TCC is committed to establishing a safe and healthy environment for its students, employees, and visitors. Individuals deserve the right to work and learn in an atmosphere free of violence and harassment and only if the community works together can we create a positive and healthy environment. The College takes acts of dating violence, domestic violence, harassment, threats, and bullying on the basis of
retaliation, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and stalking extremely seriously and strongly encourages individuals to report these acts.
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TCC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, qualified disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable discrimination law in its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational programs, activities, or services.
The following are designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies.
Heather Hancock
Compliance Officer/Title IX Coordinator
909 S. Boston Ave, Room 505 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119
Phone 918-595-7842
Email: TCCTitleIX@tulsacc.edu
The 504 Coordinator is designated to coordinate efforts to comply with and carry out responsibilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities.
Scott Gove
Dean of Students & Accessibility, ADA/504 Coordinator 909 S. Boston Ave
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119
Phone: 918-595-7079
Email: scott.gove@tulsacc.edu
from the president
Leigh B. Goodson, Ph.D.
Something we hear frequently about the College is that we are “just” Tulsa Community College. There is the implication in that statement that the College is somehow “less than,” which could not be further from the truth.
Our name holds our promise to serve, and it is a promise we take seriously. The College exists for our Community. We can go deep on the data about the good TCC does for our service area. But we know you already know all that. We’ve done the research. So let’s cast our gaze nationally.
A recent Gallup poll by the Lumina Foundation paints a picture of the current view of higher education. Confidence in higher education has decreased for many Americans, though those who have had training and attended college maintain their belief in the potential of education.
In many ways, this crisis of confidence in our industry originates in the noise of social media. It is almost a public relations challenge. The benefits of a degree remain. Over a lifetime, college graduates of all levels have higher earning potential, which manifests in our communities as a stronger economy for all. Education creates success.
According to the poll, Americans have more confidence in community colleges than our four-year partners, which is likely due to many factors, including affordability and access to other types of credentials, such as industryspecific certifications.
While we are happy there is still belief in the power of a community college education, we are equally bolstered by the fact the majority still believe a four-year degree is just as important, or even more important, than it was 20 years ago.
There are challenges for sure. There is the worry higher education is not as accessible as it needs to be, that it is not as affordable as it should be. People still understand the value and promise of opportunity higher education provides. The desire to obtain degrees is still there, but make no mistake, cost is an imposing barrier to many.
Many who want degrees have “stopped out.” Oklahoma has more than 400,000 residents who have some college, but have not earned any credential. They leave college before finishing for many reasons, including stress and mental health issues. They leave because of finances. Some even leave because they feel they don’t belong.
TCC operates according to our values, values that address all of these issues and then some. You belong here. Everyone can learn. Community is our middle name. Quality education is affordable. Excellence is our culture.
We believe in building success through education, and an educated, employed, and thriving community.
Meredith Good Voice-Birdcreek’s path to TCC was far from conventional. After high school, she entered the workforce dedicating herself to the fast-paced demands of the casino industry. But as her family grew, she felt compelled to make a change.
“By the time I had my youngest child, I realized I couldn’t keep doing this schedule. I’ve got to do something different,” she says.
A single mother of five children ranging from 6 to 16 years old, Good Voice-Birdcreek made the courageous decision to prioritize her education. She chose TCC for its flexible online programs that allow her to balance working full-time, pursuing her degree, and being present for her children.
In Fall 2024, her hard work was recognized when the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Scholarship Foundation announced Good Voice-Birdcreek as one of 10 outstanding scholars selected for its inaugural Aristocrat Cokv Hecv Honors Program. The award honors scholars who demonstrate commitment to tribal leadership, community service, academic excellence, and embody the values of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Good Voice-Birdcreek earned a $5,000 scholarship for the 2024-25 academic year.
“When I found out I won the scholarship, I felt so blessed. I’m used to doing things on my own. I’ve been independent since I was 17. So, being chosen for the scholarship made me feel very honored,” she says.
The Aristocrat Cokv Hecv Honors Program scholarship required Good Voice-Birdcreek to write an essay about a personal influence in her life—she chose her late stepfather. A fluent Muscogee speaker, he taught her tribal traditions and instilled in her a strong sense of cultural pride.
“He raised me like I was his own, and his guidance has been a huge part of who I am today,” she remembers. “He taught me to value my heritage and to carry it forward.”
Good Voice-Birdcreek remains involved in her Tribe today. She serves as the Policy and Grants Manager for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s Office of Child Support, where she’s risen through the ranks from a receptionist position.
Through her role, Good Voice-Birdcreek works to increase access to resources and to educate the community about available services. She is active on several committees, including the Community Outreach committee, the Oklahoma Tribal Child Support Association conference committee, and the Child Support Awareness committee.
When I found out I won the scholarship, I felt so blessed. I’m used to doing things on my own.
