Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) is partnering with BancFirst to introduce a groundbreaking workforce development program aimed at empowering workers and fostering career advancement opportunities. The program, aptly named BancFirst LOYAL (Learning Opportunities Yielding Advancements in Leadership), is set to revolutionize the way employees gain new skills and further their professional growth.

The partnership between OCCC and BancFirst was officially announced on June 23, marking a significant milestone in promoting educational excellence and fostering a culture of continuous learning within the business community. By joining forces, OCCC and BancFirst aim to provide a unique platform for employees to access micro-credentials that hold immense value, including college credits and digital badges, upon successful completion of the program.

The BancFirst LOYAL program stands out as an exceptional model for companies whose employees aspire to enhance their careers and acquire new competencies. With curriculum tailored for individual business needs, this innovative program offers a diverse range of courses designed to impart practical skills and valuable knowledge. Participants can choose from a variety of business micro-credentials, enabling them to apply their acquired expertise towards earning a Business A.S. or A.A.S. degree, depending on their selected coursework. 

Dr. Mautra Staley Jones, President of Oklahoma City Community College, expressed her enthusiasm for the new partnership, saying, "BancFirst, a recognized leader in the financial industry, has always been dedicated to fostering employee growth and development statewide. We are truly excited to collaborate with them on the launch of the BancFirst LOYAL program. This initiative represents OCCC's unwavering commitment to equipping individuals with the skills necessary to thrive in the workforce. Through this partnership, we aim to transform the lives of BancFirst employees by providing them with a clear pathway to professional advancement." 

“This partnership represents a solution to a real workforce challenge we are experiencing at BancFirst across the state," noted David Rainbolt, Executive Chairman of BancFirst. “OCCC listened, demonstrated academic agility, and together we created a program that helps our talented employees advance."

Oklahoma City Community College and BancFirst believe the LOYAL program will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of workforce development, creating a win-win situation for both employers and employees. By investing in their workforce's professional growth, businesses can unlock new opportunities for innovation, increased productivity, and sustainable success.

To learn more about the BancFirst LOYAL program visit occc.edu.

PHOTO CAPTION: John Claybon, Dean of Business and Information Technology, OCCC; Dara Wanzer, Executive Vice President & Director of Human Resources, BancFirst; Don Nevard, OCCC Foundation Trustee; Mandy Hinkle, Regent, OCCC Board of Regents; Dr. Mautra Staley Jones, President, OCCC; David Rainbolt, Executive Chairman, BancFirst