The Oklahoma Department of Commerce is taking steps to enhance the state’s workforce pipeline by awarding the first-ever Public-Private Partnership (P3) incentive for Education and Workforce Development. Commerce is partnering with Northern Oklahoma College (NOC) in Enid, Oklahoma to construct a new state-of-the-art Athletic Training and Education Center.
“A skilled workforce is critical for Oklahoma to be competitive on the national stage, and this new facility will make Enid a leader in athletic training education and sports medicine services,” said Heather Turner, Deputy CEO of Commerce & Executive Director of CORE. “I’m proud of Northern Oklahoma College for stepping up to address the state’s rapidly growing need for athletic trainers. This P3 award is just the beginning of Commerce’s efforts to enhance and facilitate industry workforce development.”
The new Athletic Training and Education Center will add 2,000 square ft. of additional space allowing more students to enroll in high-demand courses. It will also combine the classroom, lab and athletic training room into one centralized location, and equip students with modern, industry-standard equipment to prepare them for real-world careers in sports medicine. The new facility will benefit three area hospitals and Enid Public Schools. This project also provides additional training opportunities for nursing students, particularly in rehabilitation and injury prevention.
“NOC so appreciates ERDA Director Dr. Marcie Mack for guiding us through the P3 process,” said Diana Morris Watkins, President of Northern Oklahoma College. “From our own experiences in trying to hire athletic trainers, we are keenly aware of the need to grow the pipeline for athletic training students in Oklahoma. Through this partnership with Enid Public Schools, Great Salt Plains and St. Mary’s, NOC will be able to offer a high-quality facility that will increase the number of athletic training and pre-health care students transferring to our four-year partner schools and supplying workforce needs in K-12 schools, colleges and hospitals across the state.”
NOC is making a $1.5 million capital investment in the project, which is expected to be completed in 2026. The P3 award from Commerce is for $675,000. With the additional space and improved facilities, NOC projects it will be able to serve an additional 27 students in its Allied Health, Athletic Training, and Physical Fitness programs.
