02.05.2026 Higher Education & Career Pathways
Arnold Ventures Statement on Oklahoma’s Executive Order to Improve Higher Education Outcomes
Statement from Arnold Ventures Executive Vice President of Education Kelly McManus on new higher education reforms in Oklahoma:
Washington, D.C. (February 5, 2026) — “Governor Stitt’s executive order on improving outcomes in higher education is a win for students, employers, and taxpayers, and it sets a strong example for how states can make higher education more transparent and better aligned with workforce needs. By developing a performance-based funding model to incentivize credentials of value, strengthening wage‑record data, exploring faster degree pathways, and reviewing programs based on actual employment outcomes, Oklahoma is taking meaningful steps to ensure its higher education system delivers for students and the state. Arnold Ventures applauds the governor and looks forward to partnering with Oklahoma as this critical work moves ahead.”
Read the full executive order here.
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Arnold Ventures is a philanthropy that supports research to understand the root causes of America’s most persistent and pressing problems, as well as evidence-based solutions to address them. By focusing on systemic change and bipartisan policy reforms, AV works to improve the lives of American families, strengthen communities, and promote economic opportunity.
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