OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (July 12, 2024) — The Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) wellness center has been renamed to honor the legacy and memory of former OCCC Regent Jim White.
The Reverend James R. White Recreation Center was dedicated at a July 9 ceremony attended by White’s family and friends, along with current OCCC regents, faculty, staff and students.
White, an OCCC regent from 2005-22, regularly frequented the college’s wellness center for early morning workouts with his wife, Willa.
“Regent White and Mrs. White were known as champions for education and wellness,” said Dr. Mautra Staley Jones, president of OCCC. “The Whites regularly worked out on campus together. We are excited for this opportunity to emphasize Regent White’s contributions to our campus community.”
A Capitol Hill High School track athlete his senior year, White was a state champion who earned an athletic scholarship to Oklahoma Baptist University, where he was a four-year letterman. In 2013, he was inducted into the Capitol Hill High School Athletic and Activities Hall of Fame.
After serving at several Oklahoma churches, White was called in 1973 to pastor Capitol Hill Baptist Church, where he stayed for 31 years. After his retirement in 2005, he assisted nine different churches as interim pastor while they searched for permanent ones.
“It was a privilege to serve OCCC with Rev. Jim White on the Board of Regents,” said David Echols, OCCC Board of Regents chair. “His dedication to the college and commitment to the campus community is commendable. It is an honor to preserve his legacy by naming the wellness center after him.”
The Board of Regents is the governing board for Oklahoma City Community College. Members are appointed by the governor of Oklahoma for a seven-year term or as designated. Current members of the OCCC Board of Regents include David Echols (chair), Jalal Farzaneh (vice chair), Christie Burgin (secretary), Ana Garcia, Mandy Hinkle, Larry Wayne Houk Jr., and Dominic Williams.
About Oklahoma City Community College
Since its inception in 1972, Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) has been the heartbeat of the Metro, dedicated to empowering learners and strengthening communities. Serving more than 18,000 students, we are committed to producing leaders. “Student Success, Community Enrichment” is our mission, and we offer more than 87 degree and certificate programs that provide a foundation for further education or immediate career readiness. We remain dedicated to providing accessible, affordable, high-quality education that equips students to achieve personal and professional goals. OCCC is more than an institution; we are a community catalyst, fostering growth and success in our city, our workforce, and the lives of our students. Discover your potential at OCCC, where your future is our purpose.
Media Contact:
Sarah Barrow
Executive Director of Communication
405-834-5406
sarah.barrow@occc.edu