“I’m very passionate about my job. One of my goals within my office is to promote self-sufficiency. So, what can we do to help you meet your financial goals? I try to connect them to resources within the Nation that can help them,” says Good Voice-Birdcreek.
Good Voice-Birdcreek says her academic journey will continue after she completes her associate degree at TCC. She plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree and eventually attend law school.
Her message to others balancing family, work, and education is simple: “If you think it’s impossible to work, raise a family, and go to school, just know it’s not. You set your mind to it, and you do what you need to do.”
with Jeff Holt
A Things Five
t TCC, Jeff Holt’s brownies are legendary. We won’t quite say people will enter a melee for them, but it’s not far off.
That said, the guy gives them away. Every year, Holt donates at least 20 pans of brownies to TCC’s internal Tulsa Area United Way campaign. They always sell out. When we reached out to get some brownies to photograph for this feature, he would not let us compensate him. Holt’s brownies have contributed more than $5,000 in the 13 years he’s been contributing them to the campaign Holt serves as associate professor of economics and is the author of a Principles of Economics textbook. He recently completed his 40th year at TCC, and there may be some sort of brownie and fundraising crisis when he eventually retires or leaves. We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.
In the meantime, we’ll let him narrate his own brownie tale:
My father-in-law had a garage full of perfectly organized tools. He had nuts and bolts and screws of every size. He prided himself on being a handyman who could fix anything that was broken. Soon after I married his daughter, he discovered that I was broken, in that I could fix nothing. He tried to turn me into a handyman by gifting me with tools. Surely, if you give a man a power drill, he will become the kind of man who can use a power drill. No luck. My mother-in-law realized that, while I was no handyman, I was handy with a dessert fork. So, about 25 years ago, she gifted me a cake pan.
It was a Wearever Airbake insulated cake pan. I used this new tool to fix up a batch of brownies. Wow. I soon was calling it “the magic
brownie pan.” I experimented with my recipe until I got the brownies just right; melt in your mouth with just a little bit of crunch in the edge pieces. I started bringing my brownies to events at my church.
Pretty soon, the kids at church were calling me “the brownie man.” I started bringing brownies to meetings of the Baptist College Ministries student organization at TCC. I started bringing brownies to my classroom. I started selling brownies as a fundraiser for the United Way. I occasionally wander the campus passing out brownies in my unofficial role as Chief Morale Officer at Southeast Campus. I bake a couple hundred pans of brownies a year.
Jeff’s Five Magical Brownie Rules
2 1
Aldi brand brownie mix is best. I’ve tried Betty and Duncan and Doughboy, but Aldi never lets me down. I usually buy a dozen boxes at a time.
Egg whites only. Leaving out the yokes makes the brownies less cakey. Also makes the brownies slightly less calorific.
3
Add lots of chocolate chips. This is a good rule for life in general but is essential for Jeff Holt brownies.
4 5
Cut the brownies with a plastic knife. Presentation is important. Brownies don’t stick to a plastic knife, resulting in pleasantly smooth edges.
I share my brownie recipe with anyone who asks.
Tulsa Achieves
In a major milestone for the Tulsa Achieves Scholarship program, TCC students have collectively contributed more than one million volunteer service hours to the community. As of the start of the 2024-25 academic year, 1,019,407 service hours have been reached since the program began in 2007.
Tulsa Achieves offers Tulsa County high school seniors a pathway to higher education by covering up to 100% of tuition and fees at TCC. In return, students complete 40 hours of volunteer service each year, strengthening their communities and building skills outside the classroom.
“Reaching more than one million volunteer hours is a reminder of the impact Tulsa Achieves students make in our community. The Tulsa Achieves Scholarship makes college possible while encouraging students to contribute to Tulsa in meaningful ways,” says TCC President and CEO Leigh Goodson, Ph.D.
Making an Impact Through Service
One student thriving in the Tulsa Achieves program is Alexis Potter, a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School. Raised in North Tulsa, Potter volunteers as an assistant soccer coach at The Common Good, a nonprofit organization serving families in Northwest Tulsa with resources and opportunities for youth.
“When I was deciding where to volunteer, I knew I wanted to help in my community, especially with younger people because I didn’t have that when I was growing up,” says Potter.
Potter spends her volunteer hours teaching kids basic soccer skills, including her 11-year-old cousin. She says the extra time together has been an opportunity to grow closer to her cousin and her cousin’s peers.
“I hope I can encourage them to further their education or to look forward to going to school,” says Potter. “I know it’s hard being young, especially being from this area. It’s hard to really see yourself go to college. So, I hope they look at me and see that it’s possible.”
TCC Volunteer Coordinator Auggie Valadez says Potter is one of many TCC students making a meaningful impact while finding a place of belonging.
