Rogers State University was among 22 institutions throughout the state recently recognized for its 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 partnership with additional equipment, materials or supplies. The State Regents provide a $500 match to the waivers.
“To improve Oklahoma’s future, we need higher education and businesses to develop successful partnerships and training programs. Through these partnerships, students receive hands-on, career-related experiences and better preparation for college,” said Chancellor Glen D. Johnson. “With these partnerships in place, Oklahoma can better train future employees and strengthen its position in the global marketplace.”
RSU and the City of Claremore frequently pool resources so that residents and students have superior facilities and services. The rapid growth of the university over the last decade required significant investment in infrastructure, and the city stepped forward to make sure utilities were available. New facilities included classroom buildings, the library, student housing, athletic fields and the student center. RSU students, faculty and staff have access to the city’s state-of-the-art recreational center and hold many events at the city’s Expo Center, including Commencement. This partnership also resulted in an emergency communication system. The city provided an emergency generator, while RSU provided the tower and broadcast capabilities. The city also sponsored many events when RSU celebrated its Centennial in 2009.
More details about the partnerships will be available soon on the State Regents’ website at www.okhighered.org/econ-dev.