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Sen. Hines, Rep. Johns lead new bipartisan Regional University System of Oklahoma Caucus

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) and Oklahoma Legislature leaders today announced the formation of the bipartisan RUSO Caucus, a new legislative caucus comprised of lawmakers who are alumni of RUSO institutions or who support the RUSO system’s mission to prepare students to lead Oklahoma into the future.

The caucus was formally introduced during a Capitol breakfast held March 31, bringing together legislators, higher education leaders and campus representatives to recognize a shared commitment to advancing affordable, high-quality public higher education across Oklahoma.

The RUSO Caucus is designed to support the mission of Oklahoma’s regional universities: providing accessible, affordable education that prepares students for careers critical to the state’s future, including teachers, nurses, business leaders, public servants and other workforce professionals who drive economic growth and strengthen communities statewide.

Sen. Kelly Hines, R-Oklahoma City, and Rep. Ronny Johns, R-Ada, both alumni of East Central University, will co-chair the caucus.

“RUSO universities play a vital role in expanding opportunity and strengthening communities across Oklahoma,” Hines said. “This caucus brings together legislators from both parties who understand the importance of accessible, affordable higher education and want to ensure these institutions continue to serve students and meet the needs of our state.”

Additional members include:

  • Sen. Avery Frix, R-Muskogee
  • Sen. John Haste, R-Broken Arrow
  • Sen. Bryan Logan, R-Paden
  • Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt
  • Sen. Roland Pederson, R-Burlington
  • Sen. Aaron Reinhardt, R-Jenks
  • Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City
  • Sen. Tom Woods, R-Westville
  • Rep. Dick Lowe, R-Amber
  • Rep. Michelle McCane, D-Tulsa
  • Rep. Gabe Woolley, R-Broken Arrow
  • Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader, R-Piedmont
  • Rep. Cody Maynard, R-Durant
  • Rep. Mark Lepak, R-Claremore
  • Rep. Eddy Dempsey, R-Valliant
  • Rep. Jim Grego, R-Wilburton
  • Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell
  • Rep. Anthony Moore, R-Clinton
  • Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton
  • Rep. John Waldron, D-Tulsa
  • Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso

Comprised of both Republican and Democratic legislators, the caucus underscores the broad, bipartisan support for regional higher education and its essential role in preparing graduates for in-demand careers across the state.

“RUSO universities are one of the strongest workforce pipelines we have in Oklahoma,” Johns said. “About 95 percent of their graduates stay and work in Oklahoma after graduation, which means we are investing in students who go on to strengthen our communities and drive economic growth.”

The Regional University System of Oklahoma governs six regional public universities: East Central University, Northeastern State University, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Southwestern Oklahoma State University and the University of Central Oklahoma. Together, these institutions serve communities across the state and play a central role in preparing Oklahoma’s future workforce.

“These legislators understand firsthand the impact our institutions have on students and communities across our state,” said Jane McDermott, RUSO Board chairwoman. “The creation of the RUSO Caucus reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that our universities remain affordable, accessible and responsive to Oklahoma’s workforce and economic needs.”

The caucus will help elevate awareness of the impact RUSO institutions and their graduates have on Oklahoma’s workforce and economic growth. The caucus will also strengthen collaboration among lawmakers, legislative staff and university presidents to address workforce needs, support student success and respond to the evolving challenges facing Oklahoma’s regional campuses.

-END-

About the Regional University System of Oklahoma

The Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) oversees six regional public universities dedicated to preparing students for career success across Oklahoma. Enrolling more than 40,000 students annually, RUSO institutions produce the educators, health care professionals, business leaders and other critical career graduates needed to meet the state’s workforce demands while keeping education affordable and accessible. RUSO alumni contribute to their communities and fuel Oklahoma’s economic growth.

For more information, contact: Communications@oksenate.gov