February Thoughts on Higher Ed

by Stephen Scott

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Seeing the future is hard, if not impossible. The nature of our world right now ensures everything seems to be “up in the air” and we all see daily surprises we could have never imagined just 24 hours before. However, we should not elect to simply watch from the sidelines in our easy chairs with a drink in hand. Because of the constant changes around us, we should to have some plan for the future that includes setting some personal goals.

Anyone who reads my monthly column knows I am an advocate of education. Especially in encouraging those who never started or finished a college degree to please consider the possibility. And I speak from someone who has “been there, done that.”  Twice (Bachelors and Masters). I thought my bachelors was difficult, but that was because I took more course hours per semester than normal to quickly finish my engineering degree. I treated school as a full-time job, and skipped the college “fun stuff.” I was fortunate to have the support of the world’s best spouse, my family and friends to cheer me on for 3 ½ years. To say I breathed a massive “sigh of relief” at graduation would be an understatement. But the best part came mid-senior year when over 70 companies came to campus to “look over the potential spring crop of graduates,” and before Christmas I was locked into a great job waiting for me in May.

And if I thought the Bachelor’s degree was challenging, my Master’s was an even greater endeavor, normally requiring 2 ½ additional years of college. I did it in one year including writing my thesis along the way and turning in chapters to my advisor. The requirements were high: a 3.6 or greater GPA to graduate. I was physically and mentally burned out. But I persevered and proudly walked across that stage to claim my degree.

I am the first to admit, college is not easy. If it was, everyone would have a degree. Only 1/3 of Americans have done it. Believe me- I lost faith in myself on numerous occasions. But the goal was set and I was determined to finish it. I previously tried college right out of high school and failed, subsequently carrying a lot of regret for years. But I never regretted finishing my degrees and still appreciate what they have done for me and my family. Terrence P. Jeffrey wrote a great news article on December 29, 2023 about the financial benefits of a degree, and why it is worth the short-term (comparatively) effort. Four years may seem like an eternity at the moment, but on average a person with a Bachelor’s degree makes $57,330 a year more than a person with only a high school diploma. The numbers indicate it’s worth the effort.

Both Northern Oklahoma College and the University Center have advisors to help those who started (but dropped out) in finishing their degrees using the Oklahoma Reach Higher initiative to fund their tuition and books. There are many other scholarships and grants available to help both new and returning students.  

No matter what, once you complete a college degree, it is yours forever. You can use it on every resume and job application, and boldly reference it in interviews. You will always have that piece of paper that says you stayed with it to completion. And having that degree would put you in a select group of people. 

At the University Center, our commitment is to develop high levels of quality relationships with our students. Our support staff works tirelessly to make sure that student needs are met and that our professors have the tools necessary to provide a high-quality education. 

We hope you will stop by the University Center and speak with us about the opportunities available to you. We have a dedicated staff ready to provide you with the tools to start your journey to earn a degree in higher education. The University Center is committed to bringing degree programs to Ponca City that our students need to be effective in a global economy.  We have a strong desire to see each of our students succeed and be ready to make a positive economic impact in our region.

We encourage you to begin today, and let us be the first to say, “Welcome to your future.” Please enjoy your visit to the University Center at Ponca City. To find out more about our programs, visit us online at www.ucponcacity.com