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Transcript

Macey:
Hey everyone, welcome back to The Redlands Rundown, the official podcast of Redlands Community College, where we’re committed to helping our students find success in college, their careers, and everything in between. I’m very excited about today’s episode. With me is Dr. Jena Marr, president of Redlands Community College. It’s great to have you on.

Before we dive into some of our questions, I’d like our listeners to get to know you better. Could you tell us about your background and how you came to pursue a career in higher education?

President Jena Marr:
Sure. I started in higher education about 30 years ago on the business side and worked my way up through operations. I believe higher education is a true calling. A college education is something no one can ever take away from you, which is why I got involved. It’s been a lifelong calling.

Macey:
You’ve been at Redlands since 2013, right? Tell us about the different roles you’ve held here and how those experiences shaped where you are today.

President Marr:
I came to Redlands in 2013 as VP of Finance, overseeing all of the college’s finances. In 2017, I was promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff, essentially still CFO but also handling all operations—compliance, HR, payroll. During that time our academic VP was very ill, so I also helped on the academic side and learned a lot.

Macey:
I’m sure that’s been very helpful—understanding all the moving parts.

President Marr:
Yes. You have to know operations, HR, payroll, and also academics. That experience was invaluable.

Macey:
Will you talk about any mentors or influencers who helped shape your career?

President Marr:
Throughout my career I’ve had mentors—supervisors, vice presidents, colleagues. Most recently, President Emeritus Jack Bryant was a huge mentor. He saw potential in me when I didn’t have much hope in myself, encouraged me to finish my doctorate, and hoped I’d become president after he retired. Mentors can come from any title or stage of life.

Macey:
It’s great to have someone who believes in you when you’re uncertain. Thinking back on your time at Redlands, what favorite events or traditions stand out?

President Marr:
Two stand out: our annual freshman orientation—seeing all the new students and their parents brings such excitement—and graduation day. Celebrating students’ hard work with their families makes the job worthwhile.

Macey:
I agree. Freshman orientation is one of my favorite times of the year. After a slow summer, it’s exciting to have students back on campus.

President Marr:
It is. This year it was standing room only in the conference center. Walking in to give the welcome and seeing that excitement was wonderful.

Macey:
Let’s talk about your leadership. At fall in-service you shared our motto for the year, “Lead by Example,” which I loved. Can you expand on what that means to you?

President Marr:
We all hear “lead by example,” but truly acting it out is important—whether teaching a class or walking a student to the right building. It can be as simple as picking up trash or turning off lights. This year’s theme emphasizes integrity, action, and impact. I never ask anyone to do something I wouldn’t do myself. I also maintain an open-door policy—anyone, regardless of position, can come to the president’s office. I listen before forming opinions, especially on heated topics. All of that is part of leading by example.

Macey:
As a former student and now an employee, I think that really helps both faculty/staff and students feel their opinions and feedback are valued. Sometimes walking a student to class and chatting can create a relationship they need. Since becoming president, what’s your biggest or proudest accomplishment?

President Marr:
Becoming the first female president was a huge accomplishment. I was named the eighth president two years ago. We’ve also kept tuition flat for eight years to maintain affordability, had eight consecutive semesters of enrollment increases—one of which was the highest in Oklahoma—and started the President’s Student Leadership Academy, now in its second year. We’ve added new partnerships and articulation agreements for students and the community. Those are all things I’m proud of.

Macey:
Those enrollment numbers are incredible—10.3% increase for fall and about 30% for returning students. That blew me away.

President Marr:
Yes. When students come back, we know we’re doing something right.

Macey:
At the heart of Redlands is our student experience. What makes Redlands unique compared to other colleges?

President Marr:
First, affordability—students can get a quality education at a lower cost, transfer credits to a four-year institution, or start directly in the workforce. Second, our size—faculty and staff know students by name. We offer wraparound services to support them without overstepping. Large universities can’t always provide that family environment.

Macey:
What’s our average class size?

President Marr:
Roughly one faculty member for every 23 students. Some classes have as few as 10. My leadership class this semester has 10 students, which allows interactive activities. Online classes obviously have more, but the ratio remains about 1:23.

Macey:
How does Redlands prepare students to enter the workforce?

President Marr:
Hands-on learning is vital. Our agriculture department offers artificial insemination, plant science, and animal science labs. Nursing is another huge one—we’re meeting the high need for nurses in Oklahoma. Criminal justice graduates can go directly into the field. Our drone technology program provides in-demand skills. We also offer micro-credentials developed with businesses and industry—fast-track learning that enhances résumés.

Macey:
Finally, reflecting on your own college experience, what challenges did you face that today’s students might relate to, and what advice would you give?

