Kinzer Leaves Legacy at Northern Oklahoma College

PETER DAVIS

Staff Writer

A self-described businessman since the age of eleven, Dr. Joe Kinzer has been hard at work for the past 57 years of his life. He retires from Northern Oklahoma College with a legacy that will not soon be forgotten.

Many things have changed since Dr. Kinzer’s first day on the job. He honestly can’t tell you about his first day on the job, but he can tell you about the biggest part that he remembers — and that is the students. However, one thing is not lost on Dr. Kinzer, the size of NOC.

“It’s come from a much smaller place to now, a more complex place,” Kinzer said.

In the past 18 years during Dr. Kinzer’s tenure, enrollment has grown from 2,000 students on the Tonkawa campus to over 5,000 students spread across three campuses at Enid, Stillwater, and Tonkawa. The OSU gateway program has been established, and partnerships with Oklahoma State University and the city of Enid have helped with the success of the satellite campuses.

Dr. Kinzer’s vision for growth has not stopped with just students. In 1990, when the he arrived on campus, there were 14 administration positions and 50 full time faculty. Today there are nearly 144 administrators and 91 faculty members. That’s not including adjunct and part time instructors.

That alone is success enough for most Presidents of two-year colleges, but Dr. Kinzer refuses to take any credit if at all for the growth of NOC.

“I surround myself with the best people that I can find and to watch them be successful, I view myself kind of like an orchestra leader,” he said. “The music that we make is the payback you get and to try to put everyone, not to put them, but allow them to get in position that they can maximize their creativity and talent is just what I really like to see happen.”

Although Dr. Kinzer may remain modest and humble with a slight sense of humility, his contributions to NOC are great and large in stature. They include the college motto of “Tradition of Excellence,” the self-study initiative “Future-Oriented, Learning-Focused, Connected and Distinctive,” 1998 and 2008’s reaccreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and major growth in the number of associate degree programs, and significant growth in student aid and scholarships for students.

Dr. Edward Vineyard, NOC President Emeritus, went to the board of regents in 2006 and asked that the Performing Arts Center be named in Dr. Kinzer’s behalf for the extraordinary work and service he had done for the college. For Dr. Kinzer it was a shining moment, one that he defines as a possible best memory he will take with him.

One of Dr. Kinzer’s lesser-known contributions to Northern Oklahoma College and Tonkawa was the campaign to start the planting of thousands of redbuds.

“I went to Washington D.C., about this time of year, and I noticed all the blossoms there, and it’s just gorgeous, and I thought, ‘Well, why couldn’t we do something like that in Oklahoma?” Dr. Kinzer said. After the success of the campaign, the jazz festival was renamed the Redbud Festival to coincide with the start of spring and the blossom of the redbuds.

Things might have been different for Dr. Kinzer early on in his educational career without the assistance of his late friend, Arch Alexander.

Alexander, who was dean of Cameron University, and Dr. Kinzer became friends. Alexander was instrumental in Dr. Kinzer receiving a grant to go to graduate school at Oklahoma State University.

That grant allowed him to complete his studies at OSU and go on to begin working at Central State University, now better known as UCO. While there, Dr. Kinzer was the Dean of the College of Business Administration. After 17 years and some discovery about the students of NOC, Dr. Kinzer made the leap to become the President at Northern Oklahoma College in 1990.

Many questions have been raised as to why now? Why is Dr. Kinzer leaving now? His age is one factor, but Dr. Kinzer says he’s still in good health, but it’s simply time to. It is very direct and honest answer from someone who is an otherwise complex individual, one that is ready to watch TV, go golfing, enjoy the outdoors, and spend time with his wife Pamela.

“I’ve never been without a job, ever so I’m kind of curious how this is going to work,” Kinzer said.

With graduation coming soon, it will be Dr. Kinzer’s final commencement as president of Northern Oklahoma College, one that promises to be an emotional one.

“The people, the community, the campus, the students — that’s going to be tough,” Dr. Kinzer said. “I don’t want to think about it.”

