The TCEC Board Advisory Collegiate Delegate Program is a new program designed to engage with younger generations to teach the importance of the cooperative business model. Applications were open to any student currently enrolled at Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU).
TCEC evaluated applications based on the candidate’s interest in business, leadership qualities, personality, community engagement and volunteerism, and academic achievement. Finalists completed an interview with TCEC’s senior leadership team. Three candidates were selected to participate in the program and receive a scholarship after serving a one-year term. The collegiate delegates for the 2021-2022 school year are:
- Carlos Flores, sophomore from Texhoma, Oklahoma
- Annette Gandara, senior from Canadian, Texas
- Karson Neville, junior from Hooker, Oklahoma
These delegates will join TCEC’s board of trustees and senior leadership team at monthly board meetings. They also attend the cooperative’s annual meeting and district meetings. Delegates will provide valuable input to TCEC’s leadership team and gain leadership skills to help them in their future careers.
“We feel engaging the next generation of members is essential to our success as a member-owned cooperative,” said TCEC CEO Zac Perkins. “Leveraging our partnership with OPSU was important to the process. Delegates will gain insight into the cooperative business model and TCEC’s strategy while the cooperative’s leadership team gains valuable feedback from younger people.”
Being a member of the Collegiate Delegate Program is a distinguished opportunity for the selected students to contribute to their community and enhance their leadership skills.
Applications will open in January 2022 for the 2022-2023 school year. Anyone interested in learning more about the Collegiate Delegate Program can visit www.tcec.coop under the Community tab.
