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We Are Connors State A Branding and Recruiting Campaign by Connors State College

Index Campaign 3

Details

Recruiting 5

Postcards

Event Sign & T-Shirt

Brochure

View Sheet

Advertising 15

Billboards

Internal Digital

Radio

Video Feature

I Am Connors State 30

Profiles

Campaign |

Details

Objective The “We Are Connors State” campaign had several objective components. First, we wanted to develop greater brand recognition for Connors State, as a preferred twoyear, public community college within our service region. Our goal was to present a campaign that would appeal to every student – by telling the stories

of current students, faculty, staff and alumni – doing our best to highlight all demographics. It was our hope that this second component would make our target audience feel as if there were others they could relate to, in their same situations, and therefore make Connors State a viable option for their higher education. Another component

of this campaign was to market a positive message internally, creating a feeling of ownership by the student, faculty and staff community already in place. The campaign highlighted campus role models, alumni, faculty, staff and others, making connections across the community by telling each person’s Connors State story.

communities it serves.” CSC’s seven-county primary service area (4,563 sq. mi.; pop. 317,186) is predominantly rural with a high percentage of socioeconomically disadvantaged, low-income and poorly educated residents. More than one third (36.6%) of area families are low-income, 19.7% of residents live in poverty, and the median household income is just $42,251. Also within CSC’s service area, only 18.1% of adults have a bachelor’s degree and almost one out of every six adults has not completed high school. (Source: U.S. Census, ACS 2014) Our service region encompasses two Native American Nations (Cherokee and Creek); 17.2% of all service area residents are Native American with some counties showing more than 38% Native American residents. Disadvantaged characteristics are accentuated among this population with 22.8% living in poverty, only 15% having a college degree, and 16.1% without a high school diploma. Despite many challenges, CSC’s commitment to the success of its students has resulted in this Native American Serving Institution being ranked number 13 among the nation’s top 100 two-year colleges in Native American students attending and receiving degrees and certificates (Community College Week, June 2012). And, in 2015, Diverse Magazine ranked Connors State first in the nation for healthcare programs for Native Americans. Healthcare and, more specifically, Nursing programs, which have long been high performing

at CSC, present excellent career opportunities for our students. Economically, Muskogee County (home to CSC’s campus which houses the Nursing program) is a regional healthcare hub. With 204 healthcare employers, healthcare represents the largest employment sector, responsible for 19% of the county’s workforce. Local healthcare providers often find it difficult, if not impossible, to hire and retain adequate numbers of qualified healthcare professionals to meet the local demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2015), the county faces a 3% healthcare workforce shortage, translating to $500,000 in annual lost payroll. Local healthcare jobs are expected to grow by 11% over the next decade, or an added 598 skilled positions, which could lead to even greater workforce shortages, or to tremendous opportunity for local residents if a sustainable “grow our own” healthcare workforce development and retention strategy is employed. Statistics for our region as a whole are even more severe. All seven of our service area counties are classified as Medically Underserved and Health Professional Shortage areas by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Approximately 18 high schools from our service area provide more than 80% of our students. On average, among those 18 high schools, 65% of students are free/reduced lunch eligible and 43% are Native American (Office of Educational Quality & Accountability, 2014).

Audience The audience for the “We Are Connors State” campaign is extremely diverse. From traditional students to non-traditional, single, working mothers, we hoped this campaign would appeal to the various demographics within our service area. Details about our service area are listed below. Connors State College (CSC or Connors) is a public, two-year community college located in the heart of eastern Oklahoma’s Native American region. Originally named Connors State School of Agriculture (after the State Board of Agriculture’s first chairman, John Connors), the institution came into existence shortly after the establishment of Oklahoma Statehood in 1907. The College has grown from a secondary school of agriculture with an enrollment of 15 students and 4 faculty members in 1909 to an accredited community college serving more than 3,100 students annually, more than one third of whom are Native American (37%), with 55 full-time faculty members. The main campus of CSC is in the town of Warner (pop. 1,323), a rural, agricultural community located at the junction of U.S. Highway 64 and Interstate 40 in eastern Oklahoma. CSC also has a campus in Muskogee (pop. 39,052), located 18 miles north of Warner which houses CSC’s popular Nursing program. Through very trying times, the institution has remained committed to a mission of “continuously providing affordable, accessible and effective learning environments for the lifelong educational needs of the diverse

