Former RSU President Inducted into Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame
RSU President Emeritus Dr. Larry Rice was among those inducted into the 2024 class of the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame by the Oklahoma Higher Education Heritage Society.
Held Nov. 4 in the Nigh University Center’s Grand Ballroom at the University of Central Oklahoma, this was the Oklahoma Higher Education Heritage Society’s 30th annual induction ceremony and banquet, at which Rice and eight other educators of note were inducted.
Rice served as RSU’s president from 2008 until his retirement from the position in July 2024. Prior to this, he served from 2004-2008 as executive assistant to the president at the University of Tulsa.
Of the honor, Rice previously said, “It is an incredible honor to be selected by your peers for induction (into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame). It’s one of the highest honors you can receive – to be recognized for your lifetime commitment to education, in my case, higher education.
“I’m very appreciative of those individuals that nominated me,” he added.
Other 2024 inductees included John F. Barthell, who served as Provost and vice president for academic affairs at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO); James and Ann Halligan, who served at OSU together for nine years; Joseph Harroz, Jr., who has served at the University of Oklahoma for more than 27 years in various roles including currently as president; John M. McArthur, who served as president of Cameron University for 11 years after serving nine years as dean of the School of Science and Technology; Clyde Montgomery, Jr., who served as vice president of academic affairs at Langston University for 12 years; Marion Paden, who has served more than 40 years in higher education; Dr. Robert (Bob) Spurrier, professor emeritus of political science and director emeritus of the Honors College at OSU; and Russell D. Vaught, whose daughter, Laurie Majors accepted his medallion and certificate posthumously.
The Oklahoma Higher Education Heritage Society was established in 1991 as a nonprofit to support awareness of higher education’s vital role in Oklahoma history and to honor individuals, living and deceased, for outstanding service to higher education in the state.
Since its establishment in 1994, the society has inducted over 300 educators, administrators and others who have made distinguished contributions to higher education. The inductees’ bios of their distinguished contributions to Oklahoma higher education will be available for viewing in the higher education kiosk at the Oklahoma History Center.
Oklahoma Higher Education Historical Society 2024 Hall of Fame inductees were John F. Barthell (from left); Clyde Montgomery, Jr.; Joseph Harris, Jr.; Larry D. Rice; Ann Halligan; Marion Paden; John M. McArthur; Robert L. Spurrier, Jr.; and Laurie Majors for her father Russell D. Vaught.
RSU Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Richard Beck Honored at Retirement Reception
Friends, family, RSU faculty and staff members turned out recently to honor retiring vice president for academic affairs (VPAA) Dr. Richard Beck.
Held Friday, Dec. 13, the retirement reception recognized Dr. Beck’s 16 years of service to the university and higher education as RSU’s VPAA.
According to RSU Interim President Dr. Mark Rasor, VPAA is one of the most important positions on a university campus.
Of his time at the university, Beck expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to serve at RSU.
Rasor then presented Beck with a timepiece on behalf of the university, in appreciation of his 16 years of service.
Prior to coming to Rogers State University in 2008, Beck served at Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas, in the capacity of associate vice president for academic and student affairs, interim dean of enrollment management, and interim head of the Department of Art and Music.
Before that, he was employed at Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, Texas, as assistant professor of music, associate professor of music, chair of the Department of Music and Drama, director of the Teaching and Learning Center, and professor of music.
He earned a Doctor of Musical Arts in performance and pedagogy from the University of Iowa in Iowa City. He also earned a Master of Music in performance (orchestral instrument/ French horn) from the University of North Texas. He completed a Bachelor of Music in applied music (theory/ composition) from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Following Beck’s retirement, Academic Dean Dr. Susan Willis will serve as interim vice president for academic affairs until a full-time replacement is named.
RSU CyberCats Earn National Ranking in National Cyber League
Now in its second year, Rogers State University’s cybersecurity team has received national ranking by the National Cyber League (NCL).
Based upon individual and team game scores in the fall 2024 semester, the cybersecurity team – the CyberCats – finished 78th nationally out of 550 colleges and universities in the Cyber Power Rankings.
By semester’s end, RSU fielded three teams with a total of 17 student in the competitions, with the “A” team placing in the top 5 percent and RSU ranking in the top 15 percent overall in NCL competitions, ranking higher larger schools such as Pennsylvania State University (ranked 79th), the University of Idaho (ranked 81st), New Mexico State University (ranked 83rd), George Washington University (ranked 84th) and Texas A&M University – San Antonio (ranked 88th), among others.
CyberCats team members include Khai Nguyen, Courtney Townsend, Alyssa Allen, Sarah Karamitis, Sayre Bennett, Reece Dodosn, Colt Grubbs, Jacob Price, Luke Lawson, Ryder Stockholm, Eunice Murillo, Connor Dilks, Bailey Kleeman, Kamden Hooker, Marcus Fortkamp, Nghi Nguyen, and My Le .
