Bobbi Gill, School of Nursing and Health Professions, was named the Dr. James D. Hess Excellence in Education Award winner.
Several Rogers State University faculty and staff members were honored by their peers at the Fall 2023 Convocation ceremony Aug. 10.
The convocation is an annual gathering of university employees prior to the beginning of classes for updates from the president and department heads, as well as to recognize outstanding faculty and staff.
Opening remarks were made by RSU President Dr. Larry Rice.
“It’s wonderful to have you all here together and back on campus as we prepare for the fall semester,” Rice began. “It’s been quite a year here at Rogers State, and we have much to be excited about for the coming academic year.
Rice touched on the change made to the university’s tuition model over the summer to a block tuition and fees rate, which allows students taking 12 or more hours per semester to pay a “flat rate,” permitting them to take more hours without increasing the cost in tuition and mandatory fees.
He further acknowledged the graduation of 600 students in May 2023 with certificates or degrees, as well as the first class – 24 students – to graduate with micro-credentials as drone pilots.
“And next week, our first cohort of chemical engineering students will begin classes here,” Rice said.
Dr. Rice also noted the addition of the university’s first spring cohort to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program on the Claremore campus, and RSU’s partnership with Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa, which will allow the university to host a cohort of nursing students on an extended campus of RSU at Saint Francis Hospital, increasing the capacity by an additional 64 students.
After further remarks, Rice gave a positive prediction for RSU’s future.
“The future is bright here at Rogers State University,” he said. “We’re so grateful for all you do to advance our mission, to care for our students, and to make this place so special. I’m excited to begin the fall semester together with you.”
Teaching awards were presented to Adjunct Professor Hailey Helmerich for Excellence in Adjunct Instruction, Instructor Hawken Grubbs for Excellence in Online Instruction, and Assistant Professor Dr. David Bath for Excellence in Classroom Instruction.
Winners of Staff Recognition Awards were Hannah Xiong (Academic Computing Services), Kendall Ragsdale (Nursing and Health Professions) and Ethan Williams (Academic Computing Services). Bobbi Gill (Nursing and Health Professions) was named the Dr. James D. Hess Excellence in Education Award winner.
Rogers State University is the Tulsa metro’s only four-year, public, residential university. Learn more and apply at www.rsu.edu.