FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


NORMAN, OK – Advanced Programs, which delivers graduate courses to military and civil service personnel through University of Oklahoma Outreach, has hired retired Major General Rita Aragon as director.

In this role, the Oklahoma native will develop and manage all aspects of the College of Continuing Education’s Advanced Programs, including outreach, program development and marketing. Advanced Programs is dedicated to providing America’s marines, soldiers, sailors, and airmen educational opportunities around the world.  Advanced Programs serves servicemembers at 31 military bases in North America, Europe and Asia offering 10 master’s degree programs and one doctoral program in organizational leadership.

“We are excited to have General Aragon join our team of administrators,” said James Pappas, Ph.D., vice president of University Outreach and dean of the College of Liberal Studies. “She brings rich experience as an Oklahoma educator and a very successful military officer.”

In civilian life, Gen. Aragon taught kindergarten through seventh grade. She started at an all-black school in 1970, before Oklahoma City began integration of the school district. General Aragon later became a principal in 1984 and was named Principal of the Year in 1988 and 1992.

“I thrived in a multicultural school that was turned from a high-risk, low-achieving elementary into a center for community involvement,” said General Aragon.

She was also selected as the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce Excellent Educator of the Year in 1990.

General Aragon enlisted in the Oklahoma Air National Guard in 1979 and received her commission through the Academy of Military Science in Knoxville, Tenn. in 1981. In 1989, General Aragon became the first female commander in the Oklahoma Air National Guard when she assumed command of the 137th Services Flight at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base. She became the first female to hold the rank of Brigadier General in the Oklahoma National Guard and the first female commander of the Oklahoma Air National Guard in 2003.

“I built a reputation for getting the job done, and I had some great supporters in my squadron and in the wing,” General Aragon said.

Advanced Programs was established in May 1964 as part of the University’s continuing education and public service commitment. OU’s College of Continuing Education pioneered the intensive teaching format, which includes advanced class preparation, a one-week or two-weekend class session for each class, and post-class work. In all aspects, except in the use of time, Advanced Programs courses are identical to those  taught on the Norman campus. Thousands of men and women throughout the world have completed their degrees through Advanced Programs.