Major Expansion of Higher Education Access in Broken Arrow and Tulsa Region

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator John Haste yesterday officially marked the ceremonial signing of Senate Bill 701, a landmark piece of legislation authorizing the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to permit expanded course offerings — including lower-division, upper-division, and graduate-level classes — at higher education institutions in the Tulsa area. This transformative bill positions local students to pursue degrees closer to home and bolsters the region’s economic development.

“This legislation realizes a vision nearly a decade in the making. By empowering the State Regents with flexibility to respond to regional educational and workforce needs, Senate Bill 701 ensures that students can earn their degrees without unnecessary travel, strengthening both opportunity and our economy,” said Senator Haste.

With the bill now law, NSU's Broken Arrow campus will begin offering lower‑division classes in January 2026, enabling students to embark on their higher education paths locally, from their very first semester.

This achievement reflects years of coordinated advocacy and support from education stakeholders, legislative colleagues, and regional leaders. Those present for the ceremonial signing include:

•    Senator Christi Gillespie
•    Jarrett Jobe,  Vice Chancellor for Government Relations at Oklahoma State         Regents for Higher Education
•    Mayor Debra Wimpee,  Broken Arrow City Council
•    Councilor Lisa Ford,  Broken Arrow City Council
•    Michael Spurgeon,  Broken Arrow City Manager
•    Chuck Perry,  Broken Arrow Public Schools Superintendent
•    James Bell,  President and CEO of Broken Arrow Chamber
•    Lori Lewis,  Executive VP of Broken Arrow Chamber
•    Mike Neal,  President and CEO of Tulsa Chamber
•    Justin McLaughlin,   Executive VP and COO of Tulsa Chamber
•    Tyler Williamson,  OCPA, Legislative Affairs Manager

Senator Haste extends his gratitude to all collaborators, particularly  Representative Toni Hasenbeck, Senator Christi Gillespie, NSU Leadership, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, the Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO), Broken Arrow City Council and City Manager, the State, Tulsa Regional and Broken Arrow Chambers of Commerce, OCPA, community organizations, and Governor Kevin Stitt for their support in advancing this vital legislation.

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