Mike Loftis was sworn in as a Northern Oklahoma College Regent Wednesday at the regents July meeting in Tonkawa.

Loftis, a Blackwell High School, NOC, and Oklahoma State University graduate, is the CEO of Loftis & Wetzel Insurance with offices in Blackwell, Edmond, Ponca City and Stillwater.

He serves as a trustee for Blackwell’s Industrial, Economic Development, Hospital Authorities, as well as the Blackwell Public Trust.

He has served over 20 years on the NOC Foundation Board and was inducted as a NOC Distinguished Alumni in 2016. Other interests include developing Renewable Energy and Real Estate.

Loftis was sworn in by the Hon. Judge Lee Turner, District Judge for Kay and Noble Counties.

“Mike Loftis will be a strong addition to the NOC Board of Regents,” said NOC President Dr. Clark Harris. “He brings many years of experience with the college from his work as a member of the NOC Foundation Board of Trustees. I look forward to the knowledge that he brings to the Regents. The NOC Board of Regents will continue to move Northern forward, as we find new ways to engage students on campus and to provide opportunities for students.”

The regents also approved the financial report, presented by Vice President for Financial Affairs Anita Simpson.

In other business, the regents approved the course catalog, student handbook, athletic handbook, and Aladdin Food Service contract.

The board also approved a recommendation naming eight new members to the Northern Oklahoma Foundation Board. They include Peter Dillingham, Enid area; Brad Purdy, Tonkawa area; Cheryl Evans, Enid area; Jodi Cline, Ponca City area; Ken Bellmard, Tonkawa area; Patrick Anderson, Enid area; Patrick Zimmerman, Stillwater area; and Jackie Conrady, Area at Large. The approval is pending approval of the NOCF Trustees amending the by-laws to increase the number of NOCF trustees.

In the president’s report, Dr. Clark Harris reported that the Arts Adventure Camp and Native American Youth Leadership Day were on campus and how exciting it is to see younger students on the NOC campus.

In administrator updates, Vice President for Academic Affairs Diana Watkins reported that NOC Nursing students passes the NCLEX Exam at a 100% rate.

Vice President for Community Relations and Development Sheri Snyder said that fund raising plans are being made for the revival of the NOC Wrestling Program in 2024-25. She also reported that an NOC Soccer event will be held Sept. 20 for the inaugural season of men’s and women’s soccer at the Advance Soccer Complex in Enid.

Jason Johnson, Vice President for Students Affairs, reported that 78 NOC athletes were named NJCAA Academic All-Americans for the 2022-23 academic year.

Vice President for NOC Stillwater Dr. Marsh Howard reported that Stillwater faculty are planning a Family Night for this fall. He also reported some water damage at the classroom building from recent rains and water line issue.

Jeremy Hise, Vice President for Enid, said that repairs are needed on the louvres in the tower of the Marshall Building. He said some of the wooden louvres have fallen forcing the south entrance of the building to be closed. The estimated cost of repairs is $180,000.00. He added that Enid’s “Making a Difference” program is getting closer to a reality as he expects the non-profit organization to move on campus at the end of July.

Vice President for Enrollment Management Dr. Rick Edgington said that enrollment for Summer 2023 was up 6% while Fall 2023 Enrollment is down 3% in headcount but is up 6% in credit hour production. He said six more targeted enrollment dates are planned before the fall semester begins.

The next meeting is Sept. 13 in Enid.