Oklahoma Senate confirms nominees to college boards including Kevin Gross and Michael Willis

The Oklahoma Legislature convened on April 1, 2025, to discuss several key nominations for educational boards, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and educational opportunities in the state.

The meeting featured nominations for various positions, including Drew Eubank for the Northern Oklahoma College (NOC) Board of Regents. Eubank, a local attorney and former school board member, expressed his commitment to supporting education in the region, highlighting NOC's role in providing accessible education for students who may not be able to attend larger universities. He emphasized the need for smaller class sizes and hands-on instruction, which NOC offers.

Senator Reid questioned Eubank about NOC's significance, to which he responded that it serves as a vital transition for students, allowing them to remain close to home while pursuing their education. The committee unanimously supported Eubank's nomination, reflecting a strong consensus on his qualifications and dedication to the community.

The meeting also included the nomination of Kevin Gross to the Board of Regents for Tulsa Community College (TCC). Gross, the CEO of Hillcrest Healthcare System, shared his perspective on workforce needs and the importance of TCC in providing educational pathways for local students. He noted TCC's unique programs, such as Tulsa Achieves, which allows students to attend tuition-free, thereby enhancing access to higher education.

Michael Willis was nominated to the Board of Trustees for Oklahoma State University, Tulsa. He shared his background as a lifelong educator and his commitment to supporting OSU Tulsa's mission to provide flexible educational options for students in the area.

Lastly, Mandy Hinkle was nominated to the Board of Regents for Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC). Hinkle, who has served on the board for three years, spoke about the growth and recognition OCCC has achieved under new leadership and her desire to continue fostering that progress.

All nominations received unanimous support from the committee, underscoring the importance of strong leadership in Oklahoma's educational institutions. The meeting concluded with a clear commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and community engagement across the state.