“Volunteering provides students with a chance to find a community in Tulsa. Like Alexis, many students find their organization and feel a sense of belonging,” says Valadez. “Students use this new community to develop themselves and learn that who they are right now can make a difference with their choices and actions.”
Tulsa Achieves fills financial gaps for students, allowing them to earn an associate degree tuition-free and putting them halfway to a bachelor’s degree. Open to graduating high school seniors in Tulsa County who meet residency and academic requirements, the program welcomes students from public, private, and homeschool backgrounds, supporting their education without debt.
TCC Launches Combat Robotics Team
TCC’s first-ever combat robotics team, Tulsa Community Combat Robotics, offers students hands-on experience in engineering, problem-solving, and teamwork through competitive robot design and battles. In its inaugural season, the team clinched first place in the Plastic Antweight category at the Comet Clash competition held at the University of Texas at Dallas last Fall.
Operating out of the Fab Lab on TCC’s Northeast Campus, TCCR members work with advanced technology, applying mechanical and electrical engineering skills while learning computer-aided design and 3D printing. The team has grown into a hub for aspiring engineers and robotics enthusiasts, like Draton Zollars, TCCR, founding member and president.
Zollars grew up watching “BattleBots” on TV and his love of robots has infinitely grown. He boasts a personal collection of more than 300 robots.
“What kick-started TCCR for me was attending Maker Faire Tulsa. Seeing live robot battles in Oklahoma made me realize this club could actually be possible,” says Zollars.
Zollars reached out to Combat Robots of Oklahoma for guidance about starting a combat robotics team at TCC. CROK, in partnership with the University of Oklahoma’s Crimson Robotics, generously donated an arena for TCC students to battle their robots.
“When we got word that we were getting an arena, it was like a dream come true. Since then, we’ve done everything possible to keep it growing, keep people coming back to the meetings, and keep building robots,” says Zollars.
The robots compete in the “Antweight” division, meaning they weigh no more than one pound. Parts made from various filament are 3D-printed, assembled, and wired together with a motor. The robotic chassis is then outfitted with a weapon like a horizontal spinner or lifting mechanism.
“Taking a design and manufacturing it, building it, and competing with it is really rewarding. A lot of what we’re taught as engineers is theory, so now we’re getting that hands-on experience, and seeing the actuality of all that work,” says Zollars.
The club attracts students from diverse backgrounds who share an interest in robotics, engineering, and design. Fab Lab Manager and TCCR Advisor Cody Zimmer says most of the club’s members are non-traditional students.
“Most of the students have full time jobs and take classes in the evening, so it’s tough to get them all together for club meetings,” says Zimmer. “Some of them were quiet when they first joined, but then they learn how to use the equipment and get big ideas about what kinds of bots they can create.”
TCCR club members learn to use the Fab Lab’s manufacturing equipment including 3D printers, laser printers, plasma and vinyl cutters, and advanced machinery to gain practical skills that will serve them in future careers.
Brandon Stamper, a Design and Technology major and the team’s mechanical design leader, has long dreamed of an active combat robotics community in Tulsa.
“It’s nice to have that community and also get an education for what I want to do in my career,” Stamper says. “Teamwork is so valued here. We all root for each other and want to build the best robots possible to represent TCC.”
“I joined TCCR to get more hands-on practice for my degree,” says Michael McCall, Mechanical Engineering major and TCCR vice president. “I’ve been interested in ‘BattleBots’ since I was a kid, and I always wanted to try to build my own.”
With constant wear and tear, parts frequently need replacing. TCCR is actively fundraising to keep the club running and ensure they have the necessary equipment for competitions, like filament, electronics, and batteries.
Taking a design and manufacturing it, building it, and competing with it is really rewarding.
TCCR is open to students from all backgrounds who share a passion for robotics. With competitions across the region, the club is building a community of future STEM professionals and strengthening a love for robotics and innovation.
TCCR members Draton Zollers and Brandon Stamper
From Art to Industry:
How a Metallica Scholar is Designing Her Future
Diana Tomlinson’s creativity isn’t confined to canvas. It reveals itself in manufacturing and design processes. With a background in jewelry and fabrication and a decade of handson experience in production, she’s now expanding her technical expertise as a Metallica Scholar at Tulsa Community College.
TCC announced its inclusion in the Metallica Scholars Initiative in July 2024. The scholarship program, created by rock band Metallica’s nonprofit organization All Within My Hands, aims to support community colleges across the U.S. by providing substantial grants to enhance career and technical education.
As she works toward graduation in May 2025, Tomlinson balances her studies with a part-time job at the TCC Northeast Campus Testing Center. She also received a $1,000 Metallica Scholars Initiative award, which has helped ease the financial burden of college.
“The Metallica Scholars Initiative has been a huge help,” says Tomlinson. “It’s allowed me to focus more on my studies and continue gaining the skills I need to get to where I want to be.”
