Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, proper, and Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, left, introduced plans in August 2022 to designate the Oklahoma-Arkansas area as a nationwide hub for superior mobility (AM).
In August this yr, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson unveiled formidable plans to place the Oklahoma-Arkansas area as a nationwide hub for superior mobility (AM). The collaborative effort goals assist the superior mobility business together with drones, electrical and autonomous automobiles, battery manufacturing, and transportation and logistics options, will create new analysis and testing house, assist native startups, appeal to new corporations, and convey companies collectively to check and scale new applied sciences.
It might additionally supply some fascinating alternatives to the satellite tv for pc and house business, given its shut hyperlinks to superior mobility. On this interview with Through Satellite tv for pc, Oklahoma Governor Stitt talks in regards to the initiative and the way he hopes superior mobility might appeal to more room corporations to Oklahoma and Arkansas sooner or later.
VIA SATELLITE: Why did you resolve to do that initiative in Superior Mobility? Are you able to inform us a number of the considering behind it?
Stitt: Aerospace and protection is Oklahoma’s second-largest business. It truly employs over 120,000 folks in our state. Now we have Tinker Air Drive Base of 30,000 staff and that’s the largest upkeep and restore facility in your entire world. So, it retains the entire Air Drive fleet flying after which there are about 1100 corporations that spur out of that. For instance, American Airways has their largest upkeep restore facility on the business aspect in Tulsa. Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Spirit Aerosystems are already positioned in Oklahoma, and we now have a pure cluster. We lean into that.
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On the unmanned stuff, the FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] has their largest knowledge heart and largest web site – 7,500 staff positioned in Oklahoma Metropolis as properly. Now we have 5 different bases in our state. Now we have lots of airspace. Strategically, from larger schooling, we’re aligning our schooling system with our workforce and the businesses we need to recruit. It’s only a pure deal to give attention to unmanned airspace, mobility.
The explanation we joined with Arkansas is that these corporations love partnerships. The federal authorities loves partnerships with different states. I signed an MoU with the Louisiana governor and the Arkansas governor on hydrogen hubs. That’s one thing that we are able to present, working with different states, that’s when the feds wish to are available in and put down extra federal assets to develop infrastructures, but additionally corporations. We would like corporations to have a transparent reply the place they have to be positioned, for creating, testing, and producing merchandise, deploying new superior mobility applied sciences, whether or not it’s autonomous automobiles or drone supply.
We wished to plant the flag early that Oklahoma is the correct place to be positioned for all these causes I simply talked about, from the FAA aspect, to the airspace aspect, to the partnership between states. We will provide you with corridors and we will likely be enterprise pleasant.
VIA SATELLITE: We all know the house business is closely into mobility, related automobiles, trains, planes, ships, vehicles. What function do you see the house business taking part in on this tremendous area for superior mobility?
Stitt: Now we have a spaceport within the western a part of the state. We are attempting to develop that with a number of the new corporations which might be popping out right here. However, we simply wish to be probably the most enterprise pleasant state. There may be lots of development, and also you have a look at the place the analysis and growth {dollars} are headed, [it is in] unmanned automobiles, automation on deliveries, autonomous automobiles on the driving aspect, truck lanes, hydrogen vehicles.
Oklahoma is an vitality state. Folks simply consider us as oil and gasoline, and we’re tremendous pleased with our O&G business, and we’re No. 3 when it comes to manufacturing of pure gasoline. However what folks don’t understand about Oklahoma is that we’re No. 2 in wind vitality manufacturing. Now we have a number of the cleanest water, cleanest air within the nation. Over 40% of our electrical energy comes from renewable. Google has their largest knowledge heart positioned in Oklahoma. We have a look at the place the R&D {dollars} are headed, after which we attempt to set our commerce as much as attempt to recruit these industries right here. We perceive house and connectivity round mobility goes to be crucial for the long run.
