Oklahoma Senate Leaders Honored for Support of Higher Education

The Council of Presidents and the Oklahoma State Regents have honored Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee and Majority Leader Todd Lamb for their dedication to strengthening Higher Education in Oklahoma. The senators were praised for their continued support for higher education and have been named recipients of the 2009 Distinguished Service Award.

Higher Education Chancellor Glen D. Johnson said Coffee and Lamb were very deserving of the honor.
“They have both been consistent advocates for the needs of our students throughout their tenure in the State Senate,” Johnson said. “Their leadership during this difficult budget year was instrumental in providing an increase in funding for higher education, making a tuition freeze possible. Our State System of Higher Education is very grateful for their actions.”

Coffee thanked the Council and the Regents for the award, adding support of Higher Education was critical to the future of the state.

“Creating more college graduates is key to attracting more high-paying jobs and corporations to Oklahoma,” said Coffee, R-Oklahoma City. “Our investments in higher education are truly an investment in the future of our state.”

Lamb, R-Edmond, also addressed the importance of Higher Education in advancing Oklahoma’s economy.

“In the 21st century, knowledge-based jobs will become more important to our economy than ever before. We want Oklahoma to be in a position to benefit and become a leader in these new economic frontiers,” Lamb said. “Supporting Higher Education will make that vision a reality.”