Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Media Contact:
Kaylie Wehr | Coordinator of Marketing & Communications, Center for the Future of Work | 405.744.8627 | kaylie.wehr@okstate.edu
The Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association (OIGA) has partnered with the Oklahoma State University Center for the Future of Work to endorse its gaming certificate programs. The collaboration enhances tribal gaming
operations by combining high-quality professional training with industry expertise.
OIGA will help elevate the programs’ visibility and ensure their content stays current
with emerging trends and industry priorities.
Dr. Marc Tower, assistant dean of outreach and economic development for the Spears
School of Business and leader of OSU’s Center for the Future of Work, emphasized the
value of the partnership with OIGA in expanding professional training opportunities
for the gaming industry.
“OIGA’s mission to strengthen tribal gaming operations perfectly complements our goal
of delivering high-quality training to industry professionals,” Tower said. “We’re
excited to partner with them to expand the reach and impact of these programs, and
to work together on the topics and speakers that matter most to participants and the
gaming industry.”
Echoing Tower’s enthusiasm, Matthew L. Morgan, OIGA chairman, highlighted how the
partnership will strengthen Oklahoma’s tribal gaming workforce.
“The partnership between Oklahoma State University’s Center for the Future of Work
and OIGA will result in a powerful tool for creating a stronger future workforce for
Oklahoma’s tribal gaming industry,” Morgan said. “Tribal gaming creates good-paying
jobs in cities and towns across our state, and the need for a workforce with specific
skillsets remains robust.”
The Center for the Future of Work currently offers three certificate programs in gaming
and hospitality: Building Business Acumen and Data Analytics for Gaming, Certificate
in Gaming Leadership, and Hospitality Operations Leadership.
Building Business Acumen and Data Analytics for Gaming equips managers with practical tools and strategies to enhance business insight and
drive productivity.
The Certificate in Gaming Leadership provides an in-depth educational experience in leadership and gaming management,
designed for supervisors with direct reports, typically with less than five years
of management experience.
Hospitality Operations Leadership Certificate examines the complexities of lodging, food and beverage, and other casino resort
operations. Participants who complete the program may earn the Certified Guest Service
Professional (CGSP) credential through the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute
(AHLEI). General Supervisor participants may also qualify for the Certified Hospitality
Supervisor (CHS) designation from the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA).
The OSU Center for the Future of Work in the Spears School of Business strives to reshape the workplace of tomorrow by
equipping workers and organizations with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed
to create a workplace that prioritizes well-being and drives economic growth. The
center offers a wide range of services to help individuals and organizations navigate
and plan for the ever-changing landscape of work, including customized training, industry
conferences and programs, executive coaching and consulting.