Broken Arrow City Council
Meeting of: 2/18/2025
Title:
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Consideration, discussion and possible approval of and authorization to execute Resolution No. 1633 for Northeastern State University - Broken Arrow to become a traditional four-year public university and supporting Oklahoma Senate Bill SB701 that would accomplish this endeavor?
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Background:
In the last 35 years, the City of Broken Arrow has been working towards Northeastern State University - Broken Arrow (NSU-BA) becoming a traditional four-year public university. The City's efforts include providing approximately $43 million in the purchase of land and improvements to the campus, partnering with Oklahoma Transit Authority (OTA) on improvements to the Creek Turnpike, and engaging in various lobbying efforts.
Right now, there are a numerous challenges associated with NSU-BA not being a four-year university. One of the biggest challenges is that current state statute denies students graduating from Broken Arrow schools full access to school choice.
Other challenges of NSU-BA not being a four-year university include:
? Based on research, Broken Arrow is one of the largest cities in country that does not have a traditional public four-year university or college in its city.
? The Tulsa metropolitan area is one of the largest in the country that does not have a public four-year university.
? Without a 4-year public university, Broken Arrow and the Tulsa region are unable to take full advantage of all the economic development, cultural and social opportunities that can advance our region and state.
Benefits of NSU-BA becoming a four-year public university:
? Significant economic impact for City, region, and state.
? Increase in the number of skilled workforce.
? Brings research and innovation to the community and region.
? Additional cultural and social opportunities.
? Increased community engagement.
? Higher education hub for the area, which helps with additional and higher paying jobs.
? Would a...
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