Originally from rural Alberta, Canada, Tomlinson worked in various manufacturing roles after earning her bachelor’s degree in jewelry and fabrication. While she’s always been drawn to artistry and function, she realized she needed to strengthen her technical foundation to fully transition into the industry. That’s what led her to TCC’s Engineering Technology program, where she’s pursuing an associate degree in Drafting and Design.
“My education was very art focused. There were gaps I needed to fill, and that’s what I’m doing now. Manufacturing is such a big industry in Tulsa. It makes sense for me to gain experience here,” she says.
Tomlinson’s past work experience has elements of creativity and craftsmanship. A previous job involved manufacturing the molds used to create wax seals, often seen on wedding invitations and formal letters.
“I loved that job because it was both very art-based and very technical,” Tomlinson says. “After that, I was doing finishing for a company that makes high-end fishing reels. They needed someone who understood metal to update their processes, so I got to design tools that made their finishing process smoother and reduced waste. It was a great experience.”
Tomlinson’s ability to analyze processes and find ways to improve them has become a defining skill set and is helping her transition from art to industry.
“I’ve learned I really like the design process. Realistically, once I graduate, I’ll start producing CAD drawings, and, ideally, I want to work my way into a place where I can also have design input as well,” says Tomlinson. “My dream job is designing and manufacturing jewelry.”
CAD, which stands for computer-aided drafting, has become Tomlinson’s new artistic medium. Using programs like AutoCAD and SolidWorks, she creates intricate technical drawings that can be used to build, manufacture, and assemble products.
“It’s kind of like a visual language we’re learning,” she explains. “The way things are drawn, labeled, and organized has a lot to do with how they’re produced.”
With her talent for design, knack for problem-solving, and passion for continuous learning, Tomlinson is proving that manufacturing isn’t just about production—it’s also a place to be creative. For her, the key has been pursuing education and actively seeking out opportunities.
“Being open to learning and showing enthusiasm for it has made the biggest difference for me,” says Tomlinson. “People who are passionate about their work are usually willing to teach if they see you’re genuinely interested. That mindset has helped me learn so many new things, and it continues to guide me.”
Leading the Nation in Air Traffic Controller Training
Cleared for Takeoff
After passing an extensive audit and certification last Fall, TCC signed an agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration to become one of the first schools involved in the Enhanced Air Traffic – Collegiate Training Initiative, a strategic effort to address the national shortage of air traffic controllers. This partnership allows TCC to integrate the FAA Academy’s comprehensive Air Traffic Control curriculum into its program, enabling graduates to bypass the FAA Academy’s traditional 16-week training in Oklahoma City and move directly into on-the-job training at air traffic control facilities.
Currently 63 students are enrolled in the TCC Air Traffic Control major, with two active cohorts—year one and year two—in the program. The new Enhanced AT-CTI program is set to officially begin during the Fall 2025 semester, with the first group of graduates expected in May 2027.
“The announcement of this new program last Fall has made a noticeable impact,” says Julie Porterfield, TCC’s Dean of Science and Aeronautics. “The cohort size more than doubled between last year and this year.”
TCC’s Aviation Sciences academic programs are located at the state-of-the art TCC Riverside Community Campus and Aviation Center, which includes a $1.4 million high-fidelity air traffic control simulator that provides students with hands-on training.
“Continuous meetings between the FAA and AT-CTI schools show our dedication to addressing the air traffic controller shortage. With TCC’s expert faculty, we’re proud to lead the way in advancing enhanced tower certification,” Porterfield says.
Terry Daniel, TCC’s AT-CTI Program Coordinator adds, “When we applied to the FAA, our goal wasn’t to be first—it was to ensure our students could benefit from this opportunity as quickly as possible.”
The FAA reports the U.S. faces a critical shortage of air traffic controllers, with a need for about 3,000 new hires to maintain safe and efficient operations. The AT-CTI program is designed to accelerate the pipeline of qualified controllers by incorporating FAA Academy-level curriculum directly into college programs.
“The TCC Foundation, our generous donors, and our supportive community are invaluable partners in advancing this Initiative, helping us shape future aviation leaders and strengthening the safety of our skies,” Porterfield says. Specific assistance from the TCC Foundation has included software upgrades, assistance with faculty training, and providing student scholarships.
Student Skylar Rust is currently enrolled in the TCC AT-CTI program and is excited about the new opportunity. “I love how hands-on the training is and knowing that I’ll graduate ready for a high-paying career is so motivating. Plus, not having to worry about textbook costs makes it even better—it’s such a practical and affordable way to start my future.”
Taylor Williams-Busque, a faculty member in the TCC AT-CTI program, has been pleased with the program’s quality.
“The curriculum under this new program aligns directly with what students would learn at the FAA Academy, ensuring they receive top-tier education and training to help them achieve their aviation goals.”
With this innovative and enhanced program, the sky is literally the limit for these AT-CTI students, taking their careers to new heights while helping to keep the aviation industry flying safely and efficiently.
