OU EDI Graduate Aspires To Improve Communities

OU EDI GRADUATE ASPIRES TO IMPROVE COMMUNITIES

MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release- Kamesha “Kay” West graduated from the University of Oklahoma's Economic Development Institute (OU EDI) at the OU EDI Fall session in Louisville, Kentucky on October 20, 2022. Kay West was recognized as a Rocky Wade Scholarship recipient, which recognizes the impact the late Rocky Wade, EDI's beloved Credit Analysis Instructor has made on economic development professionals in the United States. The University of Oklahoma established the Rocky Wade Scholarship to award tuition to deserving qualified candidates.

Kay West completed an intensive 117-hour certificate program that provides a broad spectrum of advanced education for the economic development professional. West said, “she aspires to improve the communities she serves by using her training from OU EDI to close the inclusion gap in strategic planning and community development projects.” Kay pointed out that “inclusion starts with diversity in the profession.”

OU EDI began in 1962 and is celebrating its 60th year of service to the economic development community. Fully accredited by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the program has trained 6,000 professionals and remains the world’s leading economic development teacher.

Barry Matherly, CEcD and Dean for OU EDI, said, “OU Economic Development Institute is the premier organization dedicated to training economic development professionals. These graduates have invested in improving their professional capabilities to support their local communities.”

OU EDI provides economic developers with up-to-date knowledge and tools necessary to succeed in today’s constantly changing environment. In addition to classwork, participants receive the benefit of a strong mentoring program and opportunities to expand their professional network.

Pictured left to right: Barry Matherly, President & CEO of Hickey Global and Dean of OU Economic Development Institute, Kay West, FUSE Executive Fellow, and Nathan Ohle, President & CEO of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). For more information about the OU Economic Development Institute, its courses, and its internationally recognized certificate program, please contact 405-325-3136 or edi@ou.edu.

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