

The website highlighted NOC鈥檚 accessibility for working licensed practical nurses across northern Oklahoma and opportunities for qualified applicants to receive advanced standing toward completion of the nursing program.

NOC鈥檚 LPN-to-RN bridge pathway allows licensed practical nurses to build on their previous education and experience as they work toward becoming registered nurses. Applicants must meet nursing program admission requirements, hold an active, unencumbered Oklahoma LPN license and complete required coursework, including Transition to Registered Nursing, to receive advanced standing credit.

For more information about NOC鈥檚 LPN-to-RN pathway, visit NOC鈥檚 nursing application webpage, email nursing@noc.edu or call 580-628-6679.

The complete rankings are available at .

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, 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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NOC Enid Speaker Series: Enid human resources professional and community leader Cristal Pryor spoke to 91成人 Enid students during the Student Government Association Speaker Series last Thursday. Pryor shared her personal journey and encouraged students to become involved in their communities during her presentation, 鈥淯nidos-Somos M谩s 鈥� Together We Are More.鈥澨� She is pictured with NOC Vice President for Enid Jeremy Hise.听 (photo by Mallory Kyler/NOC)听

Community leader Cristal Pryor speaks to NOC Enid students

Enid human resource professional Cristal Pryor spoke at NOC Enid last Thursday as part of the Student Government Association Speaker Series.

Pryor spoke on the theme, 鈥淯nidos-Somos Mas 鈥� Together We Are More.鈥�

鈥淲hen we settled on this theme,鈥� she said, 鈥淚t felt personal because it reflected my family鈥檚 journey and the community听 that helped shaped me.鈥�

Pryor described her journey as a first generation Mexican American from Enid and although Spanish was spoken in her home, she was able to help her family because she was bilingual.听听 She uses that experience to help her employees in the Enid community.

鈥淢y parents are from small communities in Mexico and came to the United States with their parents seeking a better life,鈥� she said.听 鈥淢y parents had the support of their families, a trait that I want to carry on with my family today.鈥�

After her parents separated, She then moved to Enid to be close to her grandparents.听 Her family received assistance for food and other necessities.

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 understand where the help was coming from at the time only that it was provided by someone and was needed,鈥� she said.听 鈥淣ow, as an adult, I understand what that meant and how family, neighbors, schools, organizations in a community can step up when families need help.听 I may not know the answer to help but I can help them find someone who does.听 I want people to feel comfortable asking for help and respect those who provide it.鈥�

Now, as an HR professional, she helps people receive help and being bilingual helps.听 She helps people find work through the Garfield County Hispanic Coalition.

鈥淭here are people in this community with decades of experience who can answer the questions I cannot,鈥� Pryor said.听 鈥淢y growth started small by attending meetings and volunteering for tasks and then did it again.听 I challenge the students here today to do the same, attend a meeting, volunteer at an event, or be part of an organization.听 Use the skill you have to help others.听 You don鈥檛 have to be called a leader to help others and work in your community.鈥�

鈥淭ogether we are more,鈥� she said.听 鈥淚 came to Enid because of families helping families.听 We received support from the community and that is true today in the Enid community.鈥�

Vice President for Enid Jeremy Hise thanked Pryor for her message to students as did NOC President Diana Morris.

鈥淭hanks, Cristal for 鈥榮howing up鈥� today,鈥� Morris joked.听 鈥淔or many who do not think they are in a position to lead, it just starts with 鈥榮howing up鈥� and I appreciate you sharing that message with our students today.鈥�

NOC Enid Hispanic Heritage Club members Celene Sesma, Sehelene Gonzales, and Jaden Baez spoke at the program giving a history of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Pryor is a human resources professional and community leader in Enid.听 She was recognized as a 2026 Enid Young Professionals under 40 award-winner.听 She serves as Secretary of the Garfield County Hispanic Coalition, serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce, and is a member of Leadership Greater Enid Class XXXVI (36). She is also a graduate of the NextGen Fellowship through United Way, where she further developed her leadership skills and passion for community service.

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, 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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The 91成人 Board of Regents approved a revision to the college’s class attendance policy that provides greater flexibility for concurrent enrollment students participating in high school activities during its October meeting.

