DURANT, Okla. – Twenty-seven business and higher education partnerships throughout the state were recently recognized as innovative collaborations that further the education of Oklahoma’s workforce.

The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education’s Regents Business Partnership Excellence Award is designed to highlight successful partnerships between higher education institutions and businesses and to further cultivate the higher learning environment through State Regents’ Economic Development Grants.

Receiving the award for its partnership with Southeastern Oklahoma State University was Julian Construction of Broken Bow.

“To solve the workforce development challenges facing Oklahoma, our colleges and universities continue to work collaboratively with leaders in the private, public and nonprofit sectors,” said Chancellor Glen D. Johnson. “These partnerships between business and industry and our state system institutions ensure that we continue building the skilled workforce needed for Oklahoma to be globally competitive.”

Julian Construction, owned and operated by Southeastern Oklahoma State University alumnus Tommy Julian, has been a generous supporter of Southeastern and its
students for the past decade.

Formerly known as TJ Construction, the company is
located in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, and is deeply involved in land development and
cabin construction and rentals. Julian is an Oklahoma native who played baseball at Southeastern.

He is active in civic affairs, serving on the McCurtain County Tourism Board. Julian and his company have provided several enrichment opportunities for Southeastern students and alumni. This includes, but is not limited to, hosting a student retreat in Broken Bow and hosting students, alumni and friends at various recreational and entertainment events in the Oklahoma City area.

In addition, Julian Construction has lent its support to both the Durant and McCurtain County campuses. Among the activities supported are the Gold and Blue Scholarship Gala, the Presidential Golf Classic, the McCurtain County Classic, Presidential Partners, donations to the baseball field renovations and contributions to the football program.