COMMITMENT is the Word at OPSU

Oklahoma Panhandle State University continually demonstrates a strong commitment to its service area. Above and beyond their respective duties at the school, many members of the OPSU faculty and staff volunteer to work with groups dedicated to assisting and improving the Panhandle Region. As one example, University president Dr. Dave Bryant and Scott Puryear (Business Instructor/Sports Information Director) are among those serving with the board of directors of the Guymon Business Enterprise Center. Pictured at a recent meeting of that organization are (front, left to right) Betty Mosburg, Ronni Malone, Vickie Ayers-McCune, and Gina Cruz. In the back (l-r) are Bryant, Sam Fouquet, Puryear, Ted Graham, and Bert Allard. Bryant serves in an Ex-Officio capacity and Puryear is an elected Director. - Soila Medina photo

**For Immediate Release**

COMMITMENT is the Word at OPSU
- Released by OPSU Campus Communications on 07-29-2009
By Scott Puryear

Goodwell, Okla. — The mission of Oklahoma Panhandle State University is “To provide higher education primarily for people of the Oklahoma panhandle and surrounding areas through academic programs, cultural enrichment, lifelong learning experiences, and public service activities. The educational experiences are designed to enrich the personal lives of students and to prepare them for roles in agriculture, business, education, government, and industry.”

As with the other facets of the mission statement – public service activities in the school’s service area are an integral part of the daily business of OPSU.

Many members of the OPSU faculty and staff serve as directors, board members, and/or advisors to any one of several non-profit organizations and groups. Many also serve their churches and volunteer their time to the schools their children attend and many belong and contribute to the various service clubs in the area.

As part of the school’s Community Service Learning program, students are sent into the field as interns to assist non-profit groups and many organizations are served each and every year and throughout the year. The Community Service Learning program is a joint project between OPSU and Tri-County Electric Cooperative and a dozen or more organizations are served each year.

When area residents attend parades and other area community celebrations or functions, they see OPSU representatives actively involved in several different capacities. At any time during the year, one may also see students from any one of the several OPSU athletic teams or clubs involved in service work that ranges from highway clean-up projects to assisting at the annual Golden Senior Olympics.

Preparing for its Centennial Celebration during the 2009-10 school year, OPSU continues to forge ahead with a dedicated effort to the Panhandle Region.

Laura Hays
OPSU Campus Communications
580-349-1354
580-349-1350 FAX
lola@opsu.edu