Registration for the 野狼社区 University Meinders School of Business Leadership & Public Administration Certificate Programs will open Oct. 26 to anyone seeking elected office or those wanting to learn more about what it is like to serve as an elected official on a school board, city council or state legislature.
The three non-partisan programs will be presented by members of the Oklahoma Senate and House, state agency representatives, Oklahoma mayors, public education officials and others knowledgeable about Oklahoma state and municipal government. Classes will be held on the OCU campus Feb. 25 to 27, 2021. Tuition is $350, and prerequisites are not required.
Upon successful completion of the program, participants will be awarded a certificate in Leadership in Public Administration - Legislature, Leadership in Public Administration 鈥� Municipalities or Leadership in Public Administration 鈥� School Board. Enrollment is open to anyone interested in enhancing their knowledge of public service and administration.
鈥淭his is our third year for the Meinders School of Business to host these programs, and we are hoping they can be held in-person on the OCU campus. However, due to COVID-19, a final determination will be made at a later date,鈥� said Susan Winchester, director of Public Administration Certificate Programs. 鈥淲e have an outstanding lineup of state, city and education professionals scheduled to deliver a top-notch experience for attendees.鈥�
Winchester, a former member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, knows firsthand how beneficial a public leadership program can be.
鈥淲hen I was a freshman legislator, it was difficult to absorb all of the inner workings of state government,鈥� Winchester said. 鈥淚 knew the issues when I was elected, but had no idea how all of the moving parts of government worked. A program like this would have been hugely beneficial to me, and I am thankful that OCU and our partners -the Oklahoma Academy, Oklahoma Municipal League and the Oklahoma State School Boards Association - have joined together to bring this important program to the public.鈥�
The program will begin at 8:30 a.m. each day and will include dinner receptions Feb. 25 and 26 at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame/Gaylord Pickens Museum and Vast restaurant, respectively. The program will conclude at noon Feb. 27. For complete information and to enroll, interested individuals should visit www.okcu.edu/lpa. Enrollment begins Oct. 26 and will remain open until the program begins in February.