Percent of Outside Services 0%

Creative Credits PHOTOGRAPHY & COPYWRITING Jon Dallis Stacy Pearce

LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGN Stacy Pearce

RADIO & VIDEO PRODUCTION Jon Dallis

Campaign Costs Approximately $55,000

Marketing Impressions Radio: 20,000 persons per hour Pandora: 500,000 per commercial â€“ 2.5 million total Recruitment Handouts: 10,000+ Postcard mailers: 3,500 per mailing Print Ads: 75,000 Billboards: 35,400 per week Video: 2,000 Organic Social Media (no paid advertising): 11,311 On-Campus: 3,100+ students, 100+ faculty/staff, 10,000+ prospective students E-marketing: 25,000+

Results As a result of all campaign components, total student enrollment increased by more than 350 students, and all online admission applications by approximately 40%. A secondary result of the campaign that we did not expect was increased

retention and graduation rates among students â€“ an exponential growth of 80+ degree/certificates earned for 2015-2016 year over 14-15. Thirdly, staff and faculty morale increased, with greater ownership invested in the Connors State brand.

The components of this campaign were developed, designed, photographed, written, produced and executed by the College and Community Relations staff at Connors State College. Printed/mailed materials were handled by a local print company.

Recruiting |

Postcards

Recruiting |

Event Sign & T-Shirt

Recruiting |

Visit www.MyConnorsFuture.com

Brochure

Connors State College offers you a university experience at an affordable two-year cost. Connors State College prides itself on being the third least expensive institution in the state of Oklahoma. Aside from affordable tuition, Connors offers students apartmentstyle living, fun student life and priceless networking opportunities. Out-of-State waivers are available for students who are eligible while funds are available. We Offer: Small Classroom Size • Easy Commute • Inexpensive Tuition and Fee Cost • Exposure to College Life • Student Life Activities and Events • Nationally Recognized Sports such as Baseball, Softball and Basketball • Competitive teams in Cheerleading, Rodeo, Livestock Judging and a Show Team.

AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Economics/Agribusiness Agricultural Education, Communications & Leadership Equine Science Animal Science General Agriculture Horticulture Natural Resources Plant and Soil Science Purebred Ranch Operations Pre-Veterinary Medicine Wildlife Ecology & Management

BUSINESS

Visit www.MyConnorsFuture.com

Business Administration

COMMUNICATION & FINE ARTS Arts & Letters General Studies Pre-Elementary Education

APPLIED TECHNOLOGY Radiologic Technologist

MATH & SCIENCE

Biological Sciences: Allied Heath Medical Laboratory Technician General Biology Pre-Medical Professional Fisheries & Wildlife Mathematics Physical Education Physical Science

NURSING

Nursing Pre-Nursing: Advanced Nursing Preparation (RN/BSN) Generic BSN Preparation

SOCIAL SCIENCES History Pre-Law Psychology Sociology

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Recruiting |

View Sheet

Advertising |

Billboards

Advertising |

Internal Digital

Advertising |

Radio Commercial Title: Za d i e M cEl ha ney I A m C onnors St a t e

Time: 3 0 Second s

Stations: P a nd ora Ra d i o 1 01 . 7 K TF X • M uskogee 1 04. 5 The Ed ge • Tul sa

Voice Talent: Za d i e M cEl ha ney

Producer: J on Da l l i s

Script: I’m a Competitor. I’m a Leader and I’m a Student. At Connors State College I gained the skills and connections to further my dream of becoming a broadcast journalist. Through Connors’ Ag Communications program I’m gaining the experience necessary to reach my goals. I chose Connors for the smaller class sizes, the close knit family atmosphere AND to be a part of the award winning Rodeo Team. I’m Zadie McElhaney and I AM CONNORS STATE. See my story online at Connors State Dot EDU.

