Northern Oklahoma College continues to lead the way in educational innovation with the opening of the Process Technology (PTEC) Building at NOC Tonkawa.A ribbon cutting, sponsored by the Tonkawa Chamber of Commerce, was held last Wednesday to officially open the renovated facility located near the NOC Ag Complex.The facility will house Process Technology, Renewable Energy, and Precision Agriculture Programs.“In 2021, Northern received our second NASNTI grant, from the U.S. Department of Education that is allowing us the opportunity to strengthen the institution,” said NOC President Dr. Clark Harris. “Through this grant and the support of many others, this building – the PTEC Building, was renovated to add a classroom/ lab space where students can engage in hands-on learning experiences, collaborative projects and in-depth research.”NASNTI Program Director Anna Roland said, “The federal NASNTI program provides grants and related assistance for colleges such as NOC to improve and expand their capacity to serve Native-American and low-income individuals.”A 5-Year $2.2 Million proposal was awarded to NOC in 2021 titled Connecting Students to Promising Pathways and there are three key initiatives including the development of new STEM academic programs and supporting course options, strengthening student services, and building capacity to support remote learners with disabilities,” she added.“NOC is a prime location for reaching area residents and preparing them for promising STEM career options. The employment of wind turbine technicians with renewable energy training is expected to grow exponentially in the next several years and training in Precision Agriculture, which prepares students for the increased use of high-tech tools within the field, is a growing demand among industry employers as well.”Dr. Frankie Wood-Black, Division Chair for Engineering, Physical Science, and Process Technology thanked all of the industrial partners, including the PTEC Advisory Committee and in particular Enel North America.She said, “It is the industrial partnerships that make these programs. Without the cooperation and support of our industrial partners, our students would not be getting the education that they need which ultimately allows these students to be employed with highpaying jobs close to home.”The extensive renovation project has transformed the facility focused on innovation and learning, equipped to support existing PTEC programming, as well as new and upcoming programs focused on Renewable Energy and Precision Agriculture.Through funding provided by a Department of Education Native American Serving Nontribal Institution (NASNTI) grant project, Connecting Students to Promising Pathways, the PTEC building has been revamped with a forward-thinking vision ...
