Eastern Offers Half-Price Tuition To Former Atoka Workers
(Press Release 11-16-06)
Hank Mooney, Office of Public Information

For nearly 200 displaced workers in and surrounding Atoka, Eastern Oklahoma State College is offering an opportunity for half-price tuition for classes scheduled from January until December of 2007.

After learning of the abrupt conversion of the Ethan Allen plant in the rural southeastern Oklahoma town, the administration at Eastern responded quickly to the needs of the community,¬ giving the former workers a chance to further their education.

“We want to be of service to our area community,” Eastern President, Dr. Richard Bernard said. “This commitment to the community is in our mission statement ? we encourage any program or activity that promotes regional economic and community development.”

The half-price tuition will be offered on all Eastern campuses, including Antlers and McAlester, with valid proof of employment from the Atoka Ethan Allen plant.

“A wide range of freshman and sophomore level courses are offered at the McAlester and Wilburton campuses,” Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs, Mary Edith Butler added. “This year’s addition of the Antlers branch will also give an opportunity to enroll in developmental and basic education courses.”

“This is a great opportunity for people in the area to attend college and perhaps become more employable,” Director of Enrollment Management, Leah McLaughlin said. “This could be opening a door of opportunity that had been shut by the conversion of the plant.”

New student enrollment for the spring semester begins Nov. 16 and will continue until Jan. 5. Spring classes will begin Jan. 8. For further information on spring, summer or fall enrollment, contact the Enrollment Management Office at (918) 465-1767.

“We will be there to provide one-on-one assistance,” McLaughlin added.“We will put to ease any apprehension that students may have about going back or just beginning their college careers.”