Commercial Title: K yl i e P hi l l i ps I A m C onnors St a t e

Time: 3 0 Second s

Stations: P a nd ora Ra d i o 1 01 . 7 K TF X • M uskogee 1 04. 5 The Ed ge • Tul sa

Voice Talent: K yl i e P hi l l i ps

Producer: J on Da l l i s

Script: I’m a Dreamer, I’m a Leader, and I’m Choctaw. When I was a child I watched my Mom and Nana complete their educations, while balancing work and life. Both of these women have become my role models, and have shaped my future. At Connors State College I have found out just how much I enjoy a smaller campus, as Well as admiring how welcoming the faculty and staff are. As the President of NASA and PLC, I have had countless opportunities to step out of my comfort Zone. The experiences have given me a jump start on my life AND future career. I’ve made connections at Connors State of which I would have never made had I gone elsewhere. I’m Kylie Phillips and I Am Connors State. See my story online at Connors State Dot EDU.

Commercial Title: It ’s Ti me – I A m C onnors St a t e

Time: 3 0 Second s

Stations: P a nd ora Ra d i o 1 01 . 7 K TF X • M uskogee

Voice Talent: J on Da l l i s

Producer: J on Da l l i s

Script: It’s that time again. Time to put away the bathing suit and pick up the books. Time to start thinking more about your future and less about your tan lines. Time to make a change and ignite your potential. Time to stop waiting for tomorrow and start on your career path today. Connors State College has two campuses, in Warner and Muskogee and class-times to fit your schedule. Classes are enrolling now for Fall 2015. Together – We Are Connors State. Start your story online at Connors State Dot EDU.

Advertising |

Video Feature

Video Title: C on n o rs State C o l l e g e - O c c up a t i ona l Thera py A ssi st a nt Progra m

Direct Link:

Time:

Producer:

vim eo . co m/168 8 1 7 6 59

4 Mi nut es, 1 3 Second s

J on Da l l i s

simulations, just as if we were doing it in real life, said Goodnight. “The Classroom setting gives us a textbook way of treatment, then we take what we learn and are able to go into the lab where we can immediately apply it.” In the simulations the students generally use mock clients, real men and women from the community who volunteer to help the students learn by doing. “Our Occupational Therapy students are very hands on,” said Candice Elrod, Occupational Therapy Assistant Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and Instructor. “We do a lot of simulation and role-play in the lab, so when we have patients come in we want to use real people from right here in our community. We prepare them to be ready for the real life experience when they get out and go to work.” Ruth Ann Gardner, Occupational Therapy Assistant Student, said the main reason she chose this program was because she is from Muskogee and one day wants to be able to make a difference in someone else’s life and to give back to her community. Sara Spencer, Occupational Therapy Assistant Student, said she is excited and eager to finish the program and to go into the field where she can make a difference. “There are many career options available in the OTA field,” said Spencer. “If you grow tired of one area, you can always move to a different focus and have a fulfilling career working there.” The OTA program is less than a year old and currently has a roster of eleven students who drive from all over

the state just to be part of this exciting program. Goodnight said the OTA field is very unique, because it’s centered on a client and their specific goals. “Occupational Therapy is on a treatment continuum, you start with the very basics with a client and you work together towards an end goal, which is to reach an occupational task or activity,” said Goodnight. “A person’s end goal may be to walk again or eat unassisted, but you have to start small and work towards the long term goal.” OTA students are working with INCOR and Bridges Out of Poverty, non-profit organizations based out of Muskogee, very early in the program. This allows the students a chance to get accustomed to working with people with needs and educating others on what it is they do and what differentiates them from other programs. “People often think Occupational Therapy is like Physical Therapy, but this is how we’re making the difference,” said Elrod. “This program is very non-traditional and very community based and we’re excited to build the program here in the community.” Stack said the program is cutting edge for our time and where we are in academia and that it’s very exciting to see this engagement of community coming together. “We’re building relationships in the classroom and in the community which will stay with us during our time in college and into our careers,” said Eryn West, Occupational Therapy Assist Student.

