OCCC President Dr. Mautra Staley Jones joins Higher Learning Commission board

Oklahoma City Community College President Dr. Mautra Staley Jones has been elected to a four-year term on the Higher Learning Commission Board of Trustees, starting Sept. 1. The appointment gives OCCC a voice in one of the nation’s key college accreditors as the school expands its workforce and academic programs.

Why it matters: - Dr. Mautra Staley Jones will help shape accreditation policy for colleges and universities across the country. - The appointment puts an Oklahoma community college leader on the governing board of one of higher education’s most influential accrediting bodies. - The role can affect how institutions are reviewed, accredited and held accountable.

What happened: - Oklahoma City Community College President Dr. Mautra Staley Jones was elected to the Higher Learning Commission Board of Trustees. - Higher Learning Commission member institutions elected Jones to a four-year term in April. - Jones officially begins the role Sept. 1. - Jones is one of three newly elected trustees joining the 19-member governing board.

The details: - The Higher Learning Commission is one of the nation’s leading institutional accreditors for colleges and universities. - The board leads the HLC’s work in serving institutions, setting accreditation policy and taking actions related to accreditation status. - Jones said she is proud to represent OCCC and Oklahoma in the role and looks forward to working with higher education leaders nationwide. - HLC President Dr. Barbara Gellman-Danley said the commission looks forward to welcoming the new trustees and thanked departing trustees for their service. - Jones also serves on the HLC Credential Lab Leadership Advisory Board, the National Science Foundation Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering, the Association of Community College Trustees Presidents Advisory Committee, and as a presidential mentor for the Rutgers University Minority Serving Institutions Aspiring Leaders Program.

Between the lines: - The appointment adds to Jones’ national profile in higher education leadership and student success. - OCCC is using the announcement to underscore its broader influence beyond Oklahoma through workforce partnerships and academic innovation. - The release also highlights Jones’ many honors and board roles, signaling that OCCC is led by a nationally connected president. - Some of the prestige language in the release is promotional, but the core fact is that Jones now has a seat on a major accreditor’s board.

What's next: - Jones will serve on the HLC board during a four-year term. - The board will continue overseeing accreditation policy and institutional actions while Jones participates in its governance. - OCCC said it will keep expanding workforce partnerships, academic innovation and student opportunities in Oklahoma and beyond. - OCCC can be found at occc.edu.