TCC President named national chair, announces new scholarship and healthcare degree program

Tulsa Community College President Dr. Leigh Goodson has officially taken over as chair of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Board of Directors. The AACC represents more than 800 member institutions nationwide.

“For us, AACC is a huge advocacy organization,” Goodson said. “That means that Oklahoma has a seat at the table in terms of what we should be advocating for and making sure that our students here in the middle of America are represented just like those across the nation.”

The one-year term was preceded by Goodson’s time as chair-elect. She will continue in her role as TCC president while serving on the board.

Focus on Advocacy for Students

As chair, Goodson said her primary focus is on removing barriers and creating more opportunities for students to earn a sustainable living wage.

“In this politically tense time, we want to make sure that our advocacy is squarely focused on what’s best for students,” she said.

Some of the key issues facing community colleges nationwide include access to Pell Grants and federal student aid.

“Grant dollars are really more important because that helps the students stay out of debt,” she added.

New Scholarship Expands Access

Goodson also announced a new scholarship program, TCC Advantage, designed for students attending four area high schools that include residents both inside and outside Tulsa County: Jenks, Broken Arrow, Sapulpa, and Sand Springs.

“It’s for one year instead of two, but we’re very excited about it and we’ve had a lot of students take advantage of it,” she said.

New Degree in Healthcare Administration

TCC is also rolling out a new Associate of Science in Healthcare Administration. The degree is tailored for students pursuing nursing or allied health careers and is designed to improve career mobility.

“It also feeds directly into the OSU healthcare administration program here in Tulsa,” Goodson said.

Meet Goose One: TCC’s New Mascot

In a lighter moment, Goodson shared news of TCC’s newly selected mascot—the Goose.

“Students voted all across the college and our alumni voted and our faculty and staff voted,” she said. “If you’ve ever been to Southeast campus, you know we’re always battling the geese there.”

Classes at TCC begin August 18.