OKADE History

Dr. Martha Steger, Director for Developmental Studies at Seminole Junior College (now Seminole State College) requested information from the OACJC (Oklahoma Association for Community and Junior Coleges [now OACC--Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges]) governing body in 1991 regarding the organizational requirements for beginning a "Special Interest Group" for developmental studies and academic support. Dr. Steger met the requirements by writing a constitution and by-laws for the group.

The 1992 spring conference for OACJC was hosted by Tulsa Junior College (now Tulsa Community College), and Marcene Mackey served as program host. At this conference, Steger, the program chair, presented a need for the "Special Interest Group." A SIG is needed to provide opportunities to develop collegiality with other professionals. Steger and Dr. Bess Jenkins (Redlands Community College) both expressed an interest in a SIG and that if a state-level organization formed, the group could affiliate with national organizations such as the National Organization for Developmental Education (NADE) or the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA).

The initial SIG for Developmental Studies and Academic Support was a presentation by Dr. Martha Steger and Patricia Cokeley, a computer science instructor at Seminole Junior College, entitled "The Development and Value of Computerizing an Academic Learning Lab's Service Log." The twelve charter participants included Paula Barber (OSU-OKC), Patricia Cokeley, Jan Coulson (OSU-Okmulgee), Vivian Hagood (Tulsa Junior College-Metro), Alice Heath (Tulsa Junior College), Dr. Bess Jenkins (Redlands Community College), Marcene Mackey (Tulsa Junior College-Metro), Fern Marrs (OSU-Okmulgee, now TCC-NE), Marge Maxwell (Tulsa Junior College-NE), Edwina Smith (Western Oklahoma State College), Dr. Martha Steger (Seminole Junior College), and Al Vetter (Tulsa Junior College). Chapter officers elected were Martha Steger, chairperson; Bess Jenkins, vice chairperson; and Marcene Mackey, secretary/treasurer.

Rose State College hosted the 1993 conference for the Developmental Studies and Academic Support SIG. Bess Jenkins assumed the chair responsibilities. Dr. Penny Coggins was elected as vice chairperson and Dr. Martha Steger as secretary/treasurer.The special program speaker was Dr. Terry Spigner, Special Education Section of the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Dr. Spigner's topic was "Transition Issues of Students with Learning Disabilities." The SIG agreed to meet May 20, 1993, at Seminole Junior College to consider a state-level organization and national affiliation.

As vice chairperson of the Developmental Studies and Academic Support SIG, Dr. Penny Coggins convened a statewide meeting of interested developmental educators and administrators at Rogers State College (now Rogers State University) in May 1994. The purpose was to consider organizing a state organization. The SIG became the state organization known as the Oklahoma Association for the Improvement of Developmental Education (OKADE).

Jeri Thornton, OSU-OKC, convened a constitutional and by-laws committee meeting on June 11, 1994. Those present at the June meeting included Marcene Mackey (TJC), Mary Rubin (Cameron University), Karen Howell (Conners State College), Bess Jenkins (Redlands Community College), Penny Coggins (Rogers State College), Nancy Graham (Rose State College), Martha Steger (Seminole Junior College), Carolyn Nelson (Cameron University), Jeri Thornton (OSU-OKC), Kurtis Koll (Cameron University), and Mary Maples (Oklahoma City Community College). Marcene Mackey served the committee as coordinator, and Kurtis Koll served as committee recorder. The committee suggested the name Oklahoma Association for the Improvement of Developmental Education (OKADE) and submitted a draft copy of a constitution and by-laws. The committee also agreed to "dedicate ourselves to building a strong state organization."

The constitutional/organizational committee met again July 12, 1994, at Seminole Junior College. The same individuals met except that Evalon St. John from Rogers State College attended in Dr. Penny Coggins' behalf. The meeting was hosted by Dr. Martha Steger. At this meeting, it was decided that Dr. Penny Coggins would chair the first state conference. She continued as OKADE president through the 1995 calendar year and the second conference.

The constitutional/organizational committee met again on July 29, 1994, at OSU-OKC for approval of the constitution and by-laws. Elizabeth Banks, Linda King, Karen Edwards, Susan VanSchuyver, Marcel Maupin, Paula Barber, and Janeen Myers attended this meeting in addition to the others on the constitutional committee. At this meeting the fall conference was planned for October 7-8, 1994, at OSU-OKC, hosted by Jeri Thornton.

Jeri Thornton (OSU-OKC) presided over the Third Annual OKADE Conference. The fall 1995 and 1996 conferences were also hosted by OSU-OKC.

Dr. Martha Steger (Seminole State College) served as the association's president for 1997 and presided over the Fourth Annual OKADE Conference, hosted by Rose State College.

Carolyn Nelson (Cameron University) was the association's president for 1998 and presided over the Fifth Annual OKADE Conference, hosted by Tulsa Community College. One of the major conference themes was a discussion on how to react to recent attacks on developmental education and its funding and calls to reduce the number of developmental courses or to abolish them altogether. During the conference, OKADE members voted overwhelmingly to affiliate OKADE with NADE as of 1999.

The association features students of developmental education and faculty, staff, and administrators of two- and four-year academic institutions and vocational institutions. The conference features a panel discussion involving state legislators and members of the Higher Regents staff and a SHARE THE WORD session where participants can receive resources and information on developmental issues.

OKADE also presents to the conference a "showcase presentation" and scholarship awards. Each institution can submit a developmental education program proposal. The selected program is "showcased" at the conference. In addition, students recognized by the OKADE as successful, scholarly students are awarded scholarships. As administrators and faculty we are encouraged by the success of our students and dedicate our conferences to our STUDENTS.