ADA, Okla. – Ten years ago, the Oka’ Institute and the Water Resource Policy and Management (WRPM) Master of Science Degree were created by East Central University (ECU).

On the 10th Anniversary of the WRPM, three graduates of the program were presented with Honored Graduate awards.

Newakis Weber is an ECU Political Science graduate. The WRPM program was a perfect fit for Newakis who loves policy but didn’t see a way to engage in it in Ada. She now works for the Chickasaw Nation as Director of Natural Resources. Her vision, organizational skills, and leadership has multiplied the effectiveness of the Office of Natural Resources.

Ahndria Ablett is an ECU Legal Studies graduate. After graduation, she worked as a paralegal, notably for Krystina Phillips at the Indian and Environmental Group. As a student, she drafted a White Paper on how Ada could leverage water expertise for economic development that is still being utilized today. After completing the WRPM, Ablett was hired as a Water Planner for Choctaw Nation and is now Director of Water Resources for the Choctaw Nation.

Joseph Harris has a background in Interdisciplinary Studies and small business ownership. He enrolled in the WRPM and did several internships with the ECU Glass Recycling Program.  After finishing the degree, Duane Smith, Director of the Oka’ Institute, hired Harris as a Water Planner. In his role in the Communities Hub, Harris developed a strategy of structured communications that connected 25 cities to grants for water infrastructure. Harris is now Associate Director of the Oka’ Institute.

Working independently and together, Weber, Ablett and Harris have had enormous impact on water sustainability across Southern Oklahoma. Their efforts have protected water resources and created economic opportunity for thousands of Oklahomans.

In the last 10 years, the WRPM has produced over 80 graduates. To date, the program boasts 100% employment of graduates. Natural Resources Managers in Oklahoma make an average salary higher than the salary of the average Oklahoman. For more information contact Water Resource Policy Management Director Dr. Christine Pappas at cpappas@ecok.edu.

-ECU-