The state fair has offered Oklahoma Christian a space to showcase its STEM related programs including, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Animation and Nursing.
This project has been in the works since October of 2022 when Amanda Noblin from the Department of Advancement went to a Rotary Club meeting.
“The new CEO of the Oklahoma State Fair, Kirk Slaughter, was speaking during the lunch. He mentioned wanting to grow the fair’s brand with a younger audience and specifically talked about gaming, animation and eSports,” Noblin said.
Noblin approached Slaughter about coming to campus to see what students were doing in those disciplines.
“He brought his entire executive team and I coordinated a tour for him,” Noblin said. “The faculty took us on a tour of the different departments and showcased the different labs, and they really crushed it. The State Fair executive team loved it.”
During this tour, ideas were formed about how Oklahoma Christian could work with the State Fair. Ultimately, plans were laid for the university to have a space in the Brain Zone of the Modern Living Building.
Oklahoma Christian’s eSports team will be running the first annual Skylines eSports Tournament Sept. 23 at 10:30 a.m. Competitors will play Super Smash Brothers for prizes. Registration will be open until Sept. 15.
Oklahoma Christian will have a hands-on space throughout the duration of the fair. Different STEM disciplines will offer activities showcasing the work Oklahoma Christian students do.
Nursing students will be in the space taking fairgoers blood pressure, as video games can raise blood pressure.
Students involved in Oklahoma Christian’s STEM projects will be volunteering at the space to showcase their projects. Noblin is seeking volunteers from the entire student body to help draw fairgoers to Oklahoma Christian.
“Anyone can volunteer to welcome fairgoers and share the story of Oklahoma Christian,” Noblin said. “It’s a great opportunity to partner with such a great tradition in Oklahoma history. It’s also great for people to come and learn about Oklahoma Christian.”
Student volunteers will receive a free parking pass, a ticket to the day of the fair they serve, a t-shirt and coupons for food and activities.
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