Rogers State University was among 26 business and higher education partnerships throughout the state were recently recognized for their innovative collaborations that further the education of Oklahoma’s workforce.
The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education’s Economic Development Grant for the Partnership Recognition Program is designed to highlight successful partnerships between higher education institutions and businesses and to further cultivate the higher learning environment through State Regents’ Economic Development Grants.
Institutions involved in these partnerships provide $500 for tuition waivers to employees of the partnering businesses; internships for current students of the institutions to work at the partnering businesses; faculty externships with the partnering businesses; and/or enhancement of the partnerships with additional equipment, materials or supplies. The State Regents provide a $500 match to the waivers.
“When businesses partner with higher education, the regional and state economy wins,” said Chancellor Glen D. Johnson. “Oklahoma’s colleges and universities collaborate with businesses to provide customized education and training, and through these efforts, students receive hands-on, career-related experiences that better prepare them for today’s business world. As economic engines, higher education institutions serve as catalysts for generating ideas and business opportunities. Colleges and universities also support health and wellness initiatives through medical centers and recreational facilities that benefit not only the lives of their students but their surrounding communities.″
Rogers State University and the H.A. and Mary K. Chapman Charitable Trusts – Through the Chapman Trusts’ steady support, RSU has renovated classrooms and laboratories serving the sciences and health sciences, including building a fully equipped nursing lab on the Bartlesville campus. RSU also has upgraded these facilities with technologically up-to-date equipment for a program with more than 1,100 nursing and paramedic alumni. These graduates help address Oklahoma’s critical health care needs. Chapman support also spurred development of a bachelor’s degree program in nursing, as well as an RN bridge program that enables licensed practical nurses and paramedics to complete an RN program. The Chapman Trusts recently provided funding for the renovation and expansion of Baird Hall and funding for the construction of a residential dining facility.
More details about the partnerships are available on the State Regents’ website at www.okhighered.org/econ-dev.