EDUCATION Oklahoma A&M Board Of Regents, Jimmy Harrel Originally from Leedey, Okla., Mr. Jimmy Harrel was appointed to the Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents in April of 2020, to which he was appointed by Governor Stitt. The owner and CEO of Bank of Western Oklahoma, throughout Harrel’s notable career in banking, he has opened six branches of the bank- Elk City, Vici, Weatherford, Cordell, Geary, and Woodward. Along with owning and operating Bank of Western Oklahoma, Harrel also has a farming operation and runs cows in western Oklahoma. Harrel credits his father for having the greatest influence on his career. “Working with him on the ranch he taught me what it took to get things done,” said Harrel. “I learned so much about business from him and how to make things work. He taught me to take care of things and they would last.” “I still farm with the tractor he got me in 1973, I still wear the watch he gave me for college graduation, and I still have the same wife of 57 years,” said Harrel. “So, I would say that his advice has worked in many areas.” Husband to Marilyn, father to Keela and her husband David Terry of Weatherford, Okla., grandpa
to Taylor and her husband Brody Haynes of Weatherford, Okla., and Ryan Terry, student at Oklahoma State University, Harrel wears many hats. “Something many do not know about me is my first car cost $560,” said Harrel. “My dad paid half and I paid half, I drove that car for six years, all through college.” One word to describe Harrel is achiever, he was raised to work and still believes he needs to work hard daily. “I am constantly setting goals, whether on paper or mentally, and work hard to achieve those things,” said Harrel. What little spare time Harrel does have, he likes to spend his time running racehorses, but most of all, he enjoys supporting the youth of Oklahoma and watching their events. “I enjoy watching them at their baseball, softball, and basketball games,” said Harrel. “Supporting them at their livestock shows; and watching them develop into strong leaders in their communities and the state.” Harrel enjoys the spring season the most. He said it is because of the beginning of a new life, grass begins
CSC Awarded Title III Grant The U.S. Department of Education announced that Connors State College will receive a Title III grant of $1,499,105 to build on Connors’ strengths and experience as serving a continuously increasing Native American student population and capitalize on regional and national workforce trends that create solid opportunities for high-wage/ successful careers. The funding, provided by the Department of Education, is designed to provide “assistance to Native American Serving Institutions to enable these institutions to improve and expand their capacity to serve Native Americans and low-income individuals.” Connors State College’s newly awarded NASNTI, Native American
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Serving Non-Tribal Institution, responds to a regional need and the corresponding opportunity it creates for students. Efforts will focus on a new Associate of Science (AS) degree in Computer Science with three sub specialization options. Additionally, Connors will develop three distinct Certificate Options, also in the Computer Science field, to provide focused training in the skills and competencies with the greatest regional, state, and national demand. “Connors State College is excited for this opportunity to provide our students with expanded degree/ certificate options in a high-demand, high-wage field of Computer Science. Connors is dedicated to surrounding our students with
to turn green, and trees bloom. “My dad told me to never turn down a rain or a new calf,” said Harrel. “Spring reminds me of those things and that it is a fresh start or new growth for many things.” Harrel’s advice for Connors State Students? “My father taught me to watch and listen to successful older people,” said Harrel. “They have the wisdom and knowledge of what it takes to become successful. If you listen and truly act interested, most of them are willing to give advice and guidance to help you become successful.”
people and resources they need to be successful. This grant is another tool in our tool chest of support for our students,” stated Dr. Ron Ramming, CSC President. Ms. Rhonda Wilson, Connors Division Chair for Business, expressed how excited she is to have received this grant. “I’m extremely thankful for the opportunity as it will provide our students with more choices in broadening their educational opportunities. I look forward to working with the NASNTI team to help our students for the next five years.” The program, open to all students, is expected to be available for student enrollment Fall 2021.