The revised policy allows concurrent students additional flexibility when missing college classes due to high school-related activities such as athletics, FFA, band, or other activities.

Regents also approved the monthly financial report presented by Brian Roberts, along with monthly purchases and allocations.

Major allocations included furniture, equipment, computers and networking needs at NOC Tonkawa, along with facility repairs at the Enid and Tonkawa campuses. Additional projects include roof repairs at the Marshall Building in Enid and drainage improvements at NOC Stillwater.

The board also declared a list of items as surplus property to be sold at a later date.

In administrative reports, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs Ashley Moore continues to analyze institutional data gathered during her first 90 days at NOC. Moore plans to work with division chairs and faculty to use the information to improve student outcomes.

Vice President for Development and Community Relations Sheri Snyder reported that the Greater Gifts and Presidential Partners campaigns are underway. She also provided an update on fundraising efforts for the Athletic Training Education Center (ATEC) at NOC Enid, which is working toward a $375,000 goal by Dec. 31.

Vice President for Enid Jeremy Hise reported that the Enid campus hosted two Northern Encounter recruiting events, including one specifically for Enid High School students. He also noted strong attendance at a recent ACT Prep Workshop on the Enid campus.

Dr. Rick Edgington, Vice President for Enrollment Management, reported that fall enrollment is nearly complete, with one remaining session beginning Dec. 7. Edgington also discussed the declining number of Oklahoma high school graduates and the continuing impact on college enrollment across the state.

Vice President for Stillwater Dr. Marsh Howard reported that he is pursuing several grant opportunities for NOC, including a Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) grant in collaboration with Hise.

Vice President for Student Affairs Jason Johnson provided an athletics update, noting that the soccer season is winding down at NOC Enid while basketball and wrestling seasons begin next week.

In her president’s report, Dr. Diana Morris updated regents on several ongoing college initiatives, including working with Vice President Sheri Snyder to do a comprehensive review of the NOC Scholarship Programs and thanked Assistant Vice Presidents Audra Biggs and Rachel Love for their assistance with that process.

Dr. Kathleen Swain also provided an update on NOC’s Higher Learning Commission accreditation process. The college’s next HLC site visit is scheduled for fall 2027.

Members of the Tonkawa President’s Leadership Council attended the meeting as special guests. Students introduced themselves to regents and shared their reasons for choosing NOC.

The next NOC Board of Regents meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 2 p.m. in the Brown Room at NOC Stillwater.

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, 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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The 91成人 Nursing Program is extending the application deadline for Spring 2027.

The deadline for applications is now Nov. 11 for traditional students.Applicants must meet minimum program requirements for admission and be accepted to 91成人 prior to acceptance in the Nursing Program. Applicants are selected based on qualifications and space availability.

NOC has nursing programs at Tonkawa, Enid, and Stillwater locations.

Please call 580.628.6679 for additional information.

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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10-23, What’s Happening [PDF, 2.52 MB]

NOC representatives join Shannon and Larry Andrews to recognize the establishment of the JoAnn M. Westphalen Endowed Memorial Scholarship. Pictured from left are Candy Oller, director of development and planned giving; Sheri Snyder, vice president for development and community relations; Shannon Andrews; Larry Andrews; and NOC President Diana Morris. (Photo by Mallory Kyler/NOC)

NOC Foundation establishes JoAnn M. Westphalen Endowed Memorial Scholarship

听The 91成人 Foundation, Inc. is pleased to announce the establishment of the JoAnn M. Westphalen (JMW) Endowed Memorial Scholarship Fund.

The scholarship was established in memory of JoAnn Westphalen, a 91成人 alumna and longtime educator, with the goal of empowering women through higher education.

Westphalen attended NOC in 1970 before earning her degree from Oklahoma State University in 1972. She went on to a career in education, teaching science and physical education at Ponca City East Middle School, formerly East Junior High, until her retirement.

The endowed scholarship reflects Westphalen’s commitment to education while providing opportunities for students who may be returning to college later in life.

