Swiss watch companies sign deal with OSU-Okmulgee

<br>(Okmulgee-AP) -- Executives from the watch industry in Switzerland were in Okmulgee Tuesday to sign a $500,000 agreement with Oklahoma State University-Okmulgee. <br><br>OSU-Okmulgee spokeswoman Doreen

Tuesday, August 20th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Okmulgee-AP) -- Executives from the watch industry in Switzerland were in Okmulgee Tuesday to sign a $500,000 agreement with Oklahoma State University-Okmulgee.

OSU-Okmulgee spokeswoman Doreen White says the money will help increase the number of students in the watch technician program. The school currently limits the number of students in the program to about two dozen.

OSU-Okmulgee President Bob Klabenes says Swiss watch makers estimate there is a shortage of about 2,500 watchmakers for high-grade, luxury watches. Klabenes says the Swiss companies want the school to produce more graduates.

He says OSU-Okmulgee is one of three schools in the US fully accredited by the Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Educational Program.