Carl Albert State College was awarded member of the month during the Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce membership meeting on Wednesday.
Carl Albert State College has served Eastern Oklahoma with educational opportunities since it was established during the Great Depression in 1933. The college started out in the old Poteau High School building with the goal of offering students an affordable option for higher education without the need to leave home. World War II caused a temporary closure of the college; however, it was reopened after the war to provide vital education services for returning veterans and their families.
In 1968, the college moved to its current location in Poteau, growing from a single classroom building serving approximately 300 students to a thriving institution with campuses in both Poteau and Sallisaw, as well as an extensive online presence through the CASC Virtual campus.
CASC now serves thousands of students throughout the area, offering a wide array of degrees and certificates, with health science programs being among the most sought-after. The CASC nursing program continues to expand, producing well-trained healthcare professionals, while the Physical Therapist Assistant program further bolsters the college's contributions to the health sector.
CASC has offered courses in Sallisaw since 1979, initially utilizing public school facilities. In 1992, with the passing of two Sallisaw sales tax issues that funded the expansion of the campus, including a two-story classroom building and library, CASC established its Sequoyah County campus in the Sallisaw industrial park. This campus now encompasses two modern buildings equipped with state-of-the-art technology, computer labs, science labs, nursing skills labs, and a versatile multipurpose area.
Carl Alberts seventh full-time president, Dr. Jay Falkner, was this month's keynote speaker. Falkner became president of CASC on July 1, 2016, after joining the institution in 2022. Over the years, he has served in various leadership roles, including associate vice president of enrollment management, assistant to the president, and director of Title III programming.
Falkner represents CASC at state, regional, and national levels, including his role as past chair of the Council of Presidents of Oklahoma Colleges and Universities and presidential representative for the OK state system for higher education. Locally, he serves on several boards, including the Leflore County Development Coalition and Kiamichi Technology Center Advisory Committee.
Meeting announcements included the Sallisaw Christmas parade, which is set for Saturday, Dec. 14, at 6:30 p.m. President of the Sallisaw Main Street, Lance Montgomery, reported on the upcoming Sallisaw Main Street Holiday Market. Montgomery stated, “The event takes place on Nov. 30 in downtown Sallisaw and will feature live music, shopping, and plenty of photo opportunities.”
People Inc.’s youth and family service counselor Lindsie Dyer also provided an announcement regarding the 10th annual free community Thanksgiving dinner. Dyer invited those attending to come out and visit the Sallisaw Middle School Cafeteria on Wednesday, Nov. 27, for a FREE Community Thanksgiving Dinner.
In addition, Dyer informed members that the Sequoyah County Resource Network is currently seeking donations of turkeys, toys for both boys and girls of all ages, and monetary donations to assist with the 2024 Angel Tree project. Dyer stated, “If you or your business would like to donate, contact Dyer at People Inc., Melissa Lowe at KI BOIS Community Action, or Heather Silva with the Sallisaw Now Coalition.
Lindsie Dyer, Staff Writer
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