The partnership between Redlands Community College and CL Boyd to create seamless career opportunities for students in the Industrial Automation Applied Technology program has been recognized by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education with the prestigious 2026 Regents Business Partnership Excellence Award.
The honor celebrates this innovative workforce development collaboration that establishes a direct pipeline from education to employment, offering students the chance to earn college credit, complete their associate degree, launch their professional careers, and receive significant financial support for their education.
"Working with CL Boyd gives us an opportunity to ensure our students graduate not just with knowledge, but with immediate career prospects and the financial support to achieve their educational goals," said Redlands President Jena Marr. “We are committed to identifying partnerships that address critical workforce needs, including the increasing demand for skilled technicians in industrial automation and related technical fields."
Established in 1913, CL Boyd is a John Deere Construction equipment dealer for 30 counties in central, southern and western Oklahoma. The partnership between Redlands and CL Boyd provides students enrolled in Redlands' Industrial Automation Applied Technology program with access to employment opportunities at CL Boyd upon meeting program requirements. Students participating in this partnership have the unique opportunity to simultaneously advance their education and begin building their professional experience in the rapidly growing field of industrial automation.
In addition to direct employment opportunities with CL Boyd, this innovative partnership provides students with the ability to earn college credit for technology center program completion, a clear pathway to complete their associate degree in their field of study, entry into their professional career, and up to $6,000 in tuition reimbursement through CL Boyd's investment in their education.
To qualify for reimbursement, students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA throughout their coursework, successfully complete each semester of study, complete all required Redlands coursework, meet established work performance requirements at CL Boyd, and successfully complete CL Boyd's Technician Apprentice Program.
“This partnership has been a valuable recruitment opportunity that allows us to identify and cultivate talent early while providing students with the support they need to succeed both academically and professionally,” said Blayne Taylor, Director of Customer Support at CL Boyd.
The Regents Business Partnership Excellence Award is presented annually to outstanding business and higher education partnerships that stimulate economic development, enhance workforce options, and demonstrate the critical connection between education and economic prosperity.