Redlands Community College students visit with Rep. Dick Lowe (right) to advocate for higher education funding during Higher Education Day at the Capitol. Attending the event are (l-r) Janie Thompson, chair of the Redlands Board of Regents; President Jena Marr; Kassidy Brinlee, Choctaw; Blake Janssen, Amber; Carlie Golden, Calumet; and Lowe.
Blake Janssen, a Redlands Community College agriculture major from Amber, was invited to speak to state leaders and college students in the House Chambers during Higher Education Day at the Capitol.
Redlands Community College students visit with Sen. Lonnie Paxton during Higher Education Day at the Capitol. Attending the event are (l-r) President Jena Marr; Janie Thompson, chair of the Redlands Board of Regents; Kassidy Brinlee, Choctaw; Carlie Golden, Calumet; Paxton; and Blake Janssen, Amber.
From concurrent enrollment classes to the support for STEM degree programs such as nursing, Redlands Community College students see and appreciate the value of Oklahoma’s investment in higher education. Several of these students visited the Capitol recently for Higher Education Day to meet with legislators and advocate for continued legislative support for Oklahoma’s colleges and universities.
“We always enjoy participating in Higher Education Day at the Capitol. It is an excellent opportunity for our students to meet with legislators and tell their stories,” said Redlands President Jena Marr. “This year, we were honored to also be invited to select a student to share their Redlands experience with state leaders and students from across the state. Our students bring unique experiences to Redlands, and watching them engage with legislators was a proud moment. They truly exemplify the spirit of the Redlands community."
After visiting with legislators, the students gathered in the House Chambers with college students from across the state. Gov. Kevin Stitt kicked off the program and was followed by House Speaker Charles McCall who introduced Blake Janssen, a Redlands agriculture major. Janssen shared with the audience his experience at Redlands and the importance and value of the connections he has made at a two-year college.
Janssen described his experience taking chemistry at Redlands:
“The best thing about it was the relationship I developed with Professor Gutmann. I did learn more about chemistry, but the most important thing to me was going to a college where they care about you. They care about your success, and they listen to you, advise you and teach you more about what they love to learn about. I couldn’t be more thankful for that experience.”
The students spent the morning visiting legislators and then spent the afternoon listening to state leaders and college students from each tier of higher education before attending a reception to honor legislators who have shown their support for Oklahoma’s public colleges and universities.
Redlands students who visited the capitol represent the variety of students who attend the two-year college, including nursing and agriculture students, first-generation college students, and student-athletes. Representing Redlands were Kassidy Brinlee, Choctaw; Carlie Golden, Calumet; and Blake Janssen, Amber.
Redlands Board of Regents Chair Janie Thompson joined the students at the Capitol, stating:
“As a regent, it is a privilege to support and advocate for these students and work to ensure their educational experience is preparing them for workforce. Higher Ed Day is a wonderful opportunity to share students’ stories with legislators so that when they are considering legislation that impacts higher education programs and services, they will have a better understanding of who these students are.”