OUPI’s First Class Crosses the Finish Line to Build the Future

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TULSA, OKLA. – Just two years after stepping into classrooms on the OU‑Tulsa campus for the first time, the inaugural cohort of the University of Oklahoma Polytechnic Institute (OUPI) will cross the commencement stage on May 12 in Tulsa, becoming the institute’s first graduates to earn a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity.

For these students, the milestone represents more than a degree — it marks the successful launch of a new model for applied, workforce‑ready education in Oklahoma. Designed in close collaboration with industry partners, OUPI’s approach emphasizes hands‑on learning, real‑world projects and accelerated pathways into high‑demand technology careers.

“This graduating class is proof that a polytechnic education works — quickly and powerfully,” said Teri Reed, Ph.D., inaugural director of the OU Polytechnic Institute. “They took a leap of faith when OUPI opened its doors, and in just two years, they’ve built the technical expertise, professional confidence and momentum to change their lives and strengthen Oklahoma’s workforce.”

The impact of that momentum is clear. Half of OUPI’s May 2026 graduates are first‑generation college students, underscoring the institute’s role in expanding access to high‑quality STEM education. At the same time, 50% of the graduating class will remain at OUPI for one additional year, continuing into one of the institute’s six accelerated programs to complete their master’s degrees in just one additional year.

OUPI 2026 cybersecurity graduate Josiah T. Rhodes plans to continue his education in the Master’s of Software Development and Integration program while also working to get a startup business off the ground. “After that, I want to continue building toward a career in cloud computing and cybersecurity,” he said.

Another student reflected on the unique experience of being part of OUPI’s beginning. “Walking onto the OU-Tulsa campus for the first time on my first day of class, I was nervous,” said Sanaa Byron, a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity graduate. “That quickly changed. One of the most valuable aspects of OUPI is the strong sense of community. I’ve been able to build genuine relationships with faculty and connect with administrators across campus. That sense of connection made all the difference for me.”

“I am truly appreciative of OUPI for being such a great program with great staff and faculty who provided support throughout the entire program, actively providing opportunity and knowledge that hones our ability to perform well in the workforce,” said 2026 Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity graduate Alexander Lee.

OUPI’s growth continues well beyond this first class. The institute launched its first in‑person graduate courses in August 2025, with students enrolled across all four graduate pathways: Cybersecurity, Cybersecurity Leadership, Applied Artificial Intelligence, and Software Development & Integration. This past year, OUPI also expanded its undergraduate offerings, adding Digital Manufacturing and Healthcare Information Systems, bringing the total to five bachelor’s degree options.