GEAR UP Team Attends State Conference
(Press Release 02-08-07)
Hank Mooney, Office of Public Information

Submitted story & photo

Members of the Eastern Oklahoma State College GEAR UP for a Brighter Tomorrow team recently attended the Oklahoma GEAR UP College Access Conference at the Downtown Sheraton Hotel in Oklahoma City.

The conference showcased the practices in areas that are essential to the primary goal of preparing students for college. The group was treated to a presentation by the Oklahoma Fancy Dancers. Special guest at the conference was Sylvia R. Ross, an educational program specialist for the US Department of Education’s GEAR UP program. Ross monitors approximately 70 grants from five states.

Team members attended breakout sessions including ACE (Achieving Classroom Excellence): Oklahoma’s Investment in Public Education; Best Practices—Best Partners; The Relationship Between Student Success and Student Satisfaction; A Futuristic View of the Work World; Landing the Big One; and the GEAR UP Directors’ Meeting.

Dr. Glen D. Johnson, Chancellor, Oklahoma State System of Higher Education served as keynote speaker for the luncheon.

Eastern Oklahoma State College received a $6.7 million federal GEAR UP grant and is in its first year of implementation. Eastern has partnered with 19 area schools to provide students with additional educational opportunities. The GEAR UP for a Brighter Tomorrow grant application was one of 27 selected nation–wide to receive funding.

GEAR UP for a Brighter Tomorrow team members attending were Project Director Linda Morgan, Project Assistant Helen Scott, Professional Development Coordinator—McAlester Lorrie Russ, Education Coordinator—McAlester Nicole Cook, Education Coordinator—Panola Fenessa Little, Professional Development Coordinator—Wilburton Ramona Buckner, Education Coordinator—McCurtain Dara Ward, Education Coordinator—Antlers LaDonna Baldwin, Web/Computer Tech Specialist George Larson, and Data Analyst Cheryl Roberts