Deborah Godwin and Kirk Rushing help students reach their educational goals.
“We’ll assist with everything but go to class,” Rushing said.
The pair works as counselors for the Educational Opportunity Center at the Ardmore Higher Education Center.
The EOC provides free services to adults who want to enter or re-enter college.
Services include applying for financial aid and admission, searching for additional funding through online searches, selecting a career and choosing a college or technology center to attend.
“Paperwork always comes in, but we want to simplify the fear,” Rushing said.
The EOC program is federally funded through East Central University and Southeastern Oklahoma State University as part of the TRIO Program.
Despite working for two different schools, there is no competition between the two counselors.
“One (person) could not handle it all,” Godwin said.
In addition to helping students at AHEC, any students can receive help from the EOC.
“We don’t stay in the office. We’re outreach counselors,” Godwin said.
Godwin also works in Love County and Rushing works in Garvin, Jefferson and Stephens counties.
“Instead of having to come here, we can go to them and help with paperwork and financial aid,” Godwin said.
Both enjoy the role they have with the students.
“We get to see students go from associates to baccalaureate to master’s degrees,” Godwin said.
“The biggest reward is seeing the students succeed here. You become family,” Rushing said.
Rushing can be reached by calling 223-4476 or e-mailing krushing@ecok.edu.
Godwin can be reached by calling 226-7362 or e-mailing dgodwin@se.edu.
They accept both appointments and walk-ins at any time of the year.
“If they want to go anywhere in the country, if they’re moving, then we will help them,” Godwin said.
Jennifer Lindsey, 221-6526
