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RUSO Graduation Rates

The federal data system doesn’t track transfer students, part-time students, returning students, or students who enrolled in the spring semester rather than in the fall. Last year, as many as 77 percent of RUSO students earning bachelor’s degrees did not count toward their university’s graduation rate, when using this formula.

UCO Named EPA Green Power Challenge Champion For Second Consecutive Year

For the second year in a row, the University of Central Oklahoma is being recognized as Conference Champion for using more green power than any other school in its conference. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named Central the 2011-12 Green Power Champion of the Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletics Association.

The Individual Conference Champion Award recognizes the school that has made the largest individual purchase of green power within a qualifying conference.

OU, UCO Recognized for Green Power

The University of Oklahoma (OU) uses wind power to provide 56 percent of its electricity use. In a contract with the Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company (OG&E), OU expects to purchase 100 percent of its energy from wind power by 2013. This commitment is instrumental in enabling OG&E to build the OU Spirit Wind Farm – along with the required distribution lines to the grid – in northwestern Oklahoma.

The University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) is purchasing 100 percent of its power from wind. Using 26 million kilowatt-hours of green power annually, it is one of the largest purchasers of green power by a college or university in the nation. The university also has on-site bio-diesel production, works with a performance contractor to increase its energy performance, and employs Energy Star-labeled products.

UCO Professor Recognized With National Educator Award

Wei Chen, Ph.D., assistant dean of the University of Central Oklahoma’s College of Mathematics and Science, has been named the International Society for Optics and Photonics’ (SPIE) 2012 Educator of the Year, honoring his role as an outstanding teacher and mentor.

The Educator Award is given annually to an SPIE instructor or educator in the field in recognition of his or her outstanding contributions to optics education.

NSU Receives Second Consecutive Tree Campus USA Recognition

For the second consecutive year, Northeastern State University has been recognized for its forestry management on the Tahlequah campus.

The Tree Campus USA program recognizes colleges and universities that effectively manage the growth of trees on campus and promote student and community involvement. Tree Campus USA is a partnership of the Arbor Day Foundation and Toyota.

What RUSO does for Oklahoma

2013 Legislative Briefing

Boren concerned that the reduction of State funding for Higher Ed will jeopardize the Future for all Citizens

Taxpayers’ Return on Public Higher Education is $4.72 for every $1.00 of State Funding say Independent Battelle Report

RUSO Builds BUYING POWER:

RUSO’s 2010-11 graduating class will earn more than $20 billion in income over their lifetime.

Source: Algorithm of data from U.S. Department of Commerce, Economics and Statistics Administration – U.S. Census Bureau; RUSO graduation data

That means RUSO’s 9,732 graduates in 2010-11 will earn $9.36 billion more income over their lifetimes because they obtained a college degree.

Source: Algorithm of data from U.S. Department of Commerce, Economics and Statistics Administration – U.S. Census Bureau; RUSO graduation data

“My Oklahoma roots run through Southeastern Oklahoma State University. This institution of learning and living is an important piece of the foundation of young lives, including my own. As a graduate of SOSU, I am grateful that I had the opportunity to get a quality education close to home.”

- Reba McEntire, award-winning recording artist

RUSO a Good Return on Taxpayer Investment

Oklahoma taxpayers will earn $9.91 through every $1 they invest in a RUSO student. Add this to the $20 billion in lifetime income, and you get a solid return on investment from RUSO.

Source: Algorithm of data from U.S. Department of Commerce, Economics and Statistics Administration – U.S. Census Bureau; National Taxpayers Union; RUSO graduation data

RUSO Builds CREATIVE CAPITAL

87% of our graduates stay in Oklahoma. That means thousands of well-educated, well-prepared citizens ready to lead the state into the future.

Source: Pending Outcomes Report, 2011

"UCO is more than just a university to me. It is home. From professors to staff members, everyone at Central is willing to sacrifice for students to ensure their success. My education has opened doors to an amazing career in broadcast news and many other doors to opportunities that are only possible because of Central. I am very blessed and so grateful to be a Broncho!”

- Lauren Nelson, Miss America 2007 and News 9 anchor

“My memories are filled with faculty who called us by our first names because they really knew us well. They wanted to see us succeed and our achievements would become their songs of praise to inspire those who followed us. To be associated with these qualities are part of the pride we carry with us from NSU. We alumni become unique, we not only love the values we learned from our years at NSU—we live them.”

- Joe Sears, Tony-Nominated Actor/Playwright

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How do we do it?

	RUSO institutions are responsible stewards of the funds appropriated to us.
	RUSO institutions are a smart investment for Oklahoma families with competitive tuition and convenient locations.
	RUSO institutions offer hundreds of majors, including programs that are among the most innovative in the nation.

“My business degree at SWOSU was the single most important event in my business career. SWOSU continues to be vitally important to all of Oklahoma. I am deeply committed and will be for the rest of my life.”

- Everett Dobson, Dobson Partnership

“Northwestern Oklahoma State University provided the education, confidence, athletic experience, community, network, friends and tools that gave me the chance to be successful. At Northwestern, there were unforgettable and dedicated faculty from which I received great advice and good friendship. To this day I consider them all my friends. The personal and supportive environment at Northwestern was perfect for me.”

- Brock Schnebel, M.D.