He will deliver a message to let the graduates know they need to continue their education. After all according to Dr. Kinzer, “Education is organized inquiry,” and people in general should always strive to learn more.

Even though his time draws near an end, Dr. Kinzer still looks at both NOC’s near and distant future. He sees new remodeling construction on Central and Harold Halls, potentially a new cafeteria to take advantage of the wonderful new kitchen at the Renfro Center, work on the dorms, and perhaps making Northern Oklahoma College a four-year university in the distant future.

As a young man in Lawton, Okla., Dr. Kinzer started his first job for The Lawton Constitution Morning Press. He began passing newspapers, and to hear him tell it, it was one of the most important jobs he ever had. “I learned, it was my job,” Dr. Kinzer said.

From delivering rolled newspapers 57 years ago to handing out college diplomas today, Dr. Kinzer will make his final delivery on April 26, 2008, and then on July 2, he will walk off the Tonkawa campus for the final time as President of Northern Oklahoma College.

Dr. Roger Stacy to Take the Helm at Northern

ELIZABETH GOLLIVER

Staff Writer

Northern Oklahoma College has had presidents who’ve made a great impact during their time. It is now time for one great president to step down and another to step up.

Dr. Roger Stacy was recently unanimously selected as NOC’s 12^th president at the Regents’ regular April board meeting. Stacy will succeed Dr. Joe Kinzer, who will retire July 15 after serving as the college’s president since 1990.

Stacy currently serves as Vice President of Academic Affairs. He will officially assume the president’s position July 1.

“The opportunity to lead is an honor and incredible responsibility,” Stacy said. “We must look ahead to see where we want to go- we must be ready for the future; it will be a team effort.”

The Regents and a screening committee started advertising for the job in October, after Kinzer announced his retirement. They received 20 applications and the screening committee selected six of those candidates to interview.

After those interviews, screening committee members made their recommendations to the Regents, who then selected three finalists.

“All three candidates, without question, had their strengths, and all three candidates had their weaknesses, so sorting through that and making a final decision was very difficult,” said NOC Regents Chair Linda Brown. “I want you to know that now that we have made our decision, this Board of Regents stands absolutely united for Dr. Stacy as the next president of Northern Oklahoma College.”

Stacy describes himself as a possibility thinker. He is a strong believer in participatory- style management and said he hopes to foster a teamwork approach to serving students. He believes in putting students and student success first.

His three priorities are student success, retention and graduation. He believes Northern needs to continue to serve local community needs and serve local business and industry. He also believes NOC needs to consider doing more with corporate training when needed.

He realizes that Northern needs to keep up with technology needs and work more with communities. He also realizes that the school needs to develop more degree programs to work with small businesses. He also understands Northern needs to work on recruitment strategy to maintain and increase enrollment.

In his first months as president, Stacy said he plans to listen to employees, develop surveys to find out the students’ and community’s needs, schedule structured meetings, and develop a climate of respect for the students.

He also plans to develop a workable strategic plan.

Stacy said he believes in creating a safer environment for students and faculty. He believes in NOC’s mission statement and goals. He said a two-year institution’s obligation is to serve the community. He believes NOC needs to constantly improve and adapt to North Central’s needs.

In addition, he thinks NOC should be driven by society and community needs. He said Northern needs to revisit the general education requirements and work with four year programs.

“My overall educational philosophy and beliefs are founded upon the premise of possibility thinking in managing change as well as innovation and in setting futuristic direction for an institution,” Stacy said. “From my perspective, visionary leaders must be possibility thinkers — finding ways things can be accomplished.”

Stacy is from Tonkawa. He has a Master of Education from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford and a Doctorate of Education in Occupational and Adult Education from Oklahoma State University.

He has served as Vice President of Academic Affairs at NOC since 1998.

His other positions included Superintendent of schools at Deer Creek Public Schools in Edmond, OK (1997-98), Superintendent of schools at Heavener Public Schools in Heavener, OK (1992-1997), and State Supervisor of Technology for the Oklahoma Department of Vocational and Technical Education in Stillwater (1983-92). He also served as a Teacher Educator at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (1978-83).

