Oklahoma is among three states being considered as a potential new home for Valley Forge Military College, a two-year military college currently located in Pennsylvania.
Oklahoma Senator Kelly Hines held an interim study Tuesday examining the potential relocation and how the college could fit into Oklahoma’s higher education and military systems. Valley Forge has operated for nearly 100 years and currently has about 100 students. It offers associate degrees and an Army ROTC Early Commissioning Program that allows qualified cadets to earn a commission as a second lieutenant after two years.
John English, chairman of the Valley Forge Military Foundation and an Oklahoma native, said Oklahoma is at the top of the list as college leaders consider a move. The goal would be to establish Valley Forge within Oklahoma’s higher education system while maintaining its military mission. Officials said the college would serve as a feeder program for four-year institutions rather than compete with existing colleges and universities.
“I know firsthand what it means to want to serve your country and have to look outside of Oklahoma for certain military education opportunities,” Hines said. “Today, we have an opportunity to change that.”
Oklahoma National Guard Maj. Gen. Thomas Mancino also expressed support for the proposal. Representatives from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education discussed possible ways to integrate Valley Forge into the state’s higher education system, while the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber pointed to potential sites in the Oklahoma City area.
Discussions remain in the early stages, with a decision on the potential relocation expected in the coming months.
