ARDMORE and TISHOMINGO, Okla. — Murray State College continues to build momentum as it
strengthens its role as one of the nation’s leading workforce-focused colleges. The mission is clear: meet
students where they are, connect them with meaningful opportunities and prepare them for careers that
matter to the communities and industries they will serve.

That approach is reflected in a 2% increase in student credit hours this fall, demonstrating continued
demand for Murray State programs.

Concurrent enrollment at high school locations saw the largest gain, with a 12% increase in headcount.
More than 65 high schools participate in Murray State’s early college access and concurrent enrollment
programs, providing students with opportunities to earn college credit on site while completing their
secondary education.

“Our concurrent enrollment growth is especially encouraging because it gives students an early
connection to higher education,” said Kandy Rutledge, Murray State College Assistant Vice President of
Enrollment Management. “At the same time, we are seeing strong interest in our workforce programs
such as our veterinary nursing. These programs provide pathways to careers that are important to the
communities we serve.”

Murray State’s Ardmore campus experienced a 15% growth in headcount. The addition of women’s flag
football has contributed to this increase, offering new opportunities to participate in collegiate activity
programs. They join members of the national champion golf team on campus.

Since 2021, Murray State has experienced an unprecedented 45% increase in enrollment—a period of
growth that has helped the college sharpen its focus and strengthen its ability to serve students across
southern Oklahoma.

The college is also receiving strong ratings on student experience, with 97% of students saying they
would recommend Murray State and 96% reporting that they feel safe on campus.

“These results demonstrate what can happen when we take a holistic approach to serving students,” said
Tracey Hickman, Murray State College Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs. “When students
feel supported, connected and safe, they are more likely to have a positive college experience and
recommend Murray State to others. Our students’ responses show that they value the community and
experience we are creating here at Murray State.”

The college’s 60% retention rate remains in line with the national average for two-year colleges. Murray
State has also recorded three consecutive years of record-breaking graduate numbers, with 94% of
graduates entering critical occupations.

“Our continued momentum is a testament to the work taking place across the college to help students
enroll, persist and complete their education,” said Becky Henthorn, Murray State College Provost. “Our
goal is to make sure students have a strong sense of belonging and support throughout their time at
Murray State while connecting their education to meaningful opportunities beyond graduation.”

The college continues to remove barriers, strengthen student support and align its programs with the
workforce needs of the region.

“Over the last several years, Murray State has experienced remarkable growth, but we have reached a
point where our success is no longer defined simply by how many students we enroll,” said Dr. Tim
Faltyn, Murray State College President. “We are confident in who we are as an institution and in the
value Murray State brings to southern Oklahoma. Our focus is not growth for growth’s sake. It is about
making meaningful connections with students and helping them fulfill the promise of their potential.”

 

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Murray State College, located in Ardmore and Tishomingo, Oklahoma, provides opportunities for student learning, personal growth, professional success, and community enhancement. Murray State serves more than 4,000 students annually. The College offers associate degrees in science, arts and applied science, and a Bachelor of Applied Technology in Gunsmithing.