Dr. Roger Stacy to Take the Helm at Northern

ELIZABETH GOLLIVER

Staff Writer

Northern Oklahoma College has had presidents who’ve made a great impact during their time. It is now time for one great president to step down and another to step up.

Dr. Roger Stacy was recently unanimously selected as NOC’s 12^th president at the Regents’ regular April board meeting. Stacy will succeed Dr. Joe Kinzer, who will retire July 15 after serving as the college’s president since 1990.

Stacy currently serves as Vice President of Academic Affairs. He will officially assume the president’s position July 1.

“The opportunity to lead is an honor and incredible responsibility,” Stacy said. “We must look ahead to see where we want to go- we must be ready for the future; it will be a team effort.”

The Regents and a screening committee started advertising for the job in October, after Kinzer announced his retirement. They received 20 applications and the screening committee selected six of those candidates to interview.

After those interviews, screening committee members made their recommendations to the Regents, who then selected three finalists.

“All three candidates, without question, had their strengths, and all three candidates had their weaknesses, so sorting through that and making a final decision was very difficult,” said NOC Regents Chair Linda Brown. “I want you to know that now that we have made our decision, this Board of Regents stands absolutely united for Dr. Stacy as the next president of Northern Oklahoma College.”

Stacy describes himself as a possibility thinker. He is a strong believer in participatory- style management and said he hopes to foster a teamwork approach to serving students. He believes in putting students and student success first.

His three priorities are student success, retention and graduation. He believes Northern needs to continue to serve local community needs and serve local business and industry. He also believes NOC needs to consider doing more with corporate training when needed.

He realizes that Northern needs to keep up with technology needs and work more with communities. He also realizes that the school needs to develop more degree programs to work with small businesses. He also understands Northern needs to work on recruitment strategy to maintain and increase enrollment.

In his first months as president, Stacy said he plans to listen to employees, develop surveys to find out the students’ and community’s needs, schedule structured meetings, and develop a climate of respect for the students.

He also plans to develop a workable strategic plan.

Stacy said he believes in creating a safer environment for students and faculty. He believes in NOC’s mission statement and goals. He said a two-year institution’s obligation is to serve the community. He believes NOC needs to constantly improve and adapt to North Central’s needs.

In addition, he thinks NOC should be driven by society and community needs. He said Northern needs to revisit the general education requirements and work with four year programs.

“My overall educational philosophy and beliefs are founded upon the premise of possibility thinking in managing change as well as innovation and in setting futuristic direction for an institution,” Stacy said. “From my perspective, visionary leaders must be possibility thinkers — finding ways things can be accomplished.”

Stacy is from Tonkawa. He has a Master of Education from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford and a Doctorate of Education in Occupational and Adult Education from Oklahoma State University.

He has served as Vice President of Academic Affairs at NOC since 1998.

His other positions included Superintendent of schools at Deer Creek Public Schools in Edmond, OK (1997-98), Superintendent of schools at Heavener Public Schools in Heavener, OK (1992-1997), and State Supervisor of Technology for the Oklahoma Department of Vocational and Technical Education in Stillwater (1983-92). He also served as a Teacher Educator at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (1978-83).

Kinzer Leaves Legacy at Northern Oklahoma College

PETER DAVIS

Staff Writer

A self-described businessman since the age of eleven, Dr. Joe Kinzer has been hard at work for the past 57 years of his life. He retires from Northern Oklahoma College with a legacy that will not soon be forgotten.

Many things have changed since Dr. Kinzer’s first day on the job. He honestly can’t tell you about his first day on the job, but he can tell you about the biggest part that he remembers — and that is the students. However, one thing is not lost on Dr. Kinzer, the size of NOC.

“It’s come from a much smaller place to now, a more complex place,” Kinzer said.

In the past 18 years during Dr. Kinzer’s tenure, enrollment has grown from 2,000 students on the Tonkawa campus to over 5,000 students spread across three campuses at Enid, Stillwater, and Tonkawa. The OSU gateway program has been established, and partnerships with Oklahoma State University and the city of Enid have helped with the success of the satellite campuses.

