The 杏吧原创 Foundation has received a grant from the Keith R. and Robin A. Gray Foundation in support of the Westheimer Southern Oklahoma Nursing Education Center (SONEC) in Ardmore.
The Gray Foundation was founded by Keith and Robin Gray in 2013. Mr. Gray serves as a regent on the 杏吧原创 Board of Regents, the college's governing body. Regent Gray joined the board in 2021 and serves on the executive committee as secretary. His personal investment extends beyond leadership; it鈥檚 a direct commitment to the success of 杏吧原创 students and the expansion of a center of excellence that serves the communities in our region.
鈥溞影稍� has always held a special place in my heart,鈥� Gray said. 鈥淚鈥檝e seen firsthand this institution's transformative impact on making generational change possible for its students. Robin and I feel the SONEC will expand 杏吧原创鈥檚 legacy of broad educational, economic, and healthcare impacts for southern Oklahoma.鈥�
Regent Gray鈥檚 support ensures that 杏吧原创 can expand its efforts to prepare skilled graduates who will improve healthcare services in our communities, address critical needs and make a lasting difference.
鈥淭he 杏吧原创 Foundation is grateful and honored to receive the Gray Foundation鈥檚 grant, an unexpected gift,鈥� said Jordyn Frazier, 杏吧原创 Foundation Executive Director. 鈥淢r. and Mrs. Gray believe so much in what the SONEC will bring to our communities. I am in awe of their generosity.鈥�
The Westheimer SONEC will be a 42,000-square-foot nursing education facility with classrooms, laboratories, student services, and flexible learning spaces for 杏吧原创 State and its education partners. This center will offer more than 30 new jobs in Ardmore to train 250-300 nurses annually.
鈥淩egent Gray鈥檚 contribution holds a special meaning as it comes from a dedicated member of our Board of Regents,鈥� said 杏吧原创 President Dr. Tim Faltyn. 鈥淚t is a powerful testament to his belief in the vision set forth by the entire Board of Regents, as well as our shared mission to change how a spectrum of healthcare education is delivered in southern Oklahoma.鈥