Senator Pemberton receives Higher Education Distinguished Service Award

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Dewayne Pemberton, R-Muskogee, has been selected to receive a 2020 Higher Education Distinguished Service Award from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and the Council of College and University Presidents. He is being honored for his support of higher education in his role as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education.

“It’s imperative that we do all we can to support and promote higher education in Oklahoma. While we are continually recognized as being one of the most business-friendly states, we have a substantial skills gap in our workforce,” Pemberton said. “Projections show that 70% of Oklahoma’s jobs will require some education or training beyond high school by 2025 yet only around 40% of our workforce has a degree, certificate or high-quality credential. As industries like information technology, engineering, aviation, advanced manufacturing and health care look to our state, we must make sure that we have a highly educated and trained workforce to meet their needs.”

The Higher Education Distinguished Service Awards recognize individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership and support of higher education in Oklahoma during the legislative session. It is the highest award presented by the State Regents and the Council of College and University Presidents.

 “During the 2020 legislative session, Sen. Pemberton consistently supported the state system of higher education’s budget request and worked with other House and Senate budget leaders to minimize the cut to higher education during a very challenging fiscal environment,” said Chancellor Glen D. Johnson. “He played a key role in passing legislation supporting the Endowed Chairs program, which provides for faculty chairs, professorships and lectureships to improve the quality of instruction and research at our colleges and universities. Sen. Pemberton has been a strong advocate for the proposition that continued investment in higher education must remain a top state priority. We are honored to recognize him with our 2020 Higher Education Distinguished Service Award.”

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For more information, contact:  Sen. Pemberton: (405) 521-5533 or Dewayne.Pemberton@oksenate.gov

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