Rose State College recently celebrated the successful completion of the first-ever National Career Development Association (NCDA) Facilitating Career Development Higher Education Cohort during a ceremony held May 26 in the Tanenbaum Aerospace and Cybersecurity Center.
The groundbreaking initiative was developed through a partnership between Rose State College, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE), and the National Career Development Association. The cohort marked the first statewide collaboration of its kind dedicated to strengthening career development services across Oklahoma’s public higher education institutions.
Representatives from colleges and universities across the state completed the nationally recognized career development training program and received certificates of completion during the ceremony.
Special guests attending the event included the NCDA Membership & Conference Assistant Director Brianna Navarro, the NCDA Conference & Special Projects Director Mary Ann Powell, the OSRHE Associate Vice Chancellor for Workforce and Economic Development Cass Minx, the OSRHE Coordinator for Workforce and Economic Development Lucia Dickinson, RSC President Travis Hurst, RSC Career Development Director Travis Ligthtsey, and students representing Oklahoma public higher education institutions.
“This partnership demonstrates Oklahoma’s commitment to equipping higher education professionals with nationally recognized tools and training that directly support student success and workforce readiness,” said Travis Lightsey, Director of Career Development at Rose State College.
Rose State College has continued expanding its leadership in workforce and career readiness initiatives through its Career Development Institute and NCDA-certified training programs. This initiative aims to increase the number of nationally trained career coaches statewide while boosting collaboration among education, workforce, and human services professionals.
The NCDA Facilitating Career Development program equips participants with practical strategies and resources to guide individuals in career planning, workforce readiness, and professional advancement. The initiative also promotes statewide collaboration among career advisors, counselors, and workforce development professionals.
The success of the inaugural cohort establishes a strong foundation for future statewide career development training opportunities and continued partnerships supporting Oklahoma students and workforce professionals.