The Oklahoma Governor’s International Team has three primary focuses in developing commercial, diplomatic and cultural ties between the Sooner State and partners around the globe. While higher level business and governmental relations form a core part of these relations, the foundations of many international partnerships begin on campus at Oklahoma’s many universities.
Friendships and opportunities to meet those from different cultures and backgrounds are a vital part of developing an international Oklahoma, and there are few better arenas to foster those interactions than in classrooms, dorm rooms and college libraries.
OKGIT member Mark Stansberry’s recent op-ed in The Oklahoman notes the vital role that the state’s regional university system plays in helping develop Oklahoma’s workforce and society. Stansberry, of Edmond, is chairman of The GTD Group and chairman of the Regional University System of Oklahoma Board of Regents.
“As the largest four-year university system in the state, RUSO governs six public universities: East Central University in Ada, Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford and the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. Combined, they enroll more than 40,000 students who come from diverse geographical and economic backgrounds. Many don’t fit the narrow definition of “traditional college student.”
Read Mark Stansberry’s full op-ed at The Oklahoman here.