OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma City Community College President Dr. Mautra Staley Jones says the college is leaning fully into its mission as a gateway to opportunity—particularly for those who are newly arrived to the U.S. or working to advance in their careers.
Following a naturalization ceremony recently held at the college, Jones spoke to Oklahoma City Free Press about how OCCC’s programs are designed to meet students where they are—whether they are first-generation immigrants learning English or seasoned workers looking to sharpen their skills through short-term certifications.
“We stand on the shoulders of giants,” Jones said. “For more than 50 years, OCCC has provided excellence and opportunity to all citizens. Now, more than ever, we are focused on access—especially through community education and non-credit opportunities that help people upskill and reskill quickly.”
OCCC offers a wide range of programs through its Community Outreach and Education division, including English as a Second Language (ESL), citizenship courses and workforce-ready programs like ServSafe. These options are often available in shorter timeframes than traditional degree plans and are aimed at giving students the tools they need to advance quickly.
One of the most impactful tools in recent years has been microcredentials—short-term, stackable certifications that verify job-ready skills in specific fields.
State leader in microcredentials
OCCC is now the largest provider of microcredentials in Oklahoma, with nearly 20,000 awarded in the past two years.
“These allow people to upskill quickly and continue building toward a full degree, but also give them something tangible they can immediately take to employers,” Jones said. “It’s about nimbleness, immediacy and real-world value.”
The college has partnered with public and private organizations to tailor training to current workforce needs. For example, a collaboration with the Oklahoma County fire departments helped first responders earn necessary certifications to meet staffing and response challenges. Another partnership with Banc First allowed middle managers to gain certifications in IT, finance and accounting.
In the fast-growing film industry, OCCC offered accelerated training in set construction in partnership with local entities, helping residents qualify for production work within weeks of enrolling.
Jones said this kind of responsiveness is possible because the college maintains active advisory boards made up of industry professionals who help guide curriculum updates and ensure relevance to current job market needs.
A roadmap for workforce success
Much of the college’s work aligns with Blueprint 2030, an initiative led by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education that outlines the state’s priorities for preparing students for 100 high-demand occupations. Jones said OCCC uses that as a roadmap to guide program development and maintain alignment with workforce trends.
“Our faculty and academic affairs division are second to none,” she said. “We’re committed to being flexible, responsive and practical. That includes offering eight-week and 16-week course options, wraparound services, and support for students from all walks of life.”
The college’s ESL program, one of its largest, plays a key role in that mission. Run through the community education division, it offers direct support to newcomers learning English while also helping them navigate life in a new country.
“They don’t have to go far to access these opportunities,” Jones said. “We meet people in the community, and we help them define their goals and get there—whether that’s citizenship, a better job, or simply learning the language.”
A national reputation with a local mission
While rooted in serving the Oklahoma City metro, OCCC has earned national and international recognition for several of its programs.
For the fourth year in a row, MovieMaker Magazine named the college’s Digital Cinema Production Program one of the top 30 in the U.S. and Canada. OCCC is also a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, recognized for its strong cybersecurity program. Forbes Advisor recently ranked its associate degree in psychology among the top 10 in the nation.
Newsweek listed the college among the country’s top online colleges.
Jones credited those achievements to the faculty, staff and community partners who work together to keep OCCC relevant, inclusive and student-focused.
“We provide real-world solutions,” said Jones. “We say all are welcome here—and we mean it.”
Brett is the founder and former Editor in Chief of Oklahoma City Free Press. His leadership created and developed this company into a vital and valuable source of news and community in OKC.
Dickerson retired in 2026. He continues to contribute support and photography to the efforts of the publication.
