When I joined the Board of Regents for the Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO), I knew I would be serving a network of universities committed to academic excellence and public service. Through this experience, I realize the universities’ commitment to health sciences and the vital role in strengthening Oklahoma’s healthcare workforce. With my background in chemistry and pharmaceutical sciences, I am particularly interested in the healthcare opportunities offered by our regional universities and their impact on the state.
RUSO manages six universities, each with distinct strengths, and as of last school year supports 41,673 students statewide. I’m proud that 80% of our graduates stay in Oklahoma, making our universities vital for producing a skilled workforce in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), especially in health sciences.
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) offers a successful pharmacy program through its College of Pharmacy. The college is known for producing skilled pharmacists ready to work in healthcare, particularly in rural and underserved areas where they play a crucial role. The Forensic Science Institute at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) is a leading program in forensic science. It prepares students for careers in forensic analysis and criminal investigation. As the demand for forensic science grows in law enforcement and private industry, UCO is advancing the field in Oklahoma. Its graduates play a key role in solving crimes and providing forensic analysis in laboratories across the state and nation.
Northeastern State University (NSU) offers a highly regarded optometry program that plays a crucial role in training professionals for Oklahoma. The program focuses on improving eye health across the state, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Graduates provide essential healthcare services and contribute to research and innovation in optometry, enhancing the state’s ability to tackle visionrelated health issues and improve quality of life for Oklahomans.
RUSO universities are dedicated to nursing education, having collectively graduated 526 nurses last year, the most of any university system in the state. Our universities are working hard to train future nurse leaders and educators to strengthen the state’s healthcare workforce. Each university is unique, but you will find universities in our system building new nursing and healthcare facilities, offering fast-tracked RN to BSN programs, offering multiple graduate level offerings for nurses and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice at Northwestern Oklahoma State University to meet Oklahoma’s rising demand for qualified nurses.
As an entrepreneur and scientist, it is becoming evident that for Oklahoma to thrive, collaboration between industries and educational institutions is essential. The partnerships among universities, healthcare providers, and the scientific community have positioned Oklahoma as a growing leader in healthcare education and workforce development. While the Health Science Centers at OU and OSU are significant, we must also recognize the important role of the Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO).
Serving the Regional University System of Oklahoma allows me to witness firsthand the incredible talent and dedication of our students, faculty, and administrators. Together, we are not just educating students; we are building a brighter, healthier future for Oklahoma.
Dr.Thomas Kupiec is a Regent for the Regional University System of Oklahoma.This article originally appeared in the Sunday, Nov. 17 print edition of The Oklahoman.
