Northern Oklahoma College has taken a step forward in supporting Oklahoma's precision agriculture industry by breaking ground on a classroom and greenhouse. This facility, part of NOC's Connecting Students to Promising Pathways project, is funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions (NASNTI) grant.
The new facility in Tonkawa will house precision agriculture courses, equipping students with the skills to use advanced technology in agricultural processes such as GPS-guided systems, drones, and data analytics for crop management. NOC's Precision Agriculture Specialist, Dr. Kyle Parmley, has been instrumental in planning the structure and preparing for its integration into the college's curriculum. Working closely with industry experts, the Specialist has been ensuring that the facility meets the evolving needs of modern agriculture while giving students the hands-on experience they need to excel in the field.
"This is a milestone for NOC," said Dr. Parmley. "By creating a space dedicated to precision agriculture, we are giving students the tools and environment to understand the technology that is transforming the agricultural industry. We aim to make them leaders in this high-tech field."
Set to be completed by December 2024, the facility will play a crucial role in NOC's efforts to expand its STEM programs and develop new career pathways for students in agriculture and technology. It will also strengthen ties with local industries, positioning NOC graduates as key contributors to Oklahoma's agricultural innovation.
Northern Oklahoma College, the state's first public two-year community college, is a multi-campus, land-grant institution that provides high-quality, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities and services.
NOC serves nearly 4,000 students through the home campus in Tonkawa, a branch in Enid, and the NOC/OSU Gateway Program in Stillwater. Of these students, about 80% receive financial aid and/or scholarships. 75% of NOC students complete their degree with zero debt.
Source: noc.edu