Four Redlands Community College employees were honored by the Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges (OACC) for their outstanding contributions to the college. Brenda Witt was named Outstanding Faculty Member, while Brenda Harkins was recognized as Outstanding Professional Staff Member and Amy Woods was Outstanding Support Staff Member. Macey Scotten, coordinator of Strategic Partnerships, was the winner of the OACC Creative Staff Innovation Award.
“We have an excellent team of faculty and staff at Redlands, and all of these honorees have played a pivotal role in helping our students and supporting our employees as we experienced exciting growth in enrollment and programs,” said Jena Marr, president of Redlands Community College and current OACC chair. “It’s an honor to recognize individuals each year who have exhibited such dedication to the students and the college, and we appreciate their commitment to making a positive impact on our students’ college experience.”
Witt joined Redlands in 2015 as a professor in the Science Department and currently serves as professor of microbiology and life science. She was granted tenure in 2019 and later expanded her role to include coordinator of undergraduate research in STEM. Witt leads undergraduate research projects focused on freshwater sponge populations, giving students hands-on opportunities to contribute to original scientific studies. Witt holds an Associate of Arts from Tulsa Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from the University of Oklahoma, and a Master of Science in Biology, also from the University of Oklahoma.
Harkins has served in a variety of capacities at Redlands for two decades and currently serves as Business Office Supervisor and Director of Purchasing. She started as the Food Service Manager before transitioning to the position of Administrative Assistant for the Vice President for Finance and Campus Services. She eventually assumed the role of Director of Purchasing in addition to her Administrative Assistant position. Harkins earned an Associate of Science from Western Oklahoma State College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership from Southwestern Oklahoma State University.
In a short time, Woods has become a valued staff member at Redlands. She came to Redlands in 2022 and works as the Administrative Assistant for the Redlands Community College Foundation and the Agriculture Department. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Cameron University.
Scotten was recognized for spearheading Redlands’ comprehensive Applied Technology outreach and articulation initiative. Her work transformed the Applied Technology degree into one of the college’s fastest-growing programs, with enrollment rising 143.75% in just two years. By forging partnerships with 10 technology centers, creating 19 articulation agreements with OSU-IT, and securing a workforce pipeline with major employer CL Boyd, Scotten built a system that connects students, technology centers, employers and the college. Through tailored outreach and collaboration, she expanded access, streamlined credit transfer and positioned Redlands as a statewide leader in workforce innovation.
“Macey’s vision and persistence have not only revitalized our Applied Technology program but have also created new pathways for students, employers, and technology centers across Oklahoma,” Marr added. “Her work is a model of how collaboration and innovation can strengthen both education and the workforce.”