Beyond Historic
TCC faculty member joins historic effort
As a native Tulsan and an active member of the North Tulsa community, Corinice Wilson, Ph.D., feels a deep responsibility to engage in meaningful work that improves outcomes for all Tulsans, especially those in North Tulsa. So, it’s not surprising that the TCC Assistant Professor of Sociology was appointed in the Fall of 2024 to serve a two-year term on Tulsa’s Beyond Apology Commission.
This historic effort focuses on reparations and economic restoration for survivors and descendants of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The commission consists of nine members, some who are descendants of the massacre and North Tulsa community leaders.
Wilson was encouraged to apply for the commission by Dewayne Dickens, Ph.D., TCC Senior Director of the Center for Community &
Learning. She says, “I’m excited to contribute to this work and help drive meaningful change for North Tulsa and beyond.”
The commission appointment under former Mayor G.T. Bynum’s executive order has a critical mission—to propose ambitious yet achievable goals in eight key areas: housing and homeownership, education, community and economic development, financial compensation, land, health and wellness, systems change (policy), and cultural identity. These efforts are aimed at addressing longstanding inequities and fostering measurable progress in the community.
“Our initial housing recommendations were submitted to Mayor Bynum at the end of November 2024. The ongoing restorative work will continue for two more years,” Wilson says.
Her Road to TCC
Wilson’s interest in psychology and sociology ignited during her undergraduate years at Northeastern State University, where a sociology class first prompted her to consider the effects of social structures on behavior. This experience led her to double major in psychology and sociology. She went on to earn two master’s degrees in human relations with an emphasis in Counseling and Sociology from the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University, respectively, and her doctorate degree in sociology from OSU.
In 2014 she joined TCC as an adjunct professor of psychology and sociology. Over time, she took on additional roles and served as Associate Dean of Liberal Arts & Communication, Dean of Student Assessment and Testing Services, and Dean of Retention & Engagement. In 2022 she moved to a full-time faculty position to spend more time with students.
“I truly enjoy working alongside dedicated colleagues who share a strong commitment to supporting and uplifting all students,” says Wilson. “‘You Belong Here’ is more than just a core value at TCC. I believe it’s a guiding principle that faculty and staff bring to life every day. It’s demonstrated through their actions, creating a welcoming environment where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. This collective commitment fosters a sense of belonging and community that makes TCC a special place to work.”
Wilson says, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
Beyond her teaching role, she has been involved in numerous initiatives at TCC, including the Gardner Institute’s Transfer Initiative and the LaunchPad project, where she serves as faculty research lead.
Outside of TCC
Wilson is active in the community, serving on the Board of Trustees for the League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Tulsa and as a board member for Teach Not Punish. She also mentors young professionals and is active in the Tulsa Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Metropolitan Baptist Church. Additionally, she volunteers for the Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice and the John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation.
To unwind, Wilson enjoys watching classic black-and-white films, especially Sherlock Holmes, and spending time with family. She also has a passion for travel, particularly to New York City, and for reading mystery novels with a good cup of coffee.
‘You Belong Here’ is more than just a core value at TCC. I believe it’s a guiding principle that faculty and staff bring to life every day.
Kevin Gross TCC regent:
Kevin Gross, regional president of Hillcrest Healthcare System and the newest appointee to TCC’s Board of Regents, does not have a background in higher education. What he does bring to the board is an equally important perspective: more than 40 years of business experience, all of it in the healthcare industry.
“Hillcrest Health Systems hires many TCC graduates, especially nurses, radiologic technologists, and students specializing in health information technology,” Gross says. “I know what I want as an employer, and as we have more than 6,000 employees, we focus on recruiting and hiring people to create the right kind of environment and culture in all of our facilities.”
As an employer, Gross says HHS has hired hundreds of TCC students out of the various programs the College offers.
“We are always looking for skilled students graduating from TCC’s programs,” says Gross. “Nursing and Radiology students have gone through rotations at Hillcrest for many years. We have the perfect kind of relationship; one that gives us a chance to see students use their education to help our patients while we provide them with the opportunity to have real-life experiences in the medical-clinical setting. We get to see how they perform in a real-life situation, and it gives us first dibs on recruiting them when they’re finished with their clinical rotation. It benefits both of us.”
As the governing body of the College, TCC’s Board of Regents are responsible for setting policy and budgets; Regents review financial statements and review the president’s performance in a variety of functions.
Gross led the Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce in 2022, and the State Chamber of Oklahoma in 2023. Gross says says it’s gratifying to bring the relationships he established with business leaders in his leadership roles with the chambers to the College.
Prior to his appointment to the Board of Regents for TCC, Gross served a six-year term at the TCC Foundation. He says his time at
the Foundation was a great opportunity to interact with the College, learning about its programs and services as well as the needs of the school. Gross is filling an unexpired term on the Board of Regents that ends in June 2026 and then will have the opportunity to serve his own six-year term.
