Rogers State University and moreClaremore were among 27 business and higher education partnerships throughout the state were recognized this week for their innovative collaborations that further the education of Oklahoma’s workforce.
The Regents Business Partnership Excellence Award is designed to highlight successful partnerships and to further cultivate the higher learning environment through State Regents’ Economic Development Grants. Institutions involved in these partnerships provide $500 in other financial support AND receive a matching $500 State Regents’ Economic Development Grant that is applied to tuition of an employee of the business being recognized; a paid internship for a current student of the institution to work at the business being recognized; a faculty externship with the business being recognized; or enhancement of the partnership with additional equipment, materials or supplies.
RSU nominated MoreClaremore for the award based on the media company’s deep engagement in both campus and community. MoreClaremore was established co-founders/owners Robert Melton and Amy Gordon to connect Claremore area residents with the wide variety of events, services, and initiatives happening throughout our community. From moreClaremore’s inception, RSU recognized the value this organization would bring in helping the University tells its story through their website, social media outlets, and video production. MoreClaremore has helped the university promote numerous events and on-campus opportunities, and their staff also participates in campus events such as Big Tent Day and the annual Hillcat Hacker golf tournament.
In addition to consistently spreading the word about RSU, moreClaremore has created a spirit of engaged community members which has led RSU to make numerous connections between community-related organizations and individuals. These positive partnerships help generate goodwill, enhance the “town-gown” relationship, and keep RSU at the forefront of community-related conversations.
MoreClaremore Sales and Marketing Director Travis Peck, an RSU alumnus who also serves as the announcer for RSU men’s and women’s basketball games, shared his feelings about the partnership: “At moreClaremore, we highlight the benefits of living in our small town. RSU is a major factor in what makes Claremore such a great place to live. Working together allows us to show future and current students the overall experience that comes with an education in our city. As we build each other up the appeal becomes clear and our partnership moves us all forward.”
The award was presented March 12 by Oklahoma Higher Education Chancellor Glen Johnson and Sean Kouplen, Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce and Workforce Development.
Receiving the award on behalf of MoreClaremore were co-founder/owner Amy Gordon, sales director Travis Peck, and managing editor Ashley May. Representing RSU at the event was President Dr. Larry Rice.
More details about the partnerships are available on the State Regents’ website at www.okhighered.org.