A partnership between Seminole State College and Canadian Valley Electric Coop was recently recognized as innovative collaborations that strengthen the state’s workforce and expand educational opportunities.

The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education’s Regents Business Partnership Excellence Award is designed to highlight successful partnerships between higher education institutions, businesses, and the community that create meaningful pathways between education and employment. Through these collaborations, institutions work directly with industry partners to align academic programs with employer needs, ensuring students gain relevant, in-demand skills.

Seminole State College and Canadian Valley Electric Cooperative (CVEC) share a strong partnership rooted in a mutual commitment to community investment, workforce development, and regional economic growth. CVEC has supported campus safety by donating and installing a taller electrical pole to expand the reach of SSC’s emergency siren system. The partnership also extends through leadership engagement and student development. Carla Tollett, CVEC Director of Communication and Member Engagement, serves on the SSC Educational Foundation Board of Trustees and supports fundraising efforts while promoting CVEC’s Digital Marketing Internship to qualified students. In addition, CVEC Human Resources Manager Kendi Cox contributes her expertise through SSC’s B.L.A.S.T. program (Business Leadership Academy Skills Training) and Mock Interview Workshops. Together, SSC and CVEC are strengthening career pathways and preparing students for professional success in the region.

“Partnerships between local businesses and our public colleges and universities strengthen our workforce, benefiting both our state and individual students,” said Chancellor Sean Burrage. “The State Regents are proud to recognize these collaborative efforts that drive economic growth, foster innovation, and expand career opportunities for Oklahomans.”

Collectively, these collaborations play a critical role in building a more responsive, skilled, and future-ready workforce for Oklahoma.

Other partnerships recognized for 2026: Connors State College and Green Country Behavioral Health; Murray State College and Lighthouse Behavioral Wellness Centers; Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College and CANCO; Northeastern State University and Northeastern Oklahoma Public Facilities Authority; Northwestern Oklahoma State University and Northern Oklahoma College and Enid Higher Education Council, Inc.; Oklahoma City Community College and Whitten Newman Family Foundation; Oklahoma State University and Tulsa Innovation Labs; Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology and P&K Equipment; Redlands Community College and CL Boyd; Rogers State University and RCB Bank; Rose State College and CAE; Southeastern Oklahoma State University and CrainCo; Tulsa Community College and DMI Companies Inc.; University Center at Ponca City and Phillips 66 Ponca City Refinery; and University of Oklahoma and the Cherokee Nation.

For more information about RBPEA, visit https://okhighered. org/econ-dev/rbpea/.