Wanda Bass Remembered
(Press Release 03-25-08)
Hank Mooney, Office of Public Information

The Gift of Opportunity  

Wanda Bass was known for her generous giving to the field of education.  What she did for McAlester in a number of areas is truly immeasurable, but her vision for wanting to provide higher education opportunities in McAlester will impact the community and surrounding area for many years to come.  The McAlester campus of Eastern Oklahoma State College provides associate degrees from Eastern, bachelor and master level programs from East Central University, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, and The University of Oklahoma’s Health Sciences Center.  The campus serves approximately 1,000 students each semester with some traveling as far as Poteau, Stigler, Henryetta, and Broken Bow.  We receive feedback each semester from students stating how much they appreciate the campus due to the degree offerings and the ability to take classes through Interactive Education Television (ITV) technology.  The campus serves primarily non-traditional students (those over the age of 22) and the educational opportunities that these working adults are receiving would be difficult, if not impossible, for them to achieve if the McAlester campus did not exist.  The economic impact this campus provides is also an invaluable asset to the area.  Research shows that individuals with post-secondary education degrees earn higher salaries, which in turn will help enhance your local quality of living.  Additionally, companies locating to an area look at the educational opportunities available for their children and employees. The McAlester campus provides this opportunity and can help in the recruitment of new business.  On behalf of the students who utilize the services provided at the McAlester campus of Eastern Oklahoma State College, we say thank you to Mrs. Bass for helping provide this gift of opportunity.    

Stephen E. Smith
President