Rogers State University has named two executive administrators filling roles vacated during the previous summer and fall semesters. The university named Dr. Robert Goltra as its new Vice President for Student Affairs and Dr. Mark Rasor as its Vice President for Administration and Finance. Both begin at RSU in early January.
Goltra joins the university from Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City, Missouri having over 20 years of experience in common and higher education. At MCC he was responsible for student success initiatives and engagement activities for 22,000 students across five campuses. He will lead the RSU Student Affairs division including Career Services, Counseling Services, Disability Services, Esports, Health Center, Residential Life, Student Activities, Student Development, GEAR UP and TRIO Programs.
RSU President Dr. Larry Rice said Goltra’s previous leadership roles made him a great fit for leading the university’s student affairs efforts.
“Robert brings with him proven leadership and a personal story of accomplishment that resonates with our students,” said Rice. “We are pleased to welcome him to RSU.”
Rice said that supporting students and ensuring their success outside the classroom is essential to a college education.
“At RSU, about 67% of all students are the first in their family to graduate from college. For all of our students, but especially first-generation students, it’s important that we help provide the support and resources for success,” Rice said.
A graduate of regional institutions who worked his way up to administration throughout his career, Goltra said coming to RSU was a natural fit.
“Rogers State University’s rich tradition of assisting students in achieving their educational objectives is a terrific match with my experience and passion for student success and engagement,” said Goltra. “The opportunity to collaborate with faculty and staff to further enhance the overall student experience at RSU greatly excites me. Rogers State University has a bright future and I am proud to be a member of the Hillcat family.”
Dr. Mark Rasor, V.P. for Administration and Finance
Rasor joins the university from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College in Miami, Oklahoma having most recently served as Interim President and Vice President for Fiscal Affairs. He will oversee administration and finance at RSU responsible for business affairs, administrative services, auxiliary services, the physical plant, and campus police.
“We are pleased to welcome Mark into this vital role,” said Rice. “Mark brings with him an exceptional background in leadership that will position the university for continued success.”
Rasor said that joining RSU was a an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.
“I am excited to join the RSU family,” said Rasor. “I admire the long legacy that the university represents and the educational opportunity it provides to the region.”
Tracing its roots back to 1909, RSU celebrates 20 years as an accredited institution awarding bachelor degrees this year. Six years ago the university introduced its first graduate degree, the Master of Business Administration. Today the MBA@RSU is offered completely online designed to meet the needs of professional working adults. RSU operates its main residential campus in Claremore, with additional campuses in Bartlesville, and Pryor. RSU is consistently recognized as one of the region’s most affordable colleges, with more than half of last year’s graduates earning their degree without taking a student loan.