President Marr:
I was a nontraditional student—married with a child and a full-time job while earning my bachelor’s. Balancing family, work, and studies was hard. One thing I didn’t take advantage of enough was support services. Whether tutoring, mental health counseling with Ms. Lamb, or the food pantry—students should reach out early, not wait until it’s too late to pull up a grade.

Macey:
Sydney and I actually talked about that last episode—don’t wait until a few weeks before finals. As a student, I regularly went to the tutoring center for math and science, and there was no judgment. Everyone here wants to help students succeed.

Let’s talk about Redlands’ involvement in our community. What partnerships or initiatives are you most proud of?

President Marr:
We’ve developed several new partnerships. Many of our employees, including myself, serve on community and state boards. I’m on the Integris Canadian Valley Hospital board. We’re engaged not just in El Reno but all of Canadian County and Oklahoma. The Cloyd partnership you worked on provides scholarships and hands-on learning. We have internships with USDA at Fort Reno. Workforce and economic development councils are huge. We also maintain strong articulation agreements with four-year universities and sponsor local events to stay active in the community.

Macey:
One of my favorite things is attending community coffees—monthly in El Reno and other towns—where we talk with employers, hear what they need, and get feedback on our programs.

President Marr:
Those coffees are great networking opportunities. I’ve had conversations there that turned into partnerships.

Macey:
We’ve talked about the past and present. What’s on the horizon for Redlands that excites you?

President Marr:
We’re launching the Goals for Greatness Academic Complex west of campus with a capital campaign. It will include a soccer field, track, and space for student engagement. Our women’s soccer team will play there, and I hope to start a men’s team. We’re partnering with El Reno Public Schools so they can host track meets here—they currently don’t have a track. We’re also exploring new academic programs based on workforce demand.

Macey:
I’m super excited about the soccer field and track. Having community members on campus increases awareness of the college. Looking five to ten years ahead, what do you hope Redlands looks like?

President Marr:
I want to see continued growth and more opportunities for students. I want Redlands to be a place high school students aspire to attend. There’s a false narrative about two-year schools lacking opportunities. We may be smaller than universities, but we offer clubs, organizations, and significant savings. In five years I hope we’ve diminished that negative talk. Oklahoma’s 12 two-year schools each have unique offerings, and they’re a great place to start.

Macey:
I wasn’t an Oklahoma native and grew up with a similar stigma. But after coming here and then transferring, I’m more proud to be a Redlands Cougar and alum. Many students say the same. Opportunities like our NASA-funded research program gave me valuable experience before grad school. Clubs, research, student government—all of it sometimes gets overlooked.

President Marr:
The more we can offer, the more Redlands will grow. I want people to think, “Redlands has that program; we should go there.” Our eight semesters of enrollment increases show we’re on the right path.

Macey:
Before we wrap up, how can students, alumni, and community members best support Redlands?

President Marr:
Help us spread the word about Redlands’ benefits. Attend events—sports or campus activities—to show support. Our upcoming capital campaign will need donations. We also have multiple scholarship opportunities through our foundation. Support isn’t just financial—volunteer, tour the campus, be engaged. All of that helps.

Macey:
When this episode comes out we’ll be about a month out from our Fall Family Festival. Will you talk a little about that?

President Marr:
One of my dreams since becoming president was a fall festival. Growing up in the Oklahoma Panhandle, our school had one with a cakewalk—some of my favorite memories. We’re bringing that to life at our Darlington campus on October 28th from 4–7 p.m. It’s open to the public and will feature face painting, inflatables, pumpkins, mums, hayrides, a petting zoo, and a cakewalk.

Macey:
We’ll also have a Redlands table—if your kids are nearing graduation or you’re thinking of coming back to school, stop by and visit. We’ll have county resources available too.

President Marr:
I’m glad you brought up adult learners. Maybe you’re 40 or 50 and life interrupted your education—we have funding to help you return. My husband just graduated from Redlands at 48. You’re never too old. Adult learners sometimes feel like the odd one out in a classroom of 18- and 19-year-olds, but we have lots of adult learners and resources to support them.

Macey:
Many of our students juggle work, teams, or family obligations. We pride ourselves on flexibility and willingness to work with students. Final question: is there anything else you want our listeners to know?

President Marr:
Redlands has opportunities for students, employees, and the community. We’re an open-access institution. Even if you don’t have a high ACT score, you can come to Redlands. We’ll help you succeed—but you must put in the effort. The opportunities here are endless.

Macey:
Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Marr. We enjoyed hearing your story and your vision for Redlands’ future.

President Marr:
Thank you for having me.

Macey:
And thank you to our listeners. Make sure to subscribe for future episodes where we cover different topics and talk with students, faculty, staff, and community partners. See you next time!