Rattan GEAR UP students tour Murray State College
Forty–five Rattan GEAR UP students recently traveled to Tishomingo to tour Murray State College (MSC). Murray State College was founded in 1908 as the Murray State School of Agriculture. Since then it has grown to offer more than 35 different areas of study in areas as Veterinary Technology, Nursing, Gunsmithing Technology, Business and Agriculture. Many associate degree programs allow a student to enter the workforce immediately as well as those that transfer to universities toward a Bachelor’s Degree. Murray State College’s small campus and low student teacher student ratio—with an average class size of 16—allows students to have a more intimate college experience.
Upon arriving, Rattan students were led to a classroom in the Murray Hall Administration Building. Murray State Recruiter Shawn Minns greeted students and began telling the students about MSC as well as discussing the application process, financial aid, degree programs and balancing class load as freshmen. Minns advised the students to balance their personal lives with the demands of school. He explained it is important each person has to find what works to be successful.
Following Minns’ discussion, MSC Financial Aid Advisor/Academic Support Kara Jeffers spoke more in–depth with students about paying for college. She spoke about available scholarships and grants as well as filling out the FAFSA.
Students were taken on a walking tour of the Murray Hall Administration Building, College Campus Center including the dining hall, Aggie Suites and Library/Science Building. Students concluded their tour back at the College Campus Center with a little shopping at the Campus Bookstore.
“I really enjoy touring Murray State College,” said GEAR UP Education Coordinator LaDonna Baldwin. “Each time I bring a group to visit, we are welcomed with open arms. The staff provides students with a good idea of what the college is like as well as gives them lots of good information they can take to any school of their choosing.”
The field trip was sponsored by Eastern Oklahoma State College GEAR UP. Participating schools take two field trips each academic year—one to tour a college or university and one that is cultural/educational in nature.
Brandon Wilder—Rattan GEAR UP senior Brandon Wilder completes an information card during a tour of Murray State College
Shawn Minns—Murray State College Recruiter Shawn Minns greeted Rattan students
Rattan Group Photo at Murray State College—Rattan GEAR UP students recently toured Murray State College. Pictured are:
Front Row: Laura Loftin, J C Hammons, Marin McClellan, Kaitlyn Baze, Michaela Cayton, Shania Lawrence, Elisha Crow, Molly Holder, Emily Carr and Heather Dillishaw
Second Row: Anna Echelle, Hannah Brown, Halle Taylor, Micah Dees, Kaylie Billy, Hannah Courtwright, Brooke Trusty, Hannah Brown, Karlie Smith, Coby Moore and Courtney Legg
Third Row: Yasmine Myers, Rayburn Taylor, Nathan Carlile, DeAnn Taylor, Kristina Erwin, Kristen Sorrells, Kolbi Eskue, Colton Jefferson and Christopher Heady
Back Row: Brandon Wilder, Desarae Jordan, Trevor Gonser , Kyle McGovern, Keegan Bohanan, Alex Eddinger, Michael Cogburn, Toby VanWorth, Gage Haddox, Johnathon Shores, Jacob Baze, Andrew Hobbs, Brittian Provence, Dakota Jeffreys and Brandon Baker