鈥淲hether enrolling in college for the first time first time or returning to college after some time in the workforce, this scholarship will truly provide non-traditional students with life-changing opportunities for education they might not otherwise be able to afford as it is renewable for up to four semesters,鈥� said NOC President Diana Morris.听 NOC is grateful for the chance to honor JoAnn Westphalen鈥檚 legacy in this way.鈥�

Preference for the scholarship will be given to a non-traditional female student age 25 or older. Preference will also be given to applicants who have not received another scholarship that would provide funds exceeding their additional expenses for the academic year.

The scholarship is open to students in any major. Applicants demonstrating financial need, scholarship aptitude and achievement will receive preference. Recipients may attend NOC full time or part time and must maintain a cumulative 2.25 grade-point average or higher. The NOC Tonkawa Scholarship Committee will select the recipient.

The fund will provide a minimum scholarship award of $1,500 annually beginning in fall 2027.

The scholarship is intended to be awarded to one recipient for up to four consecutive academic semesters, provided the student remains in good academic and conduct standing. One-half of the award will be applied toward the recipient’s NOC expenses during the fall semester, with the remaining half applied during the spring semester provided the recipient maintains a cumulative 2.25 grade-point average.

Those wishing to make a gift to the JoAnn M. Westphalen Endowed Memorial Scholarship or other NOC Foundation funds may contact the Foundation office at 580-628-6292 or give online through the NOC Foundation.

For more information about NOC scholarships, call Scholarship Coordinator Kerri Gray at 580.628.6763 or kerri.gray@noc.edu.

The 91成人 Foundation Inc. has established Allison鈥檚 Legacy Music Scholarship to honor Allison E. Pults, a former NOC student whose lifelong love of music led to a career teaching and encouraging young musicians.

Pults was born April 3, 1972, in Pauls Valley to Phyllis and Troy Pults. The youngest of three children, she developed a love of music at an early age. With a $39 red guitar and what her family described as her trademark 鈥渃an-do鈥� attitude, Pults taught herself to play by picking out Elvis Presley songs in her bedroom. She eventually learned to play piano, bass, drums and other instruments.

The daughter of a Methodist preacher, Pults lived in several Oklahoma communities as her family moved, but music remained a constant wherever they called home.

At NOC, Pults was among the college鈥檚 first peer counselors and was active in the music department. She later attended Oklahoma State University, where she continued her involvement in music and performed with fellow musicians. She completed her degree at Oklahoma City University.

Friendships with fellow musicians helped lead her to Georgia, where she spent 25 years building another family through the North Georgia Dance & Music Factory. Her students became one of the great joys of her life. Pults served as their teacher, cheerleader and mentor, encouraging them to reach their potential.

Pults died Oct. 10, 2025. Her family and friends established the scholarship to carry her love of music and young people forward through future generations of students.

鈥淣orthern is so grateful that Allison鈥檚 family and friends have chosen to honor her legacy by financially assisting NOC鈥檚 Music Education majors with their education,鈥� said NOC President Diana Morris. 鈥淚 hope individuals who have a passion for music will see this as an opportunity to contribute to a scholarship fund that will help prioritize music education for future Oklahoma students.鈥�

Scholarship applicants must attend NOC Tonkawa and major in music education or music. Preference will be given to applicants who reside in Kay County and/or are the child of a clergy member and who demonstrate financial need, scholarship aptitude and achievement. Recipients must be full-time students with a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.0.

The scholarship will provide a minimum annual award of $500. Half will be applied to the recipient鈥檚 bursar account for the fall semester, with the remaining half applied for the spring semester, provided the recipient maintains a cumulative 3.0 GPA.

Those wishing to contribute to Allison鈥檚 Legacy Music Scholarship or other NOC Foundation funds may contact the Foundation office at 580.628.6292 or give online through the NOC Foundation.

For more information about NOC scholarships, contact Scholarship Coordinator Kerri Gray at 580.628.6763 or kerri.gray@noc.edu.

The 91成人 Division of Nursing held its Fall White Coat Ceremony and Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Honor Society induction Tuesday, Oct. 13, in Montgomery Hall at NOC Enid.

