State Regents Recognize USAO, Intellego Media Partnership At State Awards
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Bryce McKinnis | bmckinnis@usao.edu
EDMOND, Okla. — The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education recognized the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma’s partnership with Intellego Media, a Chickasha-based film company, during its Business Partnership Excellence Awards at the University of Central Oklahoma on Tuesday.
OSRHE awarded USAO both a $500 non-discretionary award and a $500 State Regents’ Economic Development Grant. USAO President Kayla Hale, USAO Dean of Visual and Performing Arts Jordan Vinyard and Intellego Media founder Reagan Elkins (USAO ’16) accepted the award.
“I want to thank my dear friend and collaborator, Jordan Vinyard, the instigator of this partnership," said Elkins, who also serves on the USAO Visual and Performing Arts advisory board. "Her passion to see students grow and thrive is contagious and it has been an honor working with her and this fantastic institution."
USAO and Intellego Media have forged a dynamic partnership that exemplifies the power of educational and creative collaboration. Entering its fourth year, their flagship initiative, Wrecking Ball Film Festival, features a 24-hour video race as well as a short film category, attracting competitors from across the state.
“Through our collaborative efforts with Wrecking Ball Film Festival and Wrecords Music Festival, Jordan and I have witnessed such joy and accomplishment on the faces of students and artists when they are honored for their creativity and hard work," Elkins said. "For Intellego Media, having the collaboration of Jordan and USAO’s talented Alumni on film productions has dramatically improved the quality of our projects. As an alum, I am humbled to help this university enhance its students’ experiences through our partnership. This is just the beginning.”
The partnership's creative impact is exemplified by their 2024 award-winning 48 Hour Film Project entry, featured at both Filmapalooza and DeadCenter Film Festival, where they also participated in a panel discussion on the collaboration. Intellego provides professional opportunities for USAO students and alumni in film production.
"The impact that Reagan and Intellego have had on USAO is extensive. I’m thrilled to see this partnership recognized by the state regents," Vinyard said. "Reagan exemplifies the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of USAO as a successful entrepreneur and alumnus. This partnership is a great example of the prolific impact collaboration can have on a community, a culture, and education."
About the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma
As Oklahoma’s liberal arts college, the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma provides a distinctive education in the liberal arts and sciences, supporting both its interdisciplinary core curriculum and major fields of study with superior teaching. USAO fosters diversity of thought and practice to help students realize meaningful, purposeful and productive lives as global citizens in a rapidly-changing world.