OPSU and Lamar Community College Partnership Strengthens Educational Ties

Partnerships in education are vital for fostering growth, innovation, and community engagement. By combining resources, expertise, and enthusiasm, institutions can create opportunities far beyond their capabilities. The partnership between Oklahoma Panhandle State University and Lamar Community College shows just that. This collaboration showcases the power of teamwork and mutual support, illustrating how two institutions can work together to achieve outcomes.

Dean Kincannon was presented the Lamar Community College Premiere Partner Award for 2023-2024. This award recognizes the outstanding collaboration between OPSU Agriculture College and Lamar Community College in hosting the Colorado FFA Southeast District Contest. This past spring, with the support of OPSU professors and students, Lamar Community College successfully hosted over 900 students from across Southern Colorado for FFA career development events. OPSU played a significant role in assisting with the livestock and meat judging contests. While assisting those contests, our faculty and students helped organize livestock and meat judging classes and organized the officials for each contest. This served as a great opportunity to build our connection with Lamar Community College and connect with students from all over southern Colorado.

"Dean Kincannon and the entire faculty and staff have worked so hard this last year, devoting their time to promoting agricultural excellence regionally and nationally. Their achievements showcase the talent within our programs and highlight our commitment to serving and partnering with our community. I could not be more proud of their hard work and the positive impact they have made," said Dr. Julie Dinger, University President.

Lead Agriculture Instructor of LCC, Dr. Brian Gauck, stated, "The long-standing partnership between OPSU and Lamar Community College continues to grow when serving rural youth. The amazing people at OPSU lend their expertise to Meats and Livestock FFA CDE contests, ensuring the high school students have a premier opportunity to excel." He continued, "I am excited to continue working with Mr. Kincannon and OPSU as we explore and develop greater opportunities for our college students."

Building on the successes of this partnership in the last year, both institutions are committed to expanding their joint efforts to reach even more students. Plans are underway to introduce new programs and events that will offer enhanced educational and career development opportunities. By leveraging their combined strengths and resources, OPSU and Lamar Community College aim to create a vibrant, interconnected learning community within agriculture that supports student achievement. This ongoing collaboration promises to not only benefit the students of today but also lay a strong foundation for future generations.