Senator Hines Studies Opportunity to Bring Military College to Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Kelly Hines, R-Oklahoma City, held an interim study Tuesday examining the potential relocation of Valley Forge Military College to Oklahoma and the opportunities the institution could bring to the state’s workforce and higher education and military institutions.

Valley Forge Military College, located in Pennsylvania, is a two-year military college that has operated for nearly 100 years. It provides students with an opportunity to earn an associate degree while participating in a military education and leadership program. The college also offers an Army ROTC Early Commissioning Program that can allow qualified cadets to earn a commission as a second lieutenant after two years.

College leaders are exploring a move for the storied institution. Oklahoma is one of three states at the top of their list.

Sen. Kelly Hines, a decorated combat veteran with more than 34 years of military service, said he understands the importance of bringing a military college to Oklahoma.

“I know firsthand what it means to want to serve your country and have to look outside of Oklahoma for certain military education opportunities,” said Sen. Hines. “When I was in college, Oklahoma didn’t have an institution like Valley Forge. Today, we have an opportunity to change that. We can bring a proven military college model to Oklahoma, give young people a debt-free path to education and military service and develop the next generation of leaders right here at home.”

John English, Chairman of the Valley Forge Military Foundation and an Oklahoma native, said Oklahoma is at the top of the list for relocation to secure the long-term future of the college.  Valley Forge currently has about 100 students and attracts cadets from across the country.

English said the goal would be to establish Valley Forge within Oklahoma’s higher education system while maintaining its unique military mission. He emphasized that the college would not be intended to compete with or replace existing Oklahoma colleges and universities. Instead, it would serve as a feeder program for four-year institutions.

Valley Forge officials said approximately 98% of the college’s graduates go on to complete a four-year degree, creating a pathway for students to continue their education while also receiving military training and leadership development.

Maj. Gen. Thomas Mancino of the Oklahoma National Guard said the proposal would complement Oklahoma’s longstanding connection to the military and further solidify Oklahoma’s place as a pro-military state.

“I can’t think of a reason why we wouldn’t want to bring this to Oklahoma,” Mancino said. “We have the military infrastructure, the installations and the people who understand the importance of preparing the next generation of leaders.”

Representatives from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education also discussed potential options for integrating Valley Forge into the state’s higher education system.

Dennis Pruitt, of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber also expressed support for the relocation, citing the potential economic development benefits. He noted that there are sites in the Oklahoma City area that could provide space for the institution.

Hines said bringing Valley Forge to Oklahoma would bring value to the entire state, its higher education system and create a pipeline for local military institutions.

Discussions surrounding the potential relocation are still in the early stages, with a decision expected in the coming months.