Western Oklahoma State College (WOSC) and the City of Altus were recognized with a Business Partnership Excellence Award by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. The award program annually honors outstanding partnerships that lead to significant contributions in educating and developing Oklahoma’s workforce.
WOSC has always valued its supportive partnership with the City of Altus and actively participates in volunteering throughout the community. During the 2020-2021 year, the partnership with the City of Altus took a step toward creating a better environment for WOSC students and facilities.
With the ongoing growth of Rodeo and Agriculture Livestock Science, there has been a need for additional space and Western is always searching for growth opportunities. The City of Altus formed a Memorandum of Agreement with WOSC to use the property that once housed the city raceway. The additional acreage has allowed the WOSC Agriculture Department to increase its cattle herd, which has led to more hands-on learning opportunities for students. The property is also cross-fenced, making a perfect outside laboratory for rotational grazing experiments.
“The use of the old raceway has been a beneficial tool for our growing Rodeo and Agriculture programs. City Manager Gary Jones understands how both of these programs connect to workforce and economic development, and we are extremely grateful for his leadership and support,” said Western President Dr. Chad Wiginton.
The City of Altus was also instrumental during the historic 2021 winter storm and assisted campus physical plant employees with water and electrical needs while battling extreme temperatures and record snowfall. WOSC looks forward to a strong partnership for many years to come.
Western Oklahoma State College is the oldest original municipal two-year college still in existence in the State of Oklahoma. Its mission is to provide high quality education, support student success, and empower individuals to become productive members of local, regional and global communities. Western offers high-quality associate degrees and certificates to students in its five-county service area and beyond. For more information, visit wosc.edu.