DURANT, Okla. ­-- Southeastern Oklahoma State University's Department of Occupational Safety and Health has received a substantial monetary gift from the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. 

Department Chair Dr. Wayne Jones said, "As always, the people of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma can be counted on to come through. Our department trains many members of the Choctaw Nation who go on to make substantial contributions to occupational safety in the safety department of the Nation as well as in industry and government around the world.

"We are truly indebted to Chief Greg Pyle and the people of the Choctaw Nation for their continued trust and support. We would not be the largest undergraduate occupational safety program in the country if not for the support of friends such as these."

SOSU's Department of Occupational Safety and Health was approved for significant expansion in 2006 due to phenomenal growth in enrollment and increased facilities requirements due to the impending launch of a Master of Science Degree.

The department has grown steadily since its inception in 1989 and has marked its 650th alumnus. Teaching and lab facilities have been doubled and a 16-computer lab has been added. 

The Choctaw Nation's gift provided equipment in the new industrial hygiene and acoustics, noise, and vibration teaching labs.

The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma recently delivered a substantial monetary gift to Southeastern Oklahoma State University's Department of Occupational Safety. Department Chair Dr. Wayne Jones, flanked by Chief Greg Pyle, right, and Assistant Chief Gary Batton, accepted the gift on behalf of the University.