Shawnee Area Education Leaders Form Coalition to Boost Workforce Readiness

March 14, 2025

A group of educational leaders from the Shawnee area has formed a coalition aimed at strengthening workforce development and creating educational pathways from high school through college. The coalition, known as the Education Coalition, began meeting in July 2024 and convenes monthly to discuss collaborative efforts.

The group includes Dr. Heath A. Thomas, president of OBU; Lana Reynolds, president of Seminole State College; Julie McCormick, superintendent of Gordon Cooper Technology Center; Dr. Teresa Wilkerson, interim superintendent of Shawnee Public Schools and Crystal Romanyszyn, CEO of Shawnee Forward.

Their goal is to create seamless educational pathways that prepare students for local and statewide workforce demands. For example, initiatives include discussions surrounding opportunities for students to transition from the Practical Nursing (PN) certification at Gordon Cooper to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at OBU, as well as guiding students from pre-engineering courses through to engineering degrees.

“It is exciting and rewarding to be working together to have a positive impact on our communities and finding better ways to change the lives of our students through educational opportunities,” McCormick said.

The coalition also focuses on improving operational efficiencies, including budgeting and personnel management, to make the most of available resources. By uniting K-12 schools, career technology centers, higher education institutions, and workforce development partners, the group aims to maximize opportunities for students and families.

Reynolds emphasized the importance of partnership among the educational institutions.

“This collaboration is essential for fostering community engagement and aligning education with economic development,” she said. “By working together, we can better serve our students and communities.”

Thomas praised the coalition’s collaborative spirit and its potential for positive community impact.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such dedicated leaders,” Thomas said. “Together, we are building pathways that will not only enrich the lives of our students but also strengthen the future of our community and state.”

The Education Coalition meets one afternoon each month, rotating locations among the participating institutions. The group’s commitment to cooperation and innovation reflects a shared vision for enhancing educational outcomes and workforce readiness in the Shawnee area and beyond.