Sen. Jason Smalley and Rep. Kevin Wallace were recognized with the 2018 Distinguished Service Award for Higher Education during this week’s Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education meetings.
Sen. Smalley was honored on Wednesday for his support of higher education in his role as a member of the Oklahoma State Senate; for his efforts to restore funding to higher education and minimize budget cuts to higher education; and for his ongoing support of the Oklahoma’s Promise program.
“Through his service in the state Senate, Sen. Smalley has worked tirelessly on behalf of the students of Oklahoma and for the goals of Oklahoma higher education,” said Chancellor Glen D. Johnson. “He is a strong supporter of our Oklahoma’s Promise scholarship and veterans services. Our state system of higher education is very grateful for his effective advocacy on our behalf.”
Rep. Wallace was honored on Thursday for his support of higher education in his role as a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and as Chair of the Appropriations and Budget Committee and Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget, and for his efforts to support increased funding for higher education and the concurrent enrollment program.
“Since his election to the House of Representatives in 2014, Rep. Wallace has been a steadfast leader in support of funding for higher education and for funding the concurrent enrollment program,” said Chancellor Glen D. Johnson. “He has worked to position higher education as a top priority in our state, and we are pleased to honor him with our Distinguished Service Award.”
The Distinguished Service Awards for Higher Education recognize individuals who demonstrate distinguished leadership and support of higher education in Oklahoma during the legislative session.