Rogers State University and Claremore Economic Development representatives were recently awarded Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education’s Regents Business Partnership Excellence Award. Pictured: Regent Ann Holloway (front, from left); Caitlyn Ngare and Bailey Thompson, Claremore Economic Development; Dr. Susan Willis, Rogers State University academic dean; Chancellor Allison Garrett (back, from left); Regent Jack Sherry; Dr. Curtis Sparling, RSU Technology and Justice Studies department head; and Dr. Mark Rasor, RSU vice president for administration and finance.
Rogers State University and its partnership with Claremore Economic Development were among 27 business and higher education partnerships throughout the state that were recently recognized as innovative collaborations that further the education of Oklahoma’s workforce.
The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education’s Regents Business Partnership Excellence Award is designed to highlight successful partnerships between higher education institutions, businesses, and the community to further cultivate the higher learning environment through State Regents’ Economic Development Grants.
Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, State Regents’ Chair Jack Sherry, State Regent Ann Holloway, and Chancellor Allison D. Garrett participated in the ceremony, held March 7 at the University of Central Oklahoma.
Rogers State University and Claremore Economic Development have a successful track record of working together to grow the economies of the city of Claremore and Rogers County. Through a pilot program with the Department of Commerce, the partners provided scholarships to Rogers County residents to enroll in courses leading to micro-credentials to address critical workforce needs. This initiative aims to provide a pathway for those interested in advancing their education beyond a high school diploma. In addition, Claremore Economic Development was a strong advocate for RSU’s new chemical engineering program and continues to support RSU’s initiative to serve as the host of American Legion Boys State.
RSU President Dr. Larry Rice said the partnership between the university and Claremore Economic Development is indicative of the success of educational institutions collaborating with the communities they serve.
“The partnership between Claremore Economic Development Authority and RSU certainly needs to be recognized as it is a textbook example of the collaboration that can occur between economic development and higher education,” Rice said. “This is also another example of the strong ties that exist between the Claremore community and the university.”
“It’s a true honor to be nominated for this partnership award with RSU,” said Caitlyn Ngare, talent development specialist for Claremore Economic Development. “Our collaborative efforts have been instrumental in numerous initiatives, including recruiting top talent statewide, supporting the development of programs that align with employee needs and offering accessible education options like micro-credentials. We hold in high regard the university’s impact on our local economy, and we value the quality partnerships with their administration and support of their staff. We’re grateful to provide these opportunities to the Rogers County residents and businesses we serve.”
Institutions involved in these partnerships provide $500 for tuition waivers to employees of the partnering businesses; internships that enable current students 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.
“Producing more workforce-ready graduates by partnering with the business community and connecting students to the workforce is fundamental to meeting Oklahoma’s future workforce needs,” said Chancellor Garrett. “We are proud to recognize these partnerships, which demonstrate successful collaborations with public, private and nonprofit partners to strengthen Oklahoma’s economy.”
For more information about RBPEA and this year’s partnerships, visit https://okhighered.org/econ-dev/rbpea/.