Video Summary: Connors State College and the Indian Capital Technology Center have teamed together to bring the newly accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program to Muskogee. The OTA division is a one plus one program, which allows students to spend one year at Connors State College, or a similar accredited institution, working towards their general education degree and then spend the second year at the ICTC working on their technical skills. Penny Stack, Occupational Therapy Assistant Chair and Instructor, said the practice of the OTA program is to focus on getting people engaged in what they do every day and work on something they may be struggling with due to a life change. “We learn theory and concept in our lectures and then we come into the lab and we put it to practical use,” said Stack. “Our students practice on how to engage with a client, they learn how to explain the treatment to someone who may not understand exactly what is going on. It’s a great opportunity for our students.” In the classroom the students learn how the body works, why one treatment is preferred to another and terminology, but in the lab the students take a hands-on approach to a real life scenario and learn by doing. Brittany Goodnight, Occupational Therapy Assistant Student, said the lab provided by CSC and ICTC gives the students a great idea of what their career will be like when they go into the real world as Occupational Therapy Assistants. “While we’re in the program we get to work and deal with clients in

I Am Connors State |

Profiles

Zadie McElhaney – Competitor. Leader. Student. Like most small children, Zadie McElhaney had big dreams for her future that would change over time. As a child she wanted to be a pharmacist, but years of growing up on a ranch in Hitchita, Oklahoma, impacted her decision and she chose Connors State College to help lead her down a new path. “I was raised by my wonderful, hard-working parents, Jeff and Mary McElhaney,” said Zadie. “My dad is a farrier (horse shoer) and my mom is a sixth grade school teacher. I have two brothers, Tanner, who is an alumni of the Connors State rodeo team, and a younger brother, Tiger, who will be taking concurrent classes at CSC this year.”

Her love of agriculture and her family’s history with Connors State College groomed Zadie to pursue her passions of becoming a rodeo broadcast journalist and the sport of rodeo. At Connors State she found an outlet for both. “I enjoy getting to be a student and learn all I need to know to further my career, but at the same time I get to do what I love, rodeo,” she said. Growing up in a small town and a close family made Connors’ small class sizes and personal attention a comfortable and exciting choice for Zadie. “I chose Connors because of the close-knit family feel to the campus and the staff,” she said. “I also chose

Connors because of the amount of money you are able to save to get the quality education you need. I have made many life-long friends on my journey here.” In addition to being a member of the Connors State Rodeo Team, Zadie is a member of the President’s Leadership Class and the Communications department. After graduating from Connors, she plans to attend Oklahoma State University and receive a degree in Agriculture Communications. “If I had it to do all over again, I would choose Connors every time,” said Zadie. “The staff go above and beyond to make sure you receive the education you deserve.”

Connor T. Cowboy – Ma scot. Motivator. Cowboy. Always picked last on the playground, Connor T. Cowboy, of Warner, Oklahoma, began sitting the games out. “Being an energetic and cheerful person, I couldn’t just sit quiet and not root the other players on,” said Connor. Connor would pick out his favorite team before the game would start and then began cheering profusely. Connor noticed the team he rooted for always won the game. He determined he must be a lucky charm. Soon, the other children began taking notice and begging Connor to be their team’s fan. Connor started dressing up in different colors to represent the team he was going to root for. “It was when I really got into character that I noticed the

atmosphere among the people around me changing,” said Connor. He quickly acquired the role of being the team’s number one supporter. Going into high school, Connor was offered the position to be the high school’s team mascot. Connor, loving the excitement he gets out of being a booster, decided this would be a great role to take on. Connor then went on to represent Connors State College as himself, Connor T. Cowboy. At events he was able to dress to his liking in his chaps and a cowboy hat. Connor attends many events on and off campus representing Connors State College. Connor has even gone as far as saying he would dress up at the Warner Cow Chip Days, as the Cow Chip himself. “That would be an interesting act to

take on”, said Connor. “But I am always up for pleasing the crowd and boy would they get a kick out of that one.” Connor is great at what he does. The fans, students, and even opponents enjoying coming to the games where there are positive vibes and great half time shows performed. Connor loves to break down and do a couple dance moves on the court, participate in the half time dunking contests, traveling with the teams to different games, but most of all he loves having the emblem CSC on his vest and throwing up his firing pistols. Although Connor hasn’t been apart of the CSC family for long, he hopes to have a home here for as long as he lives rooting on his number one team, the Connors State Cowboys.