Dr. Kinzer’s vision for growth has not stopped with just students. In 1990, when the he arrived on campus, there were 14 administration positions and 50 full time faculty. Today there are nearly 144 administrators and 91 faculty members. That’s not including adjunct and part time instructors.

That alone is success enough for most Presidents of two-year colleges, but Dr. Kinzer refuses to take any credit if at all for the growth of NOC.

“I surround myself with the best people that I can find and to watch them be successful, I view myself kind of like an orchestra leader,” he said. “The music that we make is the payback you get and to try to put everyone, not to put them, but allow them to get in position that they can maximize their creativity and talent is just what I really like to see happen.”

Although Dr. Kinzer may remain modest and humble with a slight sense of humility, his contributions to NOC are great and large in stature. They include the college motto of “Tradition of Excellence,” the self-study initiative “Future-Oriented, Learning-Focused, Connected and Distinctive,” 1998 and 2008’s reaccreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and major growth in the number of associate degree programs, and significant growth in student aid and scholarships for students.

Dr. Edward Vineyard, NOC President Emeritus, went to the board of regents in 2006 and asked that the Performing Arts Center be named in Dr. Kinzer’s behalf for the extraordinary work and service he had done for the college. For Dr. Kinzer it was a shining moment, one that he defines as a possible best memory he will take with him.

One of Dr. Kinzer’s lesser-known contributions to Northern Oklahoma College and Tonkawa was the campaign to start the planting of thousands of redbuds.

“I went to Washington D.C., about this time of year, and I noticed all the blossoms there, and it’s just gorgeous, and I thought, ‘Well, why couldn’t we do something like that in Oklahoma?” Dr. Kinzer said. After the success of the campaign, the jazz festival was renamed the Redbud Festival to coincide with the start of spring and the blossom of the redbuds.

Things might have been different for Dr. Kinzer early on in his educational career without the assistance of his late friend, Arch Alexander.

Alexander, who was dean of Cameron University, and Dr. Kinzer became friends. Alexander was instrumental in Dr. Kinzer receiving a grant to go to graduate school at Oklahoma State University.

That grant allowed him to complete his studies at OSU and go on to begin working at Central State University, now better known as UCO. While there, Dr. Kinzer was the Dean of the College of Business Administration. After 17 years and some discovery about the students of NOC, Dr. Kinzer made the leap to become the President at Northern Oklahoma College in 1990.

Many questions have been raised as to why now? Why is Dr. Kinzer leaving now? His age is one factor, but Dr. Kinzer says he’s still in good health, but it’s simply time to. It is very direct and honest answer from someone who is an otherwise complex individual, one that is ready to watch TV, go golfing, enjoy the outdoors, and spend time with his wife Pamela.

“I’ve never been without a job, ever so I’m kind of curious how this is going to work,” Kinzer said.

With graduation coming soon, it will be Dr. Kinzer’s final commencement as president of Northern Oklahoma College, one that promises to be an emotional one.

“The people, the community, the campus, the students — that’s going to be tough,” Dr. Kinzer said. “I don’t want to think about it.”

He will deliver a message to let the graduates know they need to continue their education. After all according to Dr. Kinzer, “Education is organized inquiry,” and people in general should always strive to learn more.

Even though his time draws near an end, Dr. Kinzer still looks at both NOC’s near and distant future. He sees new remodeling construction on Central and Harold Halls, potentially a new cafeteria to take advantage of the wonderful new kitchen at the Renfro Center, work on the dorms, and perhaps making Northern Oklahoma College a four-year university in the distant future.

As a young man in Lawton, Okla., Dr. Kinzer started his first job for The Lawton Constitution Morning Press. He began passing newspapers, and to hear him tell it, it was one of the most important jobs he ever had. “I learned, it was my job,” Dr. Kinzer said.

From delivering rolled newspapers 57 years ago to handing out college diplomas today, Dr. Kinzer will make his final delivery on April 26, 2008, and then on July 2, he will walk off the Tonkawa campus for the final time as President of Northern Oklahoma College.