Agreement advances PNC’s path to accreditation
TULSA, Okla. – Tulsa Community College and Pawnee Nation College have entered into a partnership designed to help PNC advance its efforts toward full accreditation while creating expanded opportunities for students in Pawnee Nation and other rural communities.
Leaders from both institutions gathered Friday at the TCC West Campus to sign a Memorandum of Understanding that formalizes the collaboration. The agreement allows PNC to operate under TCC’s academic and administrative framework as it works toward accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, a critical step for any institution granting fully recognized degrees.
Through the partnership, TCC will provide academic resources, faculty collaboration, and student support systems that strengthen PNC’s institutional capacity. In turn, PNC will continue its mission of serving students in the Pawnee Nation and surrounding communities by offering culturally relevant education that connects local traditions with academic success.
“This agreement shows what is possible when institutions work together for students,” said Leigh Goodson, Ph.D., TCC President and CEO. “By supporting Pawnee Nation College on its pursuit of accreditation, we are opening the door for more students in rural communities to access to the same quality and breadth of higher education opportunities as those in larger cities.”
Founded in 2004, PNC is a tribally controlled college based in Pawnee, Oklahoma, that serves traditional and non-traditional students from the Pawnee Nation and beyond. With TCC, it will offer degree programs in Business Administration, Child Development, and Environmental Science and Natural Sciences.
“This partnership is a turning point for Pawnee Nation College,” said Staci Burns, PNC President and CEO. “With the support of Tulsa Community College, we are strengthening our foundation and creating new opportunities for our students to thrive. Accreditation is essential to our future, and this collaboration moves us significantly closer to that goal while honoring our community’s vision for higher education.”
The partnership is expected to provide immediate benefits to students, such as access to TCC’s advising services, library resources, and academic policies, while laying the groundwork for long-term institutional growth at PNC.
The collaboration represents an important milestone for higher education in Oklahoma, especially for students in rural and tribal communities who have historically faced barriers to pursuing a degree.
About Tulsa Community College
Tulsa Community College is a vital link to workforce development for northeast Oklahoma, serving more Oklahomans than any other higher education institution in the state. Roughly 20,000 students enroll in credit courses each year throughout TCC’s four main campuses, and more than 74% of graduating students complete TCC debt free. For more information about TCC, visit www.tulsacc.edu.