Kylie Phill ips – Dreamer. Leader. Choctaw. Since childhood, Kylie Phillips has had the importance of education instilled in her. As a child she spent her days with her Nana while her mother went to college and then in the evenings, her Nana would attend college for her master’s degree. Because of their hard work and dedication, both of these women became some of Phillips’ biggest role models. “I chose Connors State because my mom has worked here since I was very young and I have these fond memories of playing with all the toys in her office (Perks of a mom in child development!), making things for her classes, listening to her teach class

and always thinking I want to come here so mom will be my teacher,” remembered Kylie. “Now that I’m here I really enjoy the campus size and how helpful and welcoming the faculty and staff are.” Kylie is currently a sophomore and is very active on campus. She is part of the Presidential Leadership Class, Native American Student Association, Student Government Association, and Phi Theta Kappa. “Connors has really given me a jump start on life. I have made great connections here with the faculty, staff, students, and other members of the community and state that I never would have if I had gone anywhere else,” she

said. After graduation, Kylie plans to transfer to Northeastern State University to follow her dream of becoming a Speech Pathologist, hoping to one day work with small children displaying speech impediments or delays. Kylie is the daughter of Kim and Ben Phillips, and has a younger sister, Shelby. Kim is the Title III Curriculum Specialist and Activity Director for Connors State. Ben works at the Cherokee Nation, and Shelby is currently a junior at Fort Gibson High School and is taking concurrent classes through Connors State.

Joyce Johnson – Alumna. Teacher. Nurse. In 1990, Joyce Ann Johnson was a single mother of two precious girls and only making $90 a week. That all changed when Johnson decided she was not going to get any financial assistance from the state. That was when she decided she was going to go college, Connors State College to be exact. “In my mind, at the time, that was the best and only way to become independent and self-sufficient,” said Johnson. When Johnson decided to go to Connors State, she had help from a very special person, Beverly Wilcoxson. Wilcoxson, who currently serves as Connors’ veteran advisor, helped Johnson fill out her financial aid papers. Johnson remembered, “She made sure to always call me by name when

I came into her office and made sure that I understood how to utilize the monies received and not to take any more money than needed each semester.” Johnson followed Wilcoxson’s advice and only took what she needed. Because she did, she had very little debt upon graduating from Connors State. After graduation, Johnson went into the work force. Working at local hospitals as a registered nurse, Johnson was thankful she was able to successfully financially support her family. During her time at Connors State, Johnson was inspired by one of her nursing instructors that she knew that she wanted to come back and make as big of an impact on her students as her instructor did on her.

Johnson was able to get an articulation agreement with Northeastern State University, which aided her in coming back to teach at Connors State. Outside of being a teacher at Connors State, Johnson is a very active member of the Connors’ faculty. She is not only a division chairman for the Nursing program and an academic advisor to students pursuing a nursing degree, but she is also a chairman for the curriculum committee, and part of academic council. When asked what her favorite thing about working at Connors State was, she said, “The students I serve and the people I work for and with. Connors allows me as a faculty member to be autonomous with teaching in the classroom and the ability to be creative in the classroom.”

Karen Seabolt – Analyst. Alumna. Staff Karen Seabolt, Senior Accountant at Connors State College, started her college career like many who attend Connors State. Coming from the small town of Checotah, and graduating with only 80 in her class, Karen was not quite ready for the university experience, instead she wanted a more hands-on close-knit relationship with classmates and students. Karen said she began taking concurrent classes at Connors while in High School and chose to continue her education at the same, because she admired how the faculty and staff members cared for each of the students on campus and genuinely showed interest in their lives. “One of the main reasons I chose

to pursue an education at Connors was because of the location and the campus size,” said Karen. “I could get the college experience without uprooting my life and moving to a university. I could still live at home and spend time with my family and also gain the experience and education I needed to get a career.” After graduation from Connors State College in 2005, Karen attended Northeastern State University and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting. “Connors helped me grow as a student and a person,” said Karen. “After earning my associates here I had the confidence and life skills to go

to NSU and really buckle down and focus on my education. The great thing about Connors is they really helped me make the transition from High School to the university.” After earning her degree at NSU, Karen chose a career in accounting. She has worked as an accountant for eight years, starting as an accountant for an industrial supply store, followed by time at a hospital in Tahlequah and, now, Connors State. Karen was the first person in her family to graduate college. Now Karen and her husband and son live in Fort Gibson and own a ranch in Checotah and raise cattle.

