The Oklahoma College of Optometry at Northeastern State University took a huge step last week toward moving into a new state-of-the-art home.
Nearly two dozen dignitaries grabbed shovels for the ceremonial opening of construction on the $39.3 million project. It is the most expensive construction project in NSU’s 114-year history.
University officials, along with dignitaries from the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians, the State of Oklahoma, and the Cherokee Nation, were among a group of more than 100 individuals to attend the construction kick-off event in for the 85,000 square foot complex in Tahlequah, OK.
“This morning we start the construction of a building that will match the reputation of the level of instruction and the level of patient care that has been provided here for decades,” says NSU President Dr. Steve Turner, in a press release.
The new facility will feature a number of upgrades, including additional exam lanes, labs, classrooms, clinical conference rooms, seminar rooms, an auditorium, and an optical shop. Most importantly, the new building will essentially triple the amount of usable space NSUOCO has at its disposal in its current location.
The Oklahoma College of Optometry was founded in 1979. At the time, it was one of only 14 optometry colleges in the U.S. There are 23 such institutions in the country today.
From the beginning, NSUOCO has fostered a positive relationship with the Cherokee Nation, serving as its eyecare provider. The Cherokee Nation returned that support with a sizable pledge.
“By investing $5 million in the NSU College of Optometry, we are investing in a brighter future and equipping communities and families across our reservation with the tools necessary to improve health outcomes for generations to come,” says Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “It also reinforces our longstanding partnership with the university, as this infusion of funds will bolster the school’s infrastructure and enable it to continue its tradition of excellence when it comes to optometry education.
“The institution has Cherokee Nation’s unwavering support in its mission—improving the vision and well-being of people in northeast Oklahoma.”
The university first explored expansion of its optometry school in 2016. A fundraising campaign kicked off in earnest in 2021. The Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma, the Cherokee County Commission, and numerous private donations. Last year, Oklahoma lawmakers passed a bill which earmarked $15 million to the project.
“We needed to bring up the resources, the facilities that we had, in support of this top optometry school, so that we can also support additional students because as we all know, optometrists are critical to health care,” says State Sen. John Haste.
Northeastern State University, state, and tribal officials break ground on the new home for the Oklahoma College of Optometry.
Included in the picture above:
NSU, state and tribal officials break ground on the new home for the Oklahoma College of Optometry. Pictured left to right are: Dr. Jerrid Freeman, Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, Rep. Dr. Carl Newton, Speaker Pro Tempore Kyle Hilbert, Rep. Bob Ed Culver, Sen. Dewayne Pemberton, Sen. Blake Stephens, Cherokee Nation Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner, NSUOCO Associate Dean Dr. Nathan Lighthizer, Cherokee Nation Executive Medical Director Dr. Roger Montgomery, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Dr. Steve Turner, NSU President, RUSO Board Chair Connie Reilly, Sen. John Haste, OAOP Executive Director Joel Robison, Dr. Kyle Tate, OAOP President, NSUOCO student Kylie Endres, NSU Vice President for Administration and Finance Christy Landsaw, Tahlequah Mayor Suzanne Myers, Dr. Debbie Landry, NSU Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, NSGA President Asa Robbins, NSU Vice President of University Relations Dan Mabery and NSUOCO Dean Dr. Doug Penisten.
Another view of the exterior of the future home of the Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry.