OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Roger Thompson, R-Okemah, on Thursday issued a statement to express support for Oklahoma’s two-year colleges as Gov. Kevin Stitt has urged the consolidation of some of the state’s junior colleges.

In his February State of the State speech, Gov. Kevin Stitt called for consolidating colleges and universities that aren’t meeting state workforce needs.

Sen. Roger Thompson, R-Okemah, released the following statement: “Two-year colleges are the engines for workforce development across Oklahoma. These institutions are crucial to training the next generation of skilled workers, and they also drive economic growth in many of the state’s rural communities. Additionally, many students who obtain a bachelor’s degree got their start in higher education at twoyear colleges.”

Oklahoma’s two-year colleges account for about one-third of all undergraduate enrollment and undergraduate degrees granted in

3.75” X 5” the state.

Oklahoma’s two-year colleges are Carl Albert State College, Connors State College, Eastern Oklahoma State College, Murray State College, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, Northern Oklahoma College, Oklahoma City Community College, Oklahoma State University-Institute of Technology, OSU-OKC, Redlands Community College, Rose State College, Seminole State College, Tulsa Community College and Western Oklahoma State College A handful of the states four-year colleges also offer associate degree programs.