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The College of Tulsa has a cybersecurity PhD program, which is without doubt one of the first within the nation. That will likely be crucial sooner or later and we are attempting to lean into all of it the best way from our universities to our enterprise communities.
VIA SATELLITE: Do you count on to see lots of house corporations grow to be a part of this initiative?
Stitt: We’d love to draw a few of these house corporations. Jim Bridenstine was an Oklahoma congressman, and was the pinnacle of NASA beneath Trump. We haven’t developed that. Elon Musk hasn’t checked out Oklahoma but. Now we have some provide chain points which might be supplying components to that business. We want to proceed to develop it. However, we haven’t landed the massive, big SpaceX but.
Now we have a launch hall into house. There may be some uniqueness to Oklahoma from a launch perspective on the coordinates aspect. I do know it’s one thing that we’re pushing.
VIA SATELLITE: What can Oklahoma/Arkansas supply corporations on this space, particularly contemplating different areas within the U.S. — Texas and California to call two — have a give attention to house corporations?
Stitt: There are two issues. While you speak about supply automobiles, unmanned plane, you’ll have to work with authorities companies to determine how that airspace, that stream of airspace goes to work. So, I feel we now have a leg up there. Now we have the FAA there, so the folks which might be going to show it are already in Oklahoma. With our airspace and our rural communities, we now have a bonus. Now we have some Indian tribes right here and we are able to work with them additionally. There may be doubtlessly 44,000 acres for growth to have the ability to do some cool issues in airspace. Partnering with Arkansas will enable us to arrange designated roads. We’re taking a look at doubtlessly autonomous truck lanes that we are attempting to consider in numerous areas, to attempt to show a commercialization use of this know-how.
Then, if you throw in our universities. For instance, Oklahoma State College is the house to the Unmanned Programs Analysis Institute. It’s the solely place the place you may get a PhD in that. While you put our two states collectively, we predict this partnership, and on this area, makes us dominant on this house.
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VIA SATELLITE: What are the long-term targets for Oklahoma/Arkansas relating to superior mobility?
Stitt: We’d love Oklahoma Metropolis to be the primary metropolis to show this, and have a few of these pods the place we are able to begin delivering, transferring folks round, an Uber-type situation for taxis in a few of our metro areas. Finally, we want to manufacture a few of these new flying vehicles. If we are able to plant the flag early, as we’re the place that’s already doing the R&D, then the manufacturing would come, and subsequently the high-paying jobs, and our state grows. My job as governor is to place our state in the perfect place to develop and enhance wage progress for our residents, and develop the pie within the state of Oklahoma. I feel the tip aim is by attracting these industries early on, there’s disruption. We all know they’ll be constructing factories. We all know they’ll search for locations to be. If you have already got the executives and technical folks in your state, it’s pure to have the manufacturing as properly.
VIA SATELLITE: Why is the area uniquely positioned right here?
Stitt: Persons are leaving states like California, as a result of they’re excessive tax, the regulatory atmosphere is just not conducive to entrepreneurs and corporations desirous to develop. I will provide you with one instance – USA RareEarth simply selected Oklahoma for the primary ever mineral to magnet manufacturing. 90% of that provide chain is positioned in China, the rationale they selected Oklahoma is that they felt they may work with our regulatory companies. It was going to be approving a brand new course of. Anytime, you’re proving a brand new course of, you should know the folks you’re working with are going to be companions. We’re a enterprise pleasant state. Now we have a brilliant low tax atmosphere. Extra importantly, we’re going to assist you get your merchandise to market. We’re going to assist you develop it and check it. Arkansas thinks the identical means. You may work on this in a two-state area, so you’ll be able to show the commercialization of your merchandise right here.
VIA SATELLITE: Is there a notion concern to beat, significantly as Oklahoma and Arkansas should not seen as conventional properties for a lot of these companies?
