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University Center at Ponca City
Photo By Lauren Renee Payne
The University Center at Ponca City
3D Printing, Lego Classes and So Much More!
Story and Photos by Chelsea McConnell/Staff Writer
For many, the proverbial turning of the calendar page at the end of each year can leave us pondering the meaning of life and what F comes next in our journey here on this little green and blue speck called Earth. If you find yourself looking for more, look no further than the University Center at Ponca City. 2022 is a great time to consider leveling up by earning the degree you’ve long thought about or adding extra credentials to the end of your name.
Located at 2800 N. 14th Street, the University Center (UC) offers over 60 degree programs from various colleges around the state of Oklahoma, including Associate, Bachelor’s and Master’s degree choices. The UC’s mission is to provide “opportunities for higher education and degrees through partnerships with accredited colleges and universities,” and their vision is “to be an essential higher-education center that promotes a well-educated community and provides a positive economic impact.” The UC strives to offer a school home that has convenience at heart when it comes to its students. The UC’s Core Values are Accountability, Collaboration, Customer Service, Innovation, Integrity and Learning.
Nontraditional education has been around for several years, with the UC celebrating 23 years this year. Since 1999, they’ve helped thousands of students earn their degrees. This semester, there are five senior nursing students in attendance that will graduate in May from Northwestern with their BSN, Bachelor of Science and Nursing. Staff at the UC are incredibly proud of these seniors. The BSN program takes two years, on average, for students to complete. Because the UC
UNIVERSITY Continued on page 35 is geared toward nontraditional students, every graduate from their location is a feather in their cap. The UC doesn’t just provide a facility; they provide a home for students while pursuing their education. At 10 staff members, the UC is more like a family than faculty. They are committed to developing quality relationships with their students to ensure each and every one receives a quality education.
BSN Student Cassie Chavez has nothing but kind things to say about the UC. “I am currently a senior in the BSN nursing program with NWOSU though the University Center at Ponca City. The staff at the UC has done an outstanding job in accommodating the nursing students in all stages of the program. They are very knowledgeable with ITV schedules and classes. I am so grateful to be able to come to the UC and have a nice computer lab to use with a printer and quiet study rooms for one or more individuals. I have come to know all of the staff at the UC and am very proud to say I am a nursing student through this program. I wish more students would take advantage of this local facility. They work with not only nursing student programs but other courses and degrees. Overall, this is a great place to come to start or further your career!”
Benefits of enrolling through the University Center are many. The facility itself is in excellent condition. Computer labs and printers are provided to students, and copies can be made free of charge. Rooms are available for students to study in if they need a quiet atmosphere. The lobby boasts comfy chairs and expansive windows for students who need just a little distraction to do their best work. Test proctors are available for a small fee for anyone who needs them. A courier service runs daily between the various campuses allowing students to receive books and turn in assignments, when needed, without having to drive out of town to visit a campus. During the pandemic, they began checking out laptops to students when needed, since not all students have access to necessary technology in their homes. There is also an Academic Advisor on staff to guide students through their educational journey. The site is open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
The UC is governed by a Board of Trustees and relies on the University Center Foundation for its fundraising needs. They are also partially funded by the state. Through the work of the Foundation, the UC is able to offer scholarships each semester to around 50 students. With approximately 100 students attending classes through the UC each semester, supplying scholarships for half is quite impressive. Interim CEO Robyn Armstrong is grateful for the guidance of the Trustees and the fundraising efforts of the Foundation, particularly in today’s
outstanding job“The staff at the UC has done an outstanding job in accommodating very knowledgeable the nursing students in all stages of the program. They are very knowledgeable with ITV schedules and classes.”
UNIVERSITY Continued from page 36 climate when state funding is so uncertain.
In addition to their normal classes and degree programs, the UC also offers concurrent enrollment for high school students, specialty classes, STEM afterschool programs and summer camps. A 3D printing class is being offered that takes only one week to complete. This hands-on class goes through the entire 3D printing process from start to finish, and each student gets to leave with their own printed item. Exciting classes for younger students are also offered, like their Introductory Robotics & Programming LEGO Robotics courses. These classes teach students the basics of computer coding and the mechanics of motors. Destination Space was a STEM experience offered last summer to teach students what it means to get out of the Earth’s atmosphere and involved students building their own rockets using 3D printers. These are just a few of the exciting offerings happening at the UC, along with the more traditional degree programs that can be pursued.
UC Board of Trustees members are Louise Abercrombie; Dr. Kelly Campbell; Rich Cantillon, Chair FY 2022-24; Bruce Evans; Natalie Fraser; Darin Fields, Vice Chair (Chair FY 2024-26); Erin Liberton; Stephen Scott, Secretary; and Tracie Smith. 2021 UC Foundation members are Diane Anderson, Chair; Ken Bellmard; Matt Bintz, Vice Chair; Bill Geubelle; Christopher Mendoza; Marc Labossiere; Mert Martens; Heather Cannon; Erica Fetters; Jerod Helling; and Natalie Prather.
For more information about the
University Center at Ponca City, visit their website at www. ucponcacity.com or their University Center at Ponca City Facebook page. It’s never too late to change your future, and UC staff wants to be the first to welcome you to that future today, right here in Ponca City!
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