Discussion of Results
1. To assess where 1998 and 1999 graduates move once they receive a baccalaureate
There is a strong spatial focus on Oklahoma and Texas where well over 50% of OU graduates move after receiving a baccalaureate. Students move to Florida, California, and out of the U.S. before moving within the region. This is either due to where the jobs are or were the perceived jobs are located. Oklahoma has a migration effectiveness of -20% in the case of OU graduates. Oklahoma is loosing 20% of its graduates each year to Texas and other enticing states.
2. To explain what influences graduates' decisions to live somewhere
Economic opportunity is cited most often as the top reason to move to a location. Students rank it first 44 % of the time and rank proximity to family first 22% of the time. Calculation of the propensity of students to return to their state or country of origin show that 69% do not return.
Students who are from Oklahoma and who plan to remain in Oklahoma (31%) rank economic opportunity as the top reason for their locational decision 41% of the time. Proximity to family is ranked first 30% of the time, which is higher than average. Large numbers of these students, 11% above average, are receiving a professional studies degree in either Health and Sports Sciences or Journalism and Mass Communication. The second largest number of students, 6% above average, are receiving a business degree. This indicates there are jobs in Oklahoma for these two majors. A small number of students are receiving an engineering degree, 10% below average. Either the engineering jobs are elsewhere, they perceive they are elsewhere, or there are other factors at play.
Non-Oklahomans who are staying in Oklahoma (10%) rank economic opportunity as the top reason 45% of the time and proximity to family 20% of the time. Little analysis was viable due to a small sample size.
The total number of students leaving Oklahoma (59%) rank economic opportunities first 48% of the time and proximity to family only 18% of the time. This may be directly tied to their decision to move out of state. Large numbers of these students, 14% above average, are receiving an engineering degree. All other areas of study are very near the average. Therefore, the non-spatial focus seen in both maps is partially related to the location, or perceived location, of engineering jobs.
3. To explore the general attitude towards Oklahoma
Oklahoma is seen in certain ways by the other states in the U.S.; some see Oklahoma as a place where there are cowboys and Indians, others think of Will Rodgers, others think of religion. One exasperated student felt that Oklahoma's image should be changed. She said, "Image! I hate when you travel out of this region of the country, people think that because I am from Oklahoma that I ride horses and fight Indians and the only exciting thing that happens here are tornadoes."
"In June 1989, while in New York City, the senior author was sitting on a bench in one of Manhattan's small parks. A woman psychologist recognized him and sat down. Almost immediately she said to him that she had been born, reared, educated, and made her clinical practice in Manhattan, and that she had always wanted to go to Oklahoma and see the simpler, farming life. She spoke of Oklahoma with a glow in her voice and a gleam in her eye: "I always like the Rodgers and Hammerstein show, and I imagined that Oklahoma was really like that. I've never done much traveling, but the thought of all those friendly people, the slower pace, the wonderful weather, farming, and all that space- these appeal to me. I've always wanted to visit Oklahoma and see it for myself." The compelling power of the folklore of Oklahomaness could not be more poignantly stated" (Stein and Thompson, 1991).
This non-Oklahoman perception of the state is examined along with what Oklahomans themselves identify with in The Sense of Oklahomaness: Contributions of Psychogeography to the Study of American Culture. Stein and Thompson discuss the Dust Bowl, cowboys, football, religion, and the symbolism of agriculture. Oklahoma is the "heartland versus the coast, local versus cosmopolitan, and [the] moral-religious equivalent of "God's Country" versus "the Devil's Country" (Stein and Thompson, 1991). Oklahoma has developed a cultural identity of its own distinct from the ideals of non-Oklahomans.
What do OU graduates think about Oklahoma though? The last two questions on the survey were two of the most interesting. The most frequently cited "like" of Oklahoma was the friendliness of people. An overwhelming majority of the students who like the friendliness of the people, are from Oklahoma! Others like Oklahoma because it's home and it's familiar. Many like the climate and the low cost of living. Several are fond of the small town feeling, the slower pace of life, and the peace and quiet. "It's a good place to raise a family" several wrote. OU and Tulsa were also stated as good things about Oklahoma. Perhaps all of the some of the romanticized stereotypes are true.
The question, "Do you feel there are things that could be better about Oklahoma? If so, what?" received by far the most varied and strong reactions among participants. Many feel Oklahoma's cities need to have more of a city atmosphere with more things to do, better night life, and more cultural activities such as museums, festivals, theatre, and dance. The other most frequent response is that Oklahoma needs to bring in more industry and businesses. A handful felt the need for diversification in business such as high tech. industry. "Oklahoma needs to look for a replacement for the oil industry," said one student. The next most stated, and most often stated strongly, was that Oklahoma is "too conservative, politically and culturally". Some seemed offended, "Do not try to extend your morals on me," and others feel Oklahoma is "too religiously conservative and narrow-minded. Oklahoma does not foster the growth of the individual. It tends to encourage conformity to the norms it considers correct." Others want better roads and better weather, but I don't know how much the state can do about the latter!
These perceptions show another dimension where Oklahoma and its cities could concentrate efforts in order to retain graduates. Migrations in general require the prerequisite of dissatisfaction with the current location. If graduates are satisfied with Oklahoma, they will be more likely to stay here.
Conclusion
The loss of OU graduates to other states is a concern for the cities and the states that depend on educated citizens for their viability. A detailed examination of the "brain drain" can help to target solutions. The first two recommended steps that could be taken after analyzing and understanding this data are:
Perception may be more of a factor than real opportunities. A more detailed investigation is needed to better understand the trends of college graduate migration. Future research could include:
References
List of Figures
