Forbes lists OU's business school among nation's top 50

Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City), Jan 25, 2000

The business school at the University of Oklahoma is included among the top 50 nationwide, according to rankings by Forbes magazine.

In its Jan. 24 issue, Forbes ranked the schools according to return on the investment students can expect. To calculate the worth of a master's in business administration, the magazine compared the salary gains it generated with the cost of obtaining the degree.

"There is no better method to evaluate a program than on its value," said Rodney E. Evans, interim dean of OU's Price College of Business. "The ranking is clearly a credit not only to the University of Oklahoma and its faculty, but also to students. These kinds of recognition add value to the degrees of today's students, yesterday's students and tomorrow's students."

Forbes selected 25 schools drawing their MBA students on a national basis and 25 schools drawing students on a regional basis. The business schools at OU and the University of Texas were the only Big 12 schools on Forbes' list. Each received the same score -- a 29 percent first-year return as a percent of investment.

This is the second recognition within a year for OU's Price College of Business. Earlier, U.S. News and World Report ranked the OU college's Master of Business Administration program in the top 20 percent nationally.

Track wants Glover

House Speaker Pro Tempore Emeritus Jim Glover, D-Elgin, and Remington Park parimutuel horse racing track will ask the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission on Thursday to approve a $50,000 annual contract for Glover to represent the Oklahoma City track.

The purpose of the contract is stated as "coordination with various organizations representing horse owners." It includes a prohibition against Glover performing any services related to his legislative office.

The contract approval was requested in a letter from Oklahoma City attorney Carl Hughes, counsel to Remington Park. If it is approved, the contract would operate retroactive to Jan. 1. The contract also gives Glover access to a penthouse suite at the track, including food, without charge. It specifically states that charges for any liquor or beer, if incurred, would be billed separately to Glover.

Contacted at his ranch in Elgin, Glover pointed out that, as a private entity, Remington Park receives no direct state appropriations. It does participate in the Oklahoma Bred Program, but those funds go to owners of participating horses. The contract will not interfere with his legislative duties, he added.

The lawmaker said he takes exception to a letter from Senior Assistant Attorney General Neal Leader, who Glover said is recommending that the contract include additional language further clarifying the prohibition against performance of any legislative duties in exchange for the $50,000.

"This is not a state contract," Glover said. "I specifically put that in the contract."

Chamber endorses bonds

The board of directors of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce has unanimously voted to endorse the Oklahoma City Public School's bond election scheduled for Feb. 8.

The $52 million from the bond issue would be used for infrastructure improvement projects, technology and transportation.

"We must improve our educational quality if we are going to compete for the high value jobs of the future," said Luke Corbett, chairman of the chamber. "Passing the bond issue is an important first step in that direction."

The chamber has listed improving Oklahoma City public schools as a major priority. The board also endorsed the millage election on the Feb. 8 ballot.

Hockey report due

A report due out today could weigh heavily in the decision over which hockey team calls Oklahoma City home next season.

City Manager Glenn Deck is expected to make his recommendation on whether the Blazers of the Central Hockey League stay or the Blades of the International Hockey League set up shop here instead.

Both teams have submitted bids to play in the Myriad and the city's future downtown arena. After Deck issues his report, the city council could decide the matter within a few weeks. Half the council members said they are backing the Blazers, regardless of Deck's recommendation. Four others say they are keeping an open mind.

Deck has promised to consider the desires of vocal Blazers fans who want their team to remain.

The Blazers have called Oklahoma City home for eight years and are leading the Central Hockey League in attendance with an average of 8,605 fans a game.

Greens honored

David and Barbara Green, owners of the Oklahoma City-based Hobby Lobby stores, were honored Monday for closing the chain of more than 200 stores on Sundays by the National Clergy Council in a ceremony in Washington.

The closings risk the loss of Sunday sales but permit employees to focus the day on their families and spiritual lives. Hobby Lobby Creative Centers plans to add 35 stores in 10 states this year. The expansion will add 1.5 million square feet of retail space and target major metropolitan areas, including Cincinnati, Atlanta, Dallas and Chicago.