Students receiving white coats included BreAnna Allen, Ponca City; Sonia Allen, Ponca City; Dena Arita, Ponca City; Crystal Backus (Oakes), Ponca City; Cadence Berkenbile, Enid; Ryleigh Bertschy, Fort Worth, Texas; Emma Blenden, Denton, Texas; Anna Bracken, Waukomis; Savannah Brown, Enid; Brooklynn Davis, Enid; Kaylee Gibson, Ponca City; Bridget Graham, Ralston; Rachael Grammer, Longdale; Clayton Harrison, Shady Point; McCage Hartling, Enid; Elizabeth Hopkins, Stillwater; Chelsea Humphrey, Stillwater; Kayla Hunt, Cushing; Vanessa Kerr, Lucien; Savanna Larson, Stillwater; Angela Lee, Eucha; Rita Lopez-Ramirez, Enid; Storm Million, Enid; Nevaeh Mock, Enid; Ashley Myers, Enid; Rebecca Napier, Antlers; Molly Oder, Braman; Oluwaseun Owolabi, Fairview; Bryton Paker, Tonkawa; Sophia Rogers, Stillwater; Jadyn Rother, Okarche; Ashlyn Schenck, Stillwater; Holli Smith, Ponca City; Katherine Stewart, Stillwater; Ruby Valles Pando, Meno; and Audrey White, Perry.

The first White Coat Ceremony was created by Dr. Arnold P. Gold in 1993 to emphasize human caring in the practice of medicine. The ceremony has since expanded to other health care disciplines, including nursing.

During the ceremony, students receive their white coats and recite the Division of Nursing听听 Professionalism Pledge, acknowledging the importance of compassionate, patient-centered care. The ceremony symbolizes the responsibility of future nurses to provide compassionate, evidence-based care throughout their careers.

鈥淭he white coat ceremony recognizes the students鈥� willingness to begin a journey that requires courage, dedication, humility and compassion,鈥� said NOC Nursing Division Chair Dr. Vickie Crouch.

鈥淭he white coat represents the beginning of the students鈥� professional identity. They are no longer just simply learners, they are the next generation of nurses who will make a difference in the lives of individuals, families, and the communities that they will serve,鈥� she added.

NOC Nursing Instructor Elaine Briggs addressed the students, emphasizing the responsibilities that come with wearing the white coat.

鈥淭his is a celebration but also an initiation,鈥� Briggs said. 鈥淏y slipping on these coats today, you are stepping out of the classroom and onto hospital floors to care for real human lives.鈥�

Briggs reminded students that their nursing journey will include challenges, difficult exams and the responsibilities of patient care.

鈥淭he nursing faculty can guide you and support you but no longer protect you,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 important that you struggle a little to push through those hard days. The learning comes from the struggle and your strength will come from that struggle.鈥�

鈥淵ou will learn to trust the process,鈥� Briggs added. 鈥淭here will be times when the uniform gets dirty and that means you are in the process. It means you are learning to be a nurse in the most beautiful way.鈥�

91成人 is home to the Theta Omicron chapter of the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing’s Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Honor Society.

Students are invited to provisional membership after successfully completing the first semester of the nursing program, earning a minimum grade of B in every nursing class and demonstrating high standards of professional behavior.

Full membership is granted during the final semester to students who have maintained high academic standards and demonstrated integrity and professionalism on campus and in clinical settings.

Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Honor Society inductees included Kristen Andrade, Enid; Alexis Babot, Newkirk; Megan Holt, Kremlin; Hailee Jackson, Poolville, Texas; Elayna Lancaster, Stillwater; Kirsten Maly, Enid; Daniella Rios-Ramirez, Dover; Isidoro Rojo Fuentes, Fairmont; Saira Rojo Fuentes, Enid; Megan Snyder, Ponca City; Emilie Thompson, Enid; Shaylyn Vogele, Kellyville; and Adrienne Young, Enid.

鈥淣orthern Nursing is proud to partner with the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Honor Society. Alpha Delta Nu members demonstrate a commitment to advancing their knowledge, embracing evidence-based practice, and contributing to the nursing profession,鈥� Crouch said.

鈥淭heir achievement reflects not only the countless hours spent studying and developing clinical skills, but also the determination to grow into safe, compassionate, and professional nurses.鈥�

10-16, What’s Happening [PDF, 1.99 MB]