Stitt: You aren’t flawed. Traditionally, folks have considered the East Coast and West Coast, and we have been flyover nation. However, that’s altering post-COVID. Persons are realizing they will reside wherever. Our housing prices are 430% decrease than California. Our labor prices are rather a lot decrease as a result of our value of residing prices are rather a lot decrease. Our tax burden is decrease. Extra importantly, from a enterprise perspective, our regulatory atmosphere is extra pro-business. Then you definitely throw within the reliability of our vitality grid. In California, you’ve rolling blackouts and need to push alternate options. Oklahoma will rise up in opposition to anyone relating to alternate options. We’re No. 2 in wind vitality manufacturing. We do that all with out authorities mandates. Now we have probably the most dependable vitality grid, the most cost effective electrical energy prices to customers and enterprise 11 out of the final 14 quarters. CEOs are in search of that.
Now we have that reliability and customary sense. Oklahoma is the 28th largest state within the nation, 19th when it comes to land space. If you’re a European firm that wants a U.S. presence, Oklahoma is the correct spot. We’re useless heart relating to being positioned within the U.S., with distribution all around the U.S. We’re promoting that message proper now.
Oklahoma governor Kevin Stitt has signed an executive order that allows colleges and universities within the state to directly compensate student-athletes for their name, image, and likeness (NIL).
This decision builds on the framework established by Senate Bill 1786, passed in 2024, and positions Oklahoma as a trailblazer in navigating the complex and rapidly evolving world of collegiate athletics.
Stitt’s order addresses a pressing issue: the fragmented and inconsistent NIL rules across the country.
While the NCAA and major conferences inch toward a settlement in the In College Athlete NIL Litigation, which could eventually allow direct payments, the timeline for a resolution remains uncertain.
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Stitt’s action ensures that Oklahoma’s programs won’t have to wait.
By empowering universities to pay athletes now, the executive order eliminates the competitive disadvantage that could arise if other states or conferences move faster.
“This executive order ensures that these student-athletes have access to the same opportunities as their peers in other states,” Stitt said in a statement to The Oklahoman. “It’s about leveling the playing field and maintaining the competitive edge that defines Oklahoma athletics.”
The directive shields Oklahoma’s universities from potential fallout if no settlement is reached or if revenue sharing fails to be universally adopted.
Even in the absence of a federal resolution, Oklahoma schools will be equipped to support their athletes directly. This foresight guarantees stability in a landscape defined by uncertainty, setting a standard that other states may soon follow.
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Crucially, the order prohibits the use of taxpayer dollars for NIL payments, instead allowing the creation of foundations to act as clearinghouses for third-party contributions. These foundations provide a transparent and legally sound mechanism for entities to support athletes without fear of reprisal from organizations like the NCAA or athletic conferences.
Stitt’s move also addresses a unique challenge within Oklahoma’s collegiate landscape.
The state’s four Division I programs: The Oklahoma Sooners, Oklahoma State Cowboys, Oral Roberts Golden Eagles, and Tulsa Golden Hurricane compete in different conferences, each with its own NIL policies.
This fragmentation risks creating inequities among schools, but the executive order establishes a unified approach, ensuring all institutions can operate on a level playing field.
The response from Oklahoma’s university leaders has been overwhelmingly positive.
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Oklahoma Sooners president Joseph Harroz Jr. praised the measure’s potential to support student-athletes while preparing institutions for the eventual transition to revenue sharing.
“This action strengthens our ability to recruit, retain, and cultivate extraordinary talent, positioning our student-athletes for success in every aspect of their lives,” Harroz said.
Oklahoma State president Kayse Shrum echoed these sentiments, highlighting how the order benefits both athletes and fans.
“Today’s executive order brings exciting possibilities for our institutions, our student-athletes, and our fans,” Shrum stated.
By enabling direct NIL payments now, Stitt’s executive order accelerates the shift from collective-driven compensation models to the more comprehensive revenue-sharing systems widely seen as the future of collegiate athletics.
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This proactive approach ensures that Oklahoma’s programs won’t be left behind, even as federal and legal discussions drag on.
NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Raegan Beers scored 16 points before suffering a left shoulder injury in the third quarter, and No. 10 Oklahoma rolled past Texas A&M 77-62 on Sunday.
Beers, a 6-foot-4 center, was helped off the floor by teammates. She returned to the bench with an ice pack on her shoulder, but did not play again.
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The Sooners (14-3, 2-2 SEC) bounced back from a loss to Mississippi State on Thursday to claim their first home SEC win in their first season in the conference.
Aicha Coulibaly scored 16 points for Texas A&M (8-8, 1-3), which shot 26.9%.
It was the second straight blowout loss for the Aggies, who dropped a 90-49 decision to No. 2 South Carolina on Thursday.
Oklahoma made 9 of 14 field goals in the first quarter and Beers scored 10 points in the period as the Sooners took a 27-10 lead.
The Sooners led 44-23 at halftime after holding the Aggies to 18.9% shooting. Beers scored 16 points and made 10 of 11 free throws before the break.
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Takeaways
Texas A&M: The Aggies tried to rally in the third, but were too far behind to take advantage of Beers’ absence. The Aggies trailed 59-38 when Beers was hurt, and outscored the Sooners 24-18 the rest of the way.
Oklahoma: It wasn’t the cleanest game for the Sooners. They made 8 of 33 3-pointers and committed 19 turnovers. They’ll need to improve those areas against better opponents.
Key moment
Oklahoma, already leading by 17 heading into the second quarter, held the Aggies to one field goal in the first five minutes of the second to resume its defensive dominance.
Key stat
Texas A&M made 3 of 19 3-pointers.
Up next
Texas A&M hosts Georgia and Oklahoma hosts Missouri, both on Thursday.
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When Ben Arbuckle stepped foot on campus at Canadian High School in 2010, coach Chris Koetting felt like he had a crystal ball.
A freshman quarterback at the time, Arbuckle made an immediate impression on Koetting, who mentally made a bold prediction.
“I knew he was going to do big things in football,” Koetting said.
Fast forward more than a decade, and some might think Koetting is a fortune teller.
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Arbuckle, only 29, has already become a successful coach at the collegiate level. He accepted the offensive coordinator job at Oklahoma in December, following stints at Washington State and Western Kentucky.
Now he’s tasked with breathing new life into an Oklahoma offense that was among the worst in college football in 2024. Those who know him are confident he’ll succeed.
Canadian, TX, located on the far-right end of the Texas Panhandle, has a population of just 2,339 — so just about everybody knows everybody else.
Arbuckle’s high school career made him an even more recognizable name in the small town.
In his final two seasons of high school, Arbuckle passed for 7,500 yards and 95 touchdowns. He led the Wildcats to the UIL 2A state quarterfinals as a senior.
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While most of Arbuckle’s high school highlights are passing-related, it’s where he first dove into instructing others.
Canadian’s backup for Arbuckle’s final two seasons was Tanner Schafer, who later played at OU. After waiting behind Arbuckle and learning from him, Schafer led Canadian to back-to-back titles in 2014 and 2015.
“(Ben) has helped a lot of quarterbacks along the way, not just as a coach,” Koetting said. “He’s special.”
After high school, Arbuckle took two seasons off from playing football before joining West Texas A&M’s program in 2016. Located in Canyon, just outside of Amarillo, Arbuckle continued to learn more about the game on a small scale.
He spent half of the 2016 season as the Buffaloes’ starter, completing 63 percent of his passes for 1,241 yards and 15 touchdowns. Arbuckle didn’t start in 2017, but he was WTAM’s top backup, appearing in 10 games.
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While Arbuckle didn’t break records at West Texas A&M, his time there showed others his work ethic, killer instinct and love for the game — traits that have allowed him to succeed as a college coach.
“I definitely learned about Ben’s competitiveness from my time playing,” said Allen Roberson, who played with Arbuckle at WTAM as a defensive end. “It was always fun competing each day against the offense in practice. As a QB, it’s always important to learn and process quickly. Ben always showed that, along with his enthusiasm and fun spirit every day.”