Kevin Isom – Innovator. Alumnus. Staff. Kevin Isom graduated from Connors State College with an Associates of Science Business Administration degree. Since then, Connors State has been a big part of his life, not only giving Kevin a wonderful education but also a challenging job as Assistant Director of IT and Network Administrator. Kevin enjoys his challenging profession where he makes a difference in the lives of others; but more than that, he admits Connors has made a difference in his life. “CSC has always provided learning opportunities in my life, both as a student and as an employee. Going through Leadership Connors (a leadership development program for employees) provided me with

valuable experiences. I got to meet with leaders in higher education, state and local government,” he said. “I also continually learn new technologies while working at CSC that have strengthened my knowledge in the IT field.” Kevin is able to use the talents God gave him to excel the college’s technology footprint and provide students with the tools needed to succeed. “CSC is a great place for students to succeed in their educational path due to the dedication of the CSC administration, faculty and staff,” he said. In addition to his responsibilities at Connors State, Kevin serves as an advisory board member of the

ICTC Muskogee and Tahlequah Cisco Networking Academy program. With his success at Connors, and in other aspects of his life, Kevin has had an amazing support system. “My family is very supportive of my role at CSC. I frequently need to run to campus as needed for emergency network or server issues at any time day or night,” said Kevin. Kevin’s wife of 9 years, Amanda, is an Independent Living Skills instructor at Oklahoma School for the Blind. Their son, Hunter, 7, attends Sadler Arts Academy.

Freeman Culver – Determined. Teacher. Mentor. As the first in his family to graduate from college, Freeman Dantell Culver III, a professor at Connors State College, feels a kinship to many of his students. “The majority of students attending Connors are the first in their family to attend college,” said Culver. “CSC fosters an environment that supports first-generation students. The faculty and staff at Connors State College are concerned about students being successful in the classroom and in life.” This concern resonates deeply with Culver. Growing up in Alabama, the heart of the Civil Rights Movement, he and his two siblings were raised by their mother. His high school counselor counted him out, telling him university life was beyond his reach. “Her words were more destructive than an atomic bomb, but I moved on,” he said. “I can recall my household

being full of love, but there were some aspects of comfort missing. Our house was cold in the winter and extremely hot in the summer, yet my mother pushed forth with all of her might to provide for us.” Culver learned responsibility at an early age and soon realized he wanted to be an educator. With the help of faculty mentors at Tuskegee University and the University of Alabama, he was able to overcome the roadblocks in his way. “I learned that you have to believe in yourself and work hard,” said Culver. “You have to be willing to listen to good mentors that are placed in your life.” Culver obtained his degrees in history and American studies from Tuskegee University and the University of Alabama. “I chose to teach at Connors State College, because I wanted to make

a difference in the lives of students. I like working with all students at CSC, particularly non-traditional students – the displaced worker, the returning soldier, the single mom. Often these students have to manage work, family obligations and studies,” he said. “I can only imagine what they go through, especially single parents that have to manage raising a child, paying bills, and studying for my chapter quizzes. This is the best part of my job. To educate and assist students in making their lives better by equipping them with information.” Culver currently teaches U.S. History, Oklahoma History, American Federal Government and College Orientation, at CSC. He is also the faculty advisor for the Social Sciences Club and a strong supporter of all CSC athletics teams.

Britten Wallace – Aggie. Scholar. Cowgirl. Britten Wallace is no stranger to the world of agriculture. Growing up in Allen, Oklahoma, she had the opportunity from a young age to raise cattle and go to rodeos. With age her affinity for agriculture expanded, leading her to start her own livestock operation. This experience served not only as a Supervised Agricultural Experience, but assisted Britten in attaining a state FFA degree her senior year. “Connors has forever changed my life for the better,” said Wallace. “Being here and being involved in so many

organizations has made me come out of my shell and become the wellrounded young woman I am today.” At CSC Britten has immersed herself into various organizations. Currently she is a member of the Rodeo Team, Agricultural Ambassadors, President’s Leadership Class, the Student Government Association and Phi Theta Kappa. Attending Allen High School, Britten was accustomed to small class sizes and the ability to receive personal attention from her teachers. These factors made CSC stand out when she

began searching for the right college. “The college seemed like a perfect fit for me,” said Wallace. “The affordability and being an agriculture school made it an easy choice.” After completing her studies at Connors State College, Britten plans to attend Oklahoma State University and major in Agribusiness while minoring in Agriculture Communications. “I am thankful everyday that I chose Connors State College and I can honestly say I love this place,” said Wallace. “I thank God everyday that he brought me to such a great place.”

