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\n Adrienne Nobles\n Vice President for Communications and Public Affairs, University of Central Oklahoma\n \n
\nThe University of Central Oklahoma is receiving national recognition in a new report from The Chronicle of Higher Education that highlights the critical role regional public universities play in workforce development, economic growth and student opportunity.
The report, The State of Regional Public Colleges (2026), surveyed leaders from regional public universities across the country and concluded that institutions focused on workforce readiness, affordability, student success and community impact are among the best positioned to meet the nation's evolving higher education and workforce needs.
As Oklahoma’s third-largest public university, UCO has been a leader in preparing students for critical workforce needs for more than 135 years, with 80% of its graduates remaining in the state after graduation. The university consistently leads the nation in undergraduate research that impacts the lives of everyday Oklahomans and connects students to relevant work experience, with more than 4,100 students engaging in internships. \u200b
UCO and the Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) are featured in a section examining the newly formed RUSO Caucus in the Oklahoma State Legislature, which was established in March by state Sen. Kelly Hines to increase awareness of the value regional universities bring to the state and its economy. The report includes comments from UCO President Todd G. Lamb on the profound impact regional universities have on Oklahoma. \u200b
“This report reinforces what we see every day at UCO: regional universities are essential to preparing the workforce, strengthening communities and expanding opportunity," Lamb said. "We are proud to be part of a national conversation about the important role regional universities play in the future of higher education."
The report notes that regional public universities educate the majority of students attending four-year public institutions nationwide and are increasingly recognized for connecting students directly to careers and workforce opportunities. In Oklahoma, 95% of RUSO graduates stay and work in the state after graduation.
Among the most significant growth areas identified by institutional leaders in the report were health care, STEM fields, business, technology and workforce-focused programs. UCO's nursing program is highlighted as part of the state's efforts to address critical health care workforce shortages.
According to the report, the strongest opportunities for future growth among regional universities include serving adult learners, transfer students, graduate students and online learners, areas that align closely with UCO's commitment to providing flexible pathways to higher education.
"Our focus has always been on meeting our students where they are with an affordable, accessible education while also meeting the workforce needs of Oklahoma," Lamb said.
"Whether preparing nurses, educators, business leaders or public servants, UCO remains committed to creating opportunities that benefit both our graduates and the communities they serve."
To download a copy of the report, visit The State of Regional Public Colleges.
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