Arbuckle’s love for the game really shined through at his first collegiate coaching stop.
Immediately after graduating from West Texas A&M, Arbuckle joined the staff at Houston Baptist (now Houston Christian), which competes at the NCAA Division I FCS level.
Arbuckle was an unpaid quality control assistant for the Huskies — and it got his foot in the door to where he wanted to be.
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Koetting guided Arbuckle as he entered the college coaching realm. And it didn’t surprise Arbuckle’s high school coach that he’d be willing to coach for free — or take a second job as a food delivery driver to make ends meet.
“His trail to get to where he’s at right now is kind of crazy,” Koetting said. “His work ethic is something else.”
After that, Arbuckle returned to the Texas Panhandle for one year, serving as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Seminole High School.
Arbuckle then landed his first paid college coaching job at Western Kentucky, where he started as an offensive quality control assistant. He was then promoted to co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Hilltoppers in 2022, helping lead the nation’s No. 1 passing offense (433.7 passing yards per game) with eventual NFL quarterback Bailey Zappe.
That instant success helped Arbuckle land the same job at Washington State.
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The body of work is just three years for Arbuckle-led college football offenses, but he hasn’t missed yet. After heading a successful air-raid system at WKU, he was just as successful in Pullman.
In 2023, Arbuckle worked with Cam Ward — who later transferred to Miami (FL) and was a 2024 Heisman finalist — and produced a passing offense that was fourth nationally with 336.8 yards per game.
A year later, Arbuckle ran an offense with John Mateer, who recently transferred to Oklahoma. The Cougars finished 2024 with 30 passing touchdowns, which was sixth in the nation.
“One of the best offensive minds in the last several decades in college football,” Oklahoma coach Brent Venables said in December. “He has his own report — everything that I continue to look at.”
Now, Arbuckle heads to his biggest program yet — and it’s a full-circle journey for him.
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Canadian is just over three hours away from Norman, and his wife, Lauren, grew up a die-hard OU fan. On their first date, Arbuckle took Lauren to an Oklahoma game.
Game day for those two will look quite different when Arbuckle takes the reins in the fall. But it’s a return to the place that sparked their love for one another and Arbuckle’s love for OU.
“Here we are 12 years later, and we’re very proud to be here,” Arbuckle said on the National Signing Day show on Sooner Sports TV in December. “We’re ready to get this thing rolling.”
In addition to Arbuckle’s short-but-impressive resume and his family ties, his leadership is what those closest to him think will stand out.
Rosemary Koetting, Chris’ wife, described Arbuckle as a “player’s coach” who is kind, intelligent and competitive.
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“He makes everybody feel important,” Rosemary Koetting said. “Kids flock to him.”
Jett Niu, a 3-star quarterback prospect who signed with OU in December after Arbuckle’s hiring, had similar first impressions.
Arbuckle recruited Niu to Washington State early in his recruiting process, but the quarterback prospect ultimately chose to commit to Oklahoma State. But the two kept in touch even after Niu’s OSU commitment, and once Arbuckle landed in Norman, it was a no-brainer for him to flip.
“I love the way that he coaches and talks to his players,” Niu said. “He really just develops them.”
At 29 years old, Arbuckle is just over a decade older than Niu. His new coordinator’s youth — plus his proven track record with Zappe, Ward and Mateer — excites the Sooners’ incoming signal caller.
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“He’s developed multiple quarterbacks that have been successful in college football, and I think I can be one of them,” Niu said. “We’re going to have a great next couple of years.”
Arbuckle’s time in Norman could span more than a decade. It could last only a year. Regardless, Koetting thinks Arbuckle is the right man for the job.
But wherever Arbuckle’s coaching career takes him, Koetting will always see him as the small-town quarterback that he predicted to one day be a star.
“I have coached a lot of great quarterbacks, and he’s been my favorite,” Koetting said. “He’s one of ours. He’s special, and I can tell you that.”
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