December 13, 2025 Issue, Page 8 of 12

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NEWS 8• SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2025 The Elk City News Oklahoma Public Higher Education Sees Decade-Long Growth in Degrees Awarded Oklahoma state system insti- During the 2024-25 academ- ademic year and nearly 29% at nursing specifically, degree tem institutions declined over- over 4% higher than in 2022- tutions have sustained steady ic year, students from Okla- over the last 10 years. In the and certificate production in- all during the last five years, 23. This positive shift reflects growth in degree and certifi- homa public colleges and uni- last decade, bachelor’s degrees creased over 8% in the last year this trend appears to have sta- concerted efforts to address cate completions over the past versities earned 41,250 degrees in STEM fields increased al- and nearly 37% in the last 10 bilized, with bachelor’s degrees the teacher shortage, such as decade, including substantial and certificates. This represents most 20%, and master’s degrees years. conferred from 2023-24 to the Inspired to Teach scholar- increases in degree production an 8.4% increase in degrees increased nearly 57%. Education degree production 2024-25 remaining essentially ship and employment incentive in STEM fields and health pro- conferred over the prior year, The number of health pro- continues to show signs of re- flat. Additionally, the number program, which will produce fessions, according to the lat- an 11% increase over the last fessions degrees conferred in- covery following many years of bachelor’s degrees conferred the first cohort of graduates est Degrees Conferred in Okla- five years, and a 15.3% increase creased more than 11% over of decline. While associate and in educator preparation pro- over the next couple of aca- homa Higher Education report over the last 10 years. Bachelor’s the last year and nearly 19% bachelor’s degrees leading to grams in 2024-25 is nearly 2% demic years. from the Oklahoma State Re- degrees remained the largest during the last decade. Looking teacher licensure at state sys- higher than in 2021-22 and gents for Higher Education. category, representing 42.4% of Degree and certificate comple- the total awards conferred by CANUTE tion across public higher edu- state system institutions. cation has increased over 15% “Nearly 88% of degrees and in the last 10 years. certificates awarded in 2024-25 “Producing more college were in fields of study aligned graduates remains the top pri- with Oklahoma’s top 100 crit- ority for this board and for our ical occupations,” said Chan- state system institutions,” said cellor Sean Burrage. “This State Regents’ chair Court- clear focus on high-demand ney Warmington. “Continued disciplines reflects our public growth in degrees earned over colleges and universities’ com- the last 10 years – including in mitment to aligning higher ed- key sectors such as healthcare ucation with Oklahoma’s work- and STEM – demonstrates pub- force priorities.” lic higher education’s unwaver- STEM (Science, Technology, ing commitment to affordabil- Engineering, and Math) degree ity, innovation, and student production at all levels has in- success.” creased over 9% in the last ac- CBA Lady Crusaders & Crusaders place 3rd in the 2nd annual Crusader Classic Tournament! Congratulations to the JH boys on winning the championship at the BFDC Tournament and the JH girls for placing third. SUBSCRIBE TODAY Kate Stewart and Zack Zybach awarded the All- Tournament Team Current news and great deals delivered right to your door! Mega Breeze & Mini Breeze We proudly support the students, Call For Pricing! Parts staff and administration Available! at Canute Schools 580-225-6554 ~ Great Plains Bank Josh Moran One of the largest metal 918 N. Van Buren President/Owner suppliers between Elk City, OK 73644 ~ First National Bank 319 Industrial PKWY OKC and Amarillo www.janningwelding.com Elk City, OK 73644 580.225.2575 MORAN EQUIPMENT www.moranequipment.com SERVING Oklahoma ~ Texas ~ New Mexico Farmers Union Co-Op Gin 720 S. Main, Elk City 580-225-0191 620 Highway 66, Canute, OK 73626 banksovereign.com | Member FDIC www.elkcitycoop.com SUBSCRIBE TODAY Only Retail Shop In The State Where You Can Buy The Milford Spices! Current news and 580-339-1937 great deals delivered 20792 E. 1095 Rd Canute, OK right to your door! Brad and Mandy Beck Owners Monday thru Friday 8-5 Saturday 8-12