OCCC president and board chair named among Oklahoma’s most admired CEOs

By AI, Created 4:49 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – Oklahoma City Community College President Dr. Mautra Staley Jones and Board Chair David Echols were honored at The Journal Record’s 2026 Most Admired CEOs event in Oklahoma City on Monday. The recognition spotlights OCCC’s leadership as the college expands its national profile while keeping tuition flat and supporting workforce development.

Why it matters: - Dr. Mautra Staley Jones and David Echols were recognized for leadership tied to OCCC’s role in Oklahoma’s education and workforce pipeline. - The honors highlight how college governance and strategy can shape affordability, student access and economic growth.

What happened: - The Journal Record named OCCC President Dr. Mautra Staley Jones and OCCC Board of Regents Chair David Echols among Oklahoma’s most admired CEOs at its 2026 awards event Monday evening at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel in Oklahoma City. - Dr. Jones was honored in the Public category for leadership, financial stewardship and commitment to Oklahoma’s economic growth. - Echols, of Echols & Associates, also received recognition at the event.

The details: - This is the third consecutive year Dr. Jones has been recognized as a Most Admired CEO. - Dr. Jones previously received the honor in 2023 and 2024. - Dr. Jones was the overall winner in the public company category in 2024 and 2025. - Dr. Jones is the first woman and person of color to lead a non-HBCU institution of higher education in Oklahoma. - OCCC has kept tuition flat for seven consecutive years. - Newsweek named OCCC one of America’s Top Online Colleges. - OCCC serves more than 23,000 students. - The college offers 87 degree and certificate programs and more than 80 micro-credentials. - OCCC’s mission is “Student Success, Community Enrichment.” - The college was founded in 1972. - Dr. Jones said OCCC’s mission is to remove barriers, open pathways and prepare students for fulfilling lives. - Dr. Jones thanked the Board of Regents, Foundation trustees, students, faculty, staff, retirees, donors and alumni for their support.

Between the lines: - The repeated recognition for Dr. Jones suggests OCCC’s leadership model is gaining visibility beyond higher education circles. - Honoring both the president and board chair signals that the college’s external reputation is tied to both executive leadership and governance. - The emphasis on affordability, innovation and national profile points to OCCC trying to compete on value as much as on scale.

What’s next: - OCCC is likely to continue leaning on its affordability message and workforce-focused programs as it builds on the recognition. - Dr. Jones’ continued visibility may further lift OCCC’s profile with students, donors and community partners. - The college will keep positioning itself as a pathway to career readiness and further education.

The bottom line: - OCCC’s top leaders are being recognized as the college expands its reach, keeps tuition flat and ties student success to Oklahoma’s economic growth.