The mission of OPSU is to provide higher education primarily for people of the Oklahoma Panhandle and surrounding areas through academic programs, cultural enrichment, lifelong learning experiences, and public service activities. The educational experiences are designed to prepare students for roles in agriculture, business, education, government, and industry and to enrich their personal lives. OPSU’s vision for the future is to build on its legacy of educational quality and service, while addressing emerging challenges and opportunities. OPSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The University is an institutional member of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education and the Oklahoma System of Higher Education. It is approved by the Oklahoma State Board of Education for the preparation of elementary and secondary teachers. OPSU prides itself in adhering to the Drug-Free Work Place Act of 1988. OPSU is located at Goodwell, Texas County, in the central part of the Oklahoma Panhandle, approximately two hundred and seventy-five miles northwest of Oklahoma City. Major airline service is available through Amarillo, Texas (120 miles south of Goodwell). The elevation of the campus--3,306 feet above sea level--provides a healthful climate and particularly cool summers. The territory surrounding Goodwell is well known for the production of wheat, feed grains, livestock, and underground natural gas. The University is within easy driving distance of historical and scenic sites in Oklahoma and surrounding states. The ski slopes of New Mexico and Colorado are less than a half day’s drive from the campus. Water skiing and fishing spots are within easy driving distance from Goodwell. The region abounds in hunting opportunities.