Gross believes his hospital and healthcare system administration experience can benefit TCC.
“To keep a hospital running well, delivering best possible care we can, we have to make sure providers have all the resources they need to take care of the patients,” says Gross.
“Running colleges and healthcare systems are very similar; they just have different missions. The management skills required are very similar and explorable back and forth. This helps me bring a business approach to my job as a Regent, enabling me to serve them at the highest level.”
That highest level could climb even higher after Gross retires from Hillcrest Health Systems this year. Gross says when College President Dr. Leigh Goodson approached him about becoming a Regent, he told her he was interested but wondered if his impending retirement gave her second thoughts.
Running colleges and healthcare systems are very similar; they just have different missions.
“She said, ‘That’s fine—you’ll have more time to work on College business,’ and she is correct. I’m very interested in making sure TCC continues to thrive.”
The evening’s live ask raised more than $100,000 last year to fund $1500 scholarships for more than 65 students. Make their futures bright. Join us.
The TCC Advantage Scholarship program, a new scholarship for eligible students at Broken Arrow, Charles Page, Jenks, and Sapulpa high schools launches this Fall. The scholarship will cover tuition and mandatory fees for one academic year, expanding college access for students outside Tulsa County.
As an institutionally funded scholarship, TCC Advantage awards are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Students must reside in Creek, Osage, or Wagoner counties, and scholarship recipients will be required to enroll in at least nine credit hours per semester, including a mandatory college success course.
“We have been working for some time on establishing a scholarship that complements Tulsa Achieves, and this is the result,” says TCC President and CEO Leigh Goodson, Ph.D. “This opportunity for additional students outside Tulsa County ensures that more students have access to the high-quality education that TCC provides. We believe this initiative will have a lasting impact on students, families, and the broader community.
“This initiative reflects TCC’s commitment to increasing college access and affordability in northeast Oklahoma. By offering one academic year at a greatly reduced cost, we are opening doors for more students to have the opportunity to succeed in higher education,” says TCC Vice President of Student Success and Chief Student Affairs Officer Eunice Tarver, Ph.D.
Applications for TCC Advantage are open now. The deadline to apply is Aug. 1, 2025.
• Be a 2025 graduate from Broken Arrow High School, Charles Page High School, Jenks High School, or Sapulpa High School; or 2024 graduate from Broken Arrow High School, Charles Page High School, Jenks High School, or Sapulpa High School with no prior college experience (excluding dual credit)
• Must reside in Creek, Osage, or Wagoner counties and meet residency requirements specified for their high school
• Have a minimum unweighted 2.0 GPA
• Complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA application and the Financial Aid process at TCC
• Upon receiving scholarship, enroll in at least nine credit hours at TCC per semester, including mandatory college success course
For more information about the scholarship, eligibility requirements, and how to apply, visit www.tulsacc.edu/ advantage or call 918-595-8000.
College Degrees Still Equal Increased Career Opportunities
To borrow (and modify) a quote from Mark Twain, “Rumors of the death of the college degree are greatly exaggerated.”
For whatever reason, perhaps real ones, perhaps those generated by AI news bots, the value of a college degree has been questioned more and more in recent years.
However, the data shows it’s still more financially beneficial to have a degree than not. A 2023 U.S. Career Institute study showed that each degree, starting with a high school diploma, adds to an individual’s average annual earnings. Degree holders earn higher wages and have more opportunities for advancement than those without any post-secondary education.
While the debate continues, there’s a constant: change.
“If you think about college in the ‘80s, the whole idea behind it was it was your first independent experience when you left home,” says Angela Sivadon, Ph.D., TCC Senior Vice President and Chief Academic Officer. “Today, students aren’t doing that right after high school. It’s no longer, ‘Go explore myself to see what I want to be.’ For many, college does not represent the same thing it might have 30 years ago.”
Students have more information to base their decisions on and are becoming sensitive to the long-term implications of student debt. Options for education, such as micro-credentials and short-term certifications, are plentiful. The path to a livable wage has diverged.
At TCC, Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 enrollment numbers rose more than seven percent over the previous year.
“I think we’re going to see people consuming their education in many different modalities,” says Sivadon, “but students are seeing they can’t get it all outside of college.”
One of the ways the College has adapted to the changing education landscape is reflected in its work in the Unlocking Opportunity project with the Aspen Institute. The project looks to promote high opportunity degrees and programs aimed at providing graduates with career paths in fields that provide a livable wage. The expertise of our highly educated and dedicated faculty ensures students have the knowledge and skills they need to be successful once they graduate.
“It’s about getting students into paying jobs,” says Sivadon. “Our vision at the College is an educated and thriving community. Helping students enter directly into employment or transfer to a four-year school that will springboard them to a career is one way we realize that vision. Our Unlocking Opportunity work makes sure our students are on a path to accomplish their goals and be employed in a life-changing career.”