Bobby Ramming – Leader. Legacy. Teammate. Bobby Ramming knew as a small child he wanted to focus his career in Animal Science and decided his junior year at Warner High School to dedicate his life to Agricultural Education by working with the National FFA Organization and as an Agriculture Education Instructor and FFA Advisor. Ramming is a second-generation student at Connors State, following his father and uncles. Ramming said he personally chose Connors State for two important reasons: first, was given the opportunity to serve as member of the President’s Leadership Class, and second, CSC offers an excellent Agriculture program, which would put him on track for his career. “Connors has impacted my life through the President’s Leadership

Class and my valued time in my agriculture classes,” said Ramming. “During my services with PLC I believe I have taken responsibilities which have not only helped me mature, but also helped me to understand what I can do to become the leader I strive to be.” Ramming praises his instructors, advisors and mentors, who have shaped him and are helping him reach his goals. “Because of my time at Connors State I have been able to start a plan of what I want to one day teach my students, and also how I can serve as a leader in the Agriculture Industry. Ramming is currently serving as Treasurer of PLC and is also an active member of the Aggie Club, the Business Club and the Shotgun

Shooting Sports Team. After Connors, Ramming hopes to transfer to Oklahoma State University, with aspirations to double major in Animal Science and Agriculture Education. Ramming has shown during his high school and college career he is an active member in the FFA community and dedicated to the program, earning three state proficiency awards during his time. “Throughout my career in FFA I have served my FFA chapter as Sentinel, Treasurer and President,” said Ramming. “I was a member of the FFA chorus, a finalist in the first FFA Talent Competition and earned my State FFA Degree during my senior year of high school.”

We Are Connors State Connors State School of Agriculture came into existence in 1908 by an Act of Oklahoma’s first Legislature. The State Board of Agriculture was the school’s governing board until 1944 and the school was named after the Board’s first chairman, John P. Connors. Classes were first held in downtown Warner in 1909. In 1911, the present Classroom Building was built and the school moved to its present location, one mile west of Warner. Connors State Agricultural College became a state-accredited junior college in 1927. The State Board of Agriculture governed Connors until 1944. In 1944 the Legislature created the Board of Regents for the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges. The A&M Board then became the governing board of Connors State Agricultural

College. In 1967, the Oklahoma Legislature changed the college’s name to Connors State College of Agriculture and Applied Science, and again in 2002 to Connors State College. In 1977, Connors began regularly offering off-campus extension courses in Muskogee at various public school locations. In 1985 classes were moved downtown to the Holly Building at 4th and Broadway. In 1986 Connors purchased the Holly Building, renovating it in 1989. In 1988 through an Act of the Oklahoma Legislature, the Muskogee branch campus became a reality offering resident college credit courses and programs. Muskogee became a branch campus offering resident college credit courses and programs. Within four years Connors had

outgrown the Holly Building and in 1992 Connors received title to the C.N. Haskell Building located at 2nd and Court Streets in downtown Muskogee. In 1993, the downtown Muskogee campus was moved from the Holly Building to the Haskell Building. In 1994, the lack of science and laboratory classrooms in the Haskell Building spurred the purchase of 42 acres of land in northeastern Muskogee to build a science, lab and classroom building. The Three Rivers Port Campus was completed in 1996. In 2015, the campus expanded with the addition of the Nursing & Allied Health Building. Connors’ Muskogee presence has grown from a few classes offered at area schools in the 1970’s to one campus location.

Campaign Packet Published May 31, 2016

700 College Road â€¢ Warner OK 74469 www.connorsstate.edu