Professional development and networking for Oklahoma’s higher education communicators
The Oklahoma College Public Relations Association provides professional development and networking opportunities for new and seasoned communications professionals from public and private institutions of all sizes. From two-year colleges to four-year regional universities to R1 research institutions — and everything in between — we honor the creative imaginations of our member institutions in their marketing, communications and public relations efforts.
Our organization has evolved and grown with the communications field. Our members include public relations professionals, writers, designers, photographers, videographers, web developers, social media managers, development officers, event coordinators, managers and administrators.
We help communicators connect with professionals in similar roles at other institutions, share best practices for bringing the latest communications trends to higher education and recognize excellence by teams whose contributions are sometimes overlooked.
OCPRA holds three main programs each year: a two-day summer conference, a professional awards competition for all Oklahoma higher education communicators and a half-day fall workshop.
OCPRA Annual Conference
SAVE THE DATE
WHEN: July 19-21, 2026
WHERE: Choctaw Casino & Resort, Durant, Okla.
WHAT: Three days filled with networking, professional development and celebrating the work of the amazing professionals working in higher education marketing and communications.
Call for Breakout Proposals
We are now accepting proposals for breakout sessions for the 2026 Annual Conferenve. If you are interested in presenting, we encourage you to submit a proposal by March 6, 2026.
Volunteer Opportunities
The OCPRA Fall Workshop and Annual Conference are organized and executed entirely by dedicated volunteers. If you're interested in joining our volunteer team, we’d love to hear from you!
2024 OCPRA Award Recipients
Awards are presented annually at the OCPRA Fall Workshop. Nominate a colleague for the 2025 Natalea Watkins Communicator of the Year or Randy Talley Rising Star awards.
2024 Natalea Watkins Communicator of the Year award recipient Dan Mabery, Vice President of University Relations at Northeastern State University, with 2023 honoree Trish Miller.
2024 Randy Talley Rising Star award recipient Fallon Henning, Director of Marketing & Public Relations at Rose State College with Theresa Graves, OCPRA Board Member, and Randy Talley, award namesake and former OCPRA Board Member.