Jay Falkner Is Carl Albert State College's 10th President

As of July 1, the Carl Albert State College (CASC) regents, administration, faculty and staff welcomed Jay Falkner as the 10th president of the College.

Falkner has worked at CASC since 2002, serving in a number of jobs and leadership roles including his most recent position of associate vice president of Enrollment Management. Prior to joining CASC, he worked at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. Falkner replaces Garry M. Ivey as CASC president. 

Falkner said, "I am excited about this opportunity to serve as the Carl Albert State College president. In the coming days and weeks, I will be working closely with the CASC Board of Regents on our vision for the future of this great institution. I plan to share our strategic plans through a variety of formats so the people we serve will be informed of our future.

"Carl Albert State College has always offered a quality education for our students, and made their success our main objective. That will continue to be at the top of our priority list moving forward," Falkner said.

Falkner's educational background includes a bachelor of business administration with an emphasis in Human Resources Management plus a minor in general business from Northeastern State University. He also holds a masters of Education from East Central University, and is at the “all but dissertation” status on a doctorate of education from the University of Arkansas.

Community involvement is important to Falkner. He currently serves as a board member of the Kiamichi Technology Center Advisory Committee, on the board of Leflore County Coalition for Healthy Living, a board member and treasurer of Pervasive Parenting Center of Southeast Oklahoma, and a coach/volunteer for the Leflore County Soccer Association.

"Carl Albert State College has always been a significant part of my life. My dad taught for the college, and I practically grew up on campus. My dream job has now become reality starting July 1, 2016, as CASC president. To be added to the prestigious list of CASC presidents that goes back to Elbert Costner as the first president of the college in 1941 is an honor and privilege.” Costner served as both President of then Poteau Junior College and Superintendent of Poteau Schools. 

Falkner and his wife Kelly live in Panama along with their children, Mikaila and Aidan.

Falkner concluded, "We took the holiday weekend off, but we are back and ready to hit the ground running as we prepare for the fall semester and the weeks, months and years ahead at Carl Albert State College."

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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