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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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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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 .

Renna Bowers named dean of students at NOC Enid

91成人 has selected Renna Bowers for the newly created dean of students position at NOC Enid.

Bowers, an Enid native, has served as the Coordinator of Residential Life and Student Accessibility Services at NOC Tonkawa for the past 12 years.

At NOC Enid, Bowers will oversee student conduct and discipline, residence halls and personnel, coordinate campus security, crisis management, and crime reporting.

She will also serve as a campus security authority; coordinate student employment and budget oversight; oversee clubs and organizations, student senate and campus activities; and provide student-centered customer service.

Bowers will also represent student affairs at community, state and regional meetings, serve as liaison between student affairs and other departments, annually compile information for the student handbook and campus calendar, support college activities and special events through attendance and participation on the Enid campus, and participate in the institution鈥檚 strategic planning process.

Bowers is excited about the opportunity at the Enid campus.

鈥淭hroughout my career in higher education, I have been committed to creating an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, personally, and professionally,鈥� Bowers said.听 鈥淢y experience working with students, faculty, and staff has provided me with a strong understanding of the challenges students face and the support systems necessary to help them achieve their goals. I have built collaborative relationships across campus and have consistently worked to foster a student-centered culture focused on accessibility, accountability, and student development.鈥�

鈥淎s a member of the NOC community, I understand the unique strengths and opportunities of our institution,鈥� Bowers added.听 鈥淚 value the relationships I have built with students and colleagues and am committed to advancing initiatives that enhance student engagement, retention, leadership development, and campus life. My leadership style is grounded in collaboration, transparency, and a genuine desire to help others succeed.鈥�

鈥淎s a native of Enid, the opportunity to return home and serve the students of 91成人 is especially meaningful,鈥� she concluded.听 鈥淚 understand the unique strengths and needs of our communities and recognize the transformative impact that higher education can have on individuals and families. I would be honored to contribute to NOC’s tradition of excellence by fostering a student-centered environment that promotes belonging, accountability, leadership, and academic achievement.鈥�

NOC President Diana Morris said, 鈥淭his promotion comes as a result of Renna鈥檚 proven ability to lead with passion and purpose.听 Her dedication as Tonkawa Coordinator of Residential Life and Student Accessibility Services, combined with her service on several institutional committees, demonstrates a deep commitment to student success that will serve the Enid campus community quite well.鈥�

Vice President for Student Affairs Jason Johnson added, 鈥淚鈥檓 excited to have Renna server as our next Dean of Students for the Enid Campus.听 She has worked in the Student Affairs Office as the Coordinator of Residence Life for 12 years and has a wealth of knowledge that will benefit the Enid Campus.鈥�

She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural business from Northwestern Oklahoma State University and later earned a Master of Education degree from Northwestern Oklahoma State University.

Bowers began her duties July 20.

The 91成人 Board of Regents approved the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget at the June 23 meeting in Tonkawa.

The approved Educational and General Operating Budget of $26,305,015 represents an increase of 0.79% ($205,222). For the third year in a row, Northern will not be seeking an increase in tuition and mandatory fees for the 2026-2027 academic year for the Enid and Tonkawa campuses. While in accordance with our MOU, the NOC/OSU Gateway Program will have increases mirroring those OSU will present to the OSRHE for approval.

NOC鈥檚 updated cost comparison chart reflecting the pricing structure for each NOC location for FY2027 tuition and fees can be located on the website at听 /students/current-students/bursar/tuition-and-fees/.

The NOC Board of Regents unanimously approved this freeze in tuition and mandatory fees during their meeting and it will be presented to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education for approval on June 25.

鈥淭he Regents are very pleased we are able to continue to provide high quality educational opportunities and services to NOC students without increasing the financial burden on them or their families,鈥� said regent chair Mike Loftis.

Again, this year, institutions will be reimbursed for 100 percent of the total eligible waivers for high school juniors and seniors that our institutions provided in FY26. This $728,593 reimbursement represents an increase of $7,470 from the previous year.

NOC President Diana Morris stated, 鈥淚鈥檓 also quite excited to report that NOC will provide nearly $4 million in waivers and scholarships to our students. Some previously un-funded and under-funded programs will see an increase as a result of an infusion of funds from the NOC Foundation.鈥�

The NOCF Trustees voted at their last meeting to make a three-year commitment of $1,000,000 per year to the College. $500,000 of that is being used to offset cash outlay scholarships to free up college dollars to address NOC Strategic Plan priorities and $500,000 will go toward new scholarship initiatives. Further information concerning these new scholarships will be announced in the coming weeks.

Also at the meeting, Brad Fox was elected the Regents Chair and Jami Groendyke as Vice Chair for 2026-2027.

In other business, the regents approved the following items:

• Approved the FY2026 Internal Audit Report.
• Appointed regents Brad Fox and Sandy Mulligan as Group One Trustees for the 91成人 Foundation.
• Approved the NOC Campus Master Plan for FY2027-2035.
• Approved the Financial Report, Monthly Purchases, and Monthly Allocations.
• 听Regent Jami Groendyke has been appointed by Governor Kevin Stitt to serve another five-year term, which expires in June 2029.

The next meeting is Wednesday, July 22, at NOC Tonkawa at 2 p.m.

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 over 3,100 students through the home campus in Tonkawa, branch in Enid, and NOC/OSU Gateway Program in Stillwater.听 Of these students about 77% receive some type of financial assistance. 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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NOC names Ashley Moore interim vice president for academic affairs

听91成人 has named Ashley Moore interim vice president for academic affairs.听 Moore鈥檚 official start date is July 6.

Moore replaces Dr. Shelly Mencacci, who accepted a position as vice president of advancement at Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant.

鈥淲e are so excited to have Ashley Moore step into this role during this time of transition in academic affairs for NOC,鈥� said NOC President Diana Morris.听 鈥淪he brings a wide-breadth of experience in professional development, grants management, and multi-campus operations. Her collaborative approach to leadership and broad understanding of academic policy and procedures are the perfect blend to support NOC Staculty and students as we continue to advance our Life Changing mission across all NOC campuses.鈥�

Most recently, Moore served as director of secondary education and district gifted and talented coordinator for Stillwater Public Schools, where she led principals, instructional coaches and college- and career-readiness initiatives.

Her extensive background also includes key state-level leadership roles. She served as executive director of literacy and director of gifted and talented for the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Throughout her career, she has managed multimillion-dollar grant budgets, collaborated with state legislators and launched student education initiatives.

Moore holds a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction from Arizona State University and graduate certificates in building-level leadership from Oklahoma State University and district-level leadership from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Oklahoma State University and taught high school English for 14 years.

A lifelong learner, Moore is dedicated to her belief in 鈥淪uccess for every student!鈥� She is currently a doctoral candidate in educational leadership through the OU-Tulsa/CCOSA cohort.

Moore and her husband, Brady, have been married nearly 25 years. They have two daughters: Kinley, who will be a sophomore at the University of Arkansas, and Sadie, who will be a junior at Stillwater High School.

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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