Redlands Students Attend Higher Ed Day at the Capitol, Student Invited to Address Attendees

ACADEMICS

Few colleges the size of Redlands have such a wide range of academic programs — not to mention the levels of excellence. Redlands houses a chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the largest Honors Society for two-year colleges.

Undergraduates at Redlands get to be involved in conducting research. Plus, all classes are taught by the full professor: there are no graduate-student teachers.

ADMISSIONS

We want you to have a positive and productive college experience right from the start! You can use our convenient online scheduler to arrange a campus tour.

Redlands welcomes many students who are the first in their family to pursue college, as well as students from around the world. Our staff is ready to help you throughout the process, sorting out any confusion about the process and any specific needs a student has.

ABOUT

Redlands is a unique place. Maybe that's why students feel so comfortable being themselves as students here: comfortable and confident pursuing their unique interests.

Redlands students feel like they are on familiar footing — with the opportunity to go anywhere! With programs from nursing to agricultural studies to the arts and sciences, Redlands students have gone on to excel across Oklahoma and beyond.

Life at Redlands

College is a big step: take it any direction you want to go at Redlands! From offering high quality on-campus housing in our modern apartments to providing game-day excitement with our men's and women's teams, this is no ordinary two-year school.

Our campus and our classes are sized right: you won't just be a face in the crowd at Redlands. Come and have the full college experience!

Paying for Redlands

A college education at Redlands costs less than the Oklahoma state average for public institutions (based on cost per credit hour). For students planning to attain a four-year degree, completing the first two at Redlands can save you thousands.

Figuring out the process of paying for college can be intimidating, especially in households where parents haven't gone themselves. We make it easy.

Six people stand in an office, in front of wooden bookshelves and a window with wooden blinds

Redlands Community College students visit with Rep. Dick Lowe (right) to advocate for higher education funding during Higher Education Day at the Capitol. Attending the event are (l-r) Janie Thompson, chair of the Redlands Board of Regents; President Jena Marr; Kassidy Brinlee, Choctaw; Blake Janssen, Amber; Carlie Golden, Calumet; and Lowe.

Young man in blue suit stands at a podium, speaking

Blake Janssen, a Redlands Community College agriculture major from Amber, was invited to speak to state leaders and college students in the House Chambers during Higher Education Day at the Capitol.

A man in a black suit and gold tie speaks, surrounded by five people listening intently

Redlands Community College students visit with Sen. Lonnie Paxton during Higher Education Day at the Capitol. Attending the event are (l-r) President Jena Marr; Janie Thompson, chair of the Redlands Board of Regents; Kassidy Brinlee, Choctaw; Carlie Golden, Calumet; Paxton; and Blake Janssen, Amber.

From concurrent enrollment classes to the support for STEM degree programs such as nursing, Redlands Community College students see and appreciate the value of Oklahoma’s investment in higher education. Several of these students visited the Capitol recently for Higher Education Day to meet with legislators and advocate for continued legislative support for Oklahoma’s colleges and universities.

“We always enjoy participating in Higher Education Day at the Capitol. It is an excellent opportunity for our students to meet with legislators and tell their stories,” said Redlands President Jena Marr. “This year, we were honored to also be invited to select a student to share their Redlands experience with state leaders and students from across the state. Our students bring unique experiences to Redlands, and watching them engage with legislators was a proud moment. They truly exemplify the spirit of the Redlands community."

After visiting with legislators, the students gathered in the House Chambers with college students from across the state. Gov. Kevin Stitt kicked off the program and was followed by House Speaker Charles McCall who introduced Blake Janssen, a Redlands agriculture major. Janssen shared with the audience his experience at Redlands and the importance and value of the connections he has made at a two-year college.

Janssen described his experience taking chemistry at Redlands:

“The best thing about it was the relationship I developed with Professor Gutmann. I did learn more about chemistry, but the most important thing to me was going to a college where they care about you. They care about your success, and they listen to you, advise you and teach you more about what they love to learn about. I couldn’t be more thankful for that experience.”

The students spent the morning visiting legislators and then spent the afternoon listening to state leaders and college students from each tier of higher education before attending a reception to honor legislators who have shown their support for Oklahoma’s public colleges and universities.
Redlands students who visited the capitol represent the variety of students who attend the two-year college, including nursing and agriculture students, first-generation college students, and student-athletes. Representing Redlands were Kassidy Brinlee, Choctaw; Carlie Golden, Calumet; and Blake Janssen, Amber.

Redlands Board of Regents Chair Janie Thompson joined the students at the Capitol, stating:

“As a regent, it is a privilege to support and advocate for these students and work to ensure their educational experience is preparing them for workforce. Higher Ed Day is a wonderful opportunity to share students’ stories with legislators so that when they are considering legislation that impacts higher education programs and services, they will have a better understanding of who these students are.”