TCC also diligently works to keep a college education affordable and attainable.
“As long as we can keep tuition affordable, they will continue to consider the advantages of a degree. There are thousands of dollars available in scholarships, and more than 70 percent of our students graduate debt free. The generous donors in our community who contribute to those scholarships, they believe in education.”
And our philanthropic donors aren’t the only ones who believe a college education is a worthy investment. The employers in Oklahoma believe in post-secondary education as well.
“If you go to the State Regents for Higher Education website, there’s a list of more than 100 employers who offer tuition reimbursement to help support students on their college journey. That also tells us many Oklahoma employers value a college education.”
The Power of Consistency
Shirley Elliott
There are a lot of people who believe in TCC. Many of those contribute to the College, though very few do it with the scope and consistency of Shirley Elliott.
Elliott’s consistent giving puts her on track to reach an historic mark of making 200 consecutive gifts to the TCC Foundation, making her one of the College’s top donors in terms of the number of gifts given. If you were to ask her, her dedication to donations have to do with the impact TCC had on her life.
Elliott’s non-traditional tenure as a student at TCC changed her life. A single mom, Elliott took one class at a time and cleaned houses, graduating with her associate degree after nine years of sacrifice and hard work. That was just the beginning.
“One day, my Speech instructor, Dave Lawless, asked me, ‘When are you going to graduate?’” says Elliott. “I shared with him that I didn’t know if I would ever graduate, only being able to take one class at a time. He told me he thought I should be getting help with that, and the next time I walked into the classroom, there was a Pell Grant application on my desk.”
That application changed everything for Elliott. She applied, received the grant, and was able to spend more time at the College. Another professor, Susan King, noticed Elliott’s progress and invited her to work in the Honors Program office at TCC’s Metro campus.
“Those were big changes in my life,” says Elliott. “I got to know the faculty, which brought me into a fold of friends. I didn’t know I had any talent. I applied for one of four Bovaird scholarships to the University of Tulsa and got one. I earned my undergraduate degree, then my master’s degree. I worked at Tulsa’s Performing Arts Center for 20 years. Tulsa Community College impacted me financially and intellectually and gave me a sense of worth. When I got to TU, I was so prepared thanks to my education at TCC; it wasn’t a difficult transition to a four-year university—it was easy, because my TCC teachers were so good, so supportive.”
Elliott eventually married Dr. Hank Comby (a TCC professor) and became an adjunct professor at the College herself, teaching classes in Humanities, Art & Film, and Speech until retiring in 2024. Elliott’s foray into giving to TCC started in the late 1990s.
“For the first time in my life, I was financially stable,” says Elliott. “These are modest gifts, but I am really pleased that it means a lot to the Foundation. I didn’t know the difference recurring gifts can make, regardless of the dollar amount. The money I donate goes to the Dave Lawless Scholarship, to honor the importance of his role in my life. All I’d wanted was to get my associate degree, get a job, and have money. I never anticipated being able to get a master’s degree.
“A small gift on a consistent basis can make an impact. Don’t talk yourself out of giving because you don’t have much to give; if you are inclined to support TCC, do it. Small gifts are welcome,” says Elliott.
Established in 1970, the Tulsa Community College Foundation develops key relationships and financial resources for Tulsa Community College. The Foundation supports the College’s vision of offering greater access to quality higher education and supports TCC students, faculty, and staff by providing scholarships and resources for program excellence.
You can make a gift to the TCC Foundation, including Signature Symphony at TCC, in a variety of ways: by check, credit card, electronic fund transfers (EFTs), gifts of stocks and securities or other assets, and estate planning gifts.
The Tulsa Community College Foundation provides support to Tulsa Community College and its mission by developing key relationships and financial resources.
2025 TCC Foundation Board
as of April 4, 2025
Executive Committee
CHAIR: Sarah Hansel, Attorney/Director, Hall Estill Attorneys at Law
VICE CHAIR: Susan Savage, CEO, Morton Comprehensive Health Services, Inc.
