Tulsa Community College (TCC) held a dedication ceremony for the newly opened A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Student Success Center at its Metro Campus on July 20.
The ceremony began with an introduction from Dr. Eunice Tarver, TCC vice president of Student Success and Equity. “We’re always looking for ways to improve student success and the new Tandy Student Success Center is a great example of that,” said Dr. Tarver.
TCC President and CEO Dr. Leigh Goodson was second on the list of speakers. Goodson began by thanking the donors who made the Success Center possible. “This is a monumental day for Tulsa Community College and our students, and it would not be possible without our generous donors.”
The project was completed with a $2.1 million gift from the A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Foundation, as part of the TCC Foundation’s $20 million Clearing the Pathway: The Campaign for Completion, an investment to produce work-ready college graduates.
Goodson gave praise to the Tandy Foundation. “I want to personally thank members of the Tandy family and their foundation for the wonderful gift that made this center possible. We are so grateful for the support and investment in our students.”
The new facility provides a space for students to easily navigate through the college experience. The new area will offer a multitude of student services recognized by Goodson.
“The Student Success Center becomes the front door and students receive immediate onboarding and wrap around services. From the very beginning when they enroll in classes, to receiving support for transfer, or work ready options and career services, this has it all. We all know collaboration is a key component. Our Student Success Centers across the different campuses include academic advising; new student orientation; the Bursar office; testing services; accessibility resources; veteran services; wellness; diversity, equity, and inclusion; transfer center; and career services all in one convenient location.”
The Tandy Success Center is also home to the Dewey F. Bartlett Academic Advising Center, named after the former governor and senator. TCC donors, Tim and Joanie Atkinson, were thanked by Goodson and Caron Lawhorn, chair of the TCC Board of Regents.
Joanie Atkinson, daughter of the late Gov. Bartlett, was then asked to make a few remarks about the Academic Advising Center. “My father, Gov. Dewey Bartlett, collaborated with the 1970 legislature to appropriate $750,000 for an upgrading budget for Tulsa junior College, now known as Tulsa Community College.” The Advising Center recognizes Gov. Bartlett as an instrumental part in helping to pass legislation that created TCC Tulsa Community College.
“My husband, Tom, and I are so pleased to honor my dad and all of you, for your wisdom in creating the Student Success Center,” said Joanie.
The ceremony was then followed by guided tours of the Tandy Student Success Center. Staff members welcomed guests as they were led through the facility to see the improvements. The Tandy Student Success Center is now open for new and returning students.
