The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education have recognized the collaboration between Murray State College and The Preserve at Ardmore with a Regents’ Business Partnership Excellence Award.  The annual awards are designed to highlight successful partnerships between higher education institutions and businesses that are cultivating the higher education learning environment.

In Fall 2024, Murray State College moved its nationally ranked men’s and women’s golf programs to Ardmore to enhance the athletes’ training experience and provide new opportunities for them to excel.

“This move was largely successful because of our partnership with The Preserve at Ardmore,” said Dr. Tim Faltyn, Murray State College President. “They provide housing for our student-athletes at a discounted rate commensurate with campus housing rates.”

The accommodations provide students with real-world experiences, access to campus resources, nearby golf courses for practice and competition, and proximity to Ardmore’s retail and dining options. The economic impact of Murray State student-athletes in the Ardmore area is expected to exceed $4 million.

"Being recognized at the state level is an honor and a testament to what can be accomplished when organizations come together with a shared vision,” Faltyn said. “This award affirms the strength of our collaboration and its lasting impact on the communities we serve.”

Twenty-seven business and higher education partnerships throughout the state were recognized with Regents Business Partnership Excellence Awards. Institutions involved in these partnerships receive an economic development grant that may be applied to tuition for an employee from the partner business, an internship for a current student, a faculty externship, or enhancements through equipment, materials, or supplies.

For more information about the Regents Business Partnership Excellence Awards program and to view this year’s honorees, visit https://okhighered.org/econ-dev/RBPEA/.