SECRETARY/TREASURER: Susan B. Neal, Consultant/Civic Leader
PAST CHAIR: Dr. Eleanor Payne, Retired Educator
Trustees
Bruce Adkins, President, Regent Bank, Tulsa Market
Scott Asbjornson, Investor
Billie T. Barnett, Civic Leader
Shelby Beil, President and CEO, Tulsa Teachers Credit Union
Caleb Bigham, Executive Vice President and Treasurer, BOK Financial
Marissa Blevins, Director of HR Operations, The Williams Companies
Konnie Boulter, Program Director, The Oxley Foundation
Dr. Leigh Goodson, Ph.D, President & CEO, TCC, and Ex Officio Board Member
Staff
Kari Shults, VP of Advancement and President of the TCC Foundation
Megan Korn, Chief Development Officer
Nicole Burgin, Development Officer
Bethany Weaver, Foundation Controller
Caitlin Rommel, Assistant Controller
Jill Deutscher, Database Administrator
Kayleigh Land, Coordinator
Sally Osburn, Foundation Board Liaison, part time
2025 President’s Circle Members
Presidential Level
Jim and Susannah Adelson
Saint Francis Health System
Executive Level
Mervin Bovaird Foundation
Dr. Dean and Mrs. Vesta VanTrease
Platinum Level
Shelby Beil
Teresa and Robert Burkett
Kevin and Susan Gross
Jody Parker
John and Stephanie Rupe
Shoemaker Mechanical
Gold Level
Scott Asbjornson
Roger and Susan Bey
Kirk and Deleise Brewer
Dr. Jennifer Campbell and Dr. Brett Campbell
Dr. Chandra Carpenter
Sam and Rita Combs
Dr. Kristopher and Ranee Copeland
Lisette and Brad Coston
Don Crall
Ramona Curtis
as of March 13, 2025 Note:
Daniele Dennison
Dewberry Architects Inc.
Keidron and Denice Dotson
Dr. Peggy Dyer
Marge and John Gaberino, Jr.
Julie Hall
Dr. William Ivy and Eileen Kenney
Tracy Jackson
Molly Jarvis and Chuck Rutterford
Jennifer and Rob Jezek
Megan and Kiley Korn
Phil and Adriane Lakin
Ron and Susie1 Looney
Joseph and Carol McGraw
Meshri Family
Dr. Carol Messer
Tony O’Connor and Dr. Jennifer O’Connor
Dr. Matt Olsen
Parkhill’s Liquors & Wine South
Jamie Payne
Susanne and Millard Pickering
Julie and Justin Porterfield
David and Cheryl Poth
Roger and Terri Ramseyer
Michael and Cathryn Render
Paula Settoon
Kari and Matt Shults
Dr. Angela and Mary Sivadon
Dawne and Robert Stafford
Dr. Eunice Tarver
Tulsa Regional Chamber
Scott C. Webb
Sean Weins
Lifetime Members
Robin Ballenger
Howard and Billie Barnett
Konnie Boulter
The Honorable Terry Kern and Mrs. Jeanette Kern
Caron and Shawn Lawhorn
Bill and Pat McKamey
Dr. Frank and Mrs. Mary Baker Shaw
Jana Shoulders
State Farm Insurance Company
Micro-credentials
When searching for a next career opportunity—or a first one—experiences and certifications that make one applicant stand out from the others can make all the difference.
TCC offers an extensive selection of micro-credentials, described as short, flexible programs designed to boost skills, employability, and support career growth with industry-recognized credentials and digital badges.
Mark Hays, Director of Career/Retention Programs for TCC, says some Micro-credentials are designed to help students be careerready, and some are recommended for students to boost their qualifications for jobs and to help them stand out in the application and evaluation process. Hays’ department works closely with Shannon Schwaebler, Director of Workforce Innovation at TCC, to get students signed up for the right courses.
“When we talk to employers today, they express concern about whether students have what are called the ‘soft’ or job readiness skills, so we have three micro-credentials specifically to prepare students to enter the workforce: Job Readiness, Job Seeking, and Job Keeping,” says Hays. “These courses address skills like attitude, communication, critical thinking, showing up on time, being organized, and more, and when the student passes the course, they can list it on their resume. They even get a digital ‘badge’ they can use on their social profiles to promote themselves. Employers are finding this type of preparation is just as important as the technical skills needed for a successful career. We want students to have these badges that say ‘I am ready for the workforce’.”
Students
Students sign up for Micro-credential and digital badge courses through the Career Center here.
Other Micro-credentials available through TCC are certifications that employers recognize as tangible evidence of an applicant’s expertise in an area. Some of the thousands of Micro-credentials available include certifications from employers like IBM, Google, CVS, AWS, and Meta. Other courses are designed for a variety of students; nursing, cybersecurity, improvisational actors, bookkeepers, and drone operators are just a few.
“These courses are the same training that an employee of a company would receive and generally take just two to six hours to complete, at their own pace,” says Hays. “Students can get certified for certain banking skills from JP Morgan Chase, Discover, and Bank of America. It isn’t work experience per se, but the student can legitimately promote it as additional training, which gives them an advantage over other applicants who haven’t pursued the certification.”
“Sometimes, students say they don’t have two or four years to wait to get started on a career path but need a better-paying job,” adds Hays. “They are able to complete these certifications that can make them more marketable should they need or want to look for a new job. They can get the relevant skills they need and can use now, or to enhance their degree.”
Alumni
Coursera access is provided through the Workforce Innovation department; College alumni can continue to pursue Micro-credentials post-graduation with their TCC email address.
