Senator Haste Champions Bill to Expand Educational Access at NSU-Broken Arrow

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator John Haste, R-Broken Arrow, has filed Senate Bill 701 to enhance educational opportunities for students at Northeastern State University’s (NSU) Broken Arrow campus. The measure grants the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education the authority to offer lower-division, upper-division, and graduate-level courses at the branch campus, broadening access to higher education in the region.

The bill was unanimously passed in the Education Committee by an 11-0 vote with no debate, signaling strong bipartisan support for expanding educational opportunities in the state.

“Expanding course availability at NSU-Broken Arrow is a critical step in ensuring that students in our community have the academic resources they need without having to travel long distances,” Haste said. “By giving the State Regents the ability to offer a full spectrum of undergraduate and graduate courses, we’re providing more flexibility and opportunities for students to earn their degrees and strengthen Oklahoma’s workforce.”

NSU’s Broken Arrow campus has historically been limited in its course offerings. SB 701 seeks to remove these barriers and make higher education more accessible for students in the Tulsa metropolitan area and surrounding communities.

“Education is a cornerstone of economic development, and this legislation provides students with access to the education they need to succeed in their careers,” Haste added. “This bill is about investing in the future of our workforce and making it easier for students to reach their full potential.”

The bill now moves to the Senate floor for consideration.

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For more information, contact: Sen. John Haste at (405) 521-5602 or John.Haste@oksenate.gov