The National Cyber Leage (NCL) is an inclusive, performancebased, learning-centered collegiate cybersecurity competition. NCL is open to high school and college students and is a community and virtual training ground in which students hone their technical cybersecurity skills.
NCL competitions provide students with hands-on experience in solving real-world cybersecurity challenges, such as identifying hackers through forensic data, performing penetration testing and auditing vulnerable websites, recovering from ransomware attacks, and more. Competition modules included “Open-Source Intelligence,” “Cryptography,” “Password Cracking,” “Log Analysis,” “Forensics,” “Scannind and Reconnaissance,” “Web Application Exploitation,” and “Enumeration and Exploitation.”
STEM@RSU Campaign Kickoff Celebration Held November 20
Rogers State University entered the final stretch of fundraising for the new Center for Science and Technology (CST) with the STEM@RSU Campaign kickoff celebration this week.
Held Wednesday, Nov. 20 in the Dr. Carolyn Taylor Center Ballroom, this event heralded the public phase of fundraising to raise the final $4 million in private support needed for the construction and the equipping of this transformational new facility on the Claremore campus.
The effort was boosted by an announcement from Misty Choat, chair of the Rogers State University Foundation, that its board of directors has pledged $1 million to match campaign gifts dollar-for-dollar, until the $1 million is exhausted.
Several special guests spoke during the event, addressing the need for the new facility and its impact on current and future generations. First among these was Rogers State University Interim President Dr. Mark Rasor.
“Today is truly a great day on the Hill,” Dr. Rasor said. “This is a huge day. A new Center for Science and Technology is something we’ve needed on campus for many years. When students come on campus, we give them a tour, and something we tend to exclude (on the tour) is our current lab building, because it is outdated, so the need for this new facility is critical.”
The Center for Science and Technology (CST) has been a critical need at RSU for several years. The current home for RSU’s science and technology programs – Loshbaugh Hall – was constructed in 1955 when the school was a two-year institution with a small enrollment and is no longer able to meet the demand of today’s more advanced STEM courses, new academic programs, and the university’s growing enrollment. The facility has numerous significant maintenance issues and renovation has been deemed not to be cost-effective.
The new facility will include state of the art instructional labs, research labs, active-learning spaces, collaboration spaces and “maker spaces,” which are hands-on spaces to make, create and innovate projects and technologies of all types.
Bryan Warner (left), Todd Rice (center), Dr. Larry Rice (right)
New Space Benefits RSU Community Members with Sensory Issues
A new space at Rogers State University is now available for use by the RSU community to help those with sensory issues to manage stress and reduce potential anxiety.
This semester, the university will open a dedicated space to accommodate those with unique sensory needs.
By definition, a sensory room is a space that uses various objects and equipment to engage the senses and help people regulate their emotions and behavior, helping to reduce anxiety and overstimulation.
Resources in the room include items for tactile and audio stimulation, comfortable seating, weighted blankets, a bubble wall, which features a transparent panel filled with water where air is pumped through to create a stream of rising bubbles illuminated by LED lights, and much more.
Items within the room were purchased with remaining funds from the previous fiscal year, and the space had previously been a disused storage room but was converted into the new sensory room by members of RSU’s physical plant team. RSU’s Sensory Room is located in room 245B of the Health Sciences Building on RSU’s Claremore campus.
RSU ‘GOLD’ Cadets Complete Officer Candidate School, Receive Promotions to 2nd Lieutenant
Three Rogers State University GOLD Program cadets have been promoted to the rank of second lieutenant as graduates of the Officer Candidate School program.
David Defranc-Ponce, Blake Michael Novar and Shailey Evans were promoted in a ceremony held during the Oklahoma Military Academy reunion weekend, Sept. 20-21, at Rogers State University in Claremore. All three students are in the GOLD (Guard Officer Leadership Development) Program, the premier leadership program for Oklahoma National Guard soldiers attending Rogers State University and have completed Officer Candidate School (OCS). OCS prepares recruits for the challenges of officer life, from managing others to understanding military culture and law.
As Officer Candidate School graduates, the cadets are federally commissioned as second lieutenants, and once they graduate from Rogers State University, they will return to a unit to complete Basic Officer Leadership Course and become fully qualified lieutenants in the field of their choice.
Members of Rogers State University’s President’s Leadership Class (PLC) recently participated in an outreach program to serve Tulsa’s homeless population.
“Night Light Tulsa,” held every Thursday night under the bridge at Maybelle Avenue and Reconciliation Way, is an opportunity for volunteers to build relationships with those experiencing homelessness and those in need.
PLC volunteers participated in the outreach Oct. 10, serving food and refreshments, talking with people, praying for them, and caring for and supporting the homeless population.
According to PLC Student Community Coordinator Kaylee Biersdorfer, more than a dozen PLC members were involved.
Night Light Tulsa is an outreach of City Lights (Tulsa) Foundation of Oklahoma, which is a nonprofit organization that has been bringing hope and dignity to those experiencing homelessness since 2013 through relational service and dignified housing.
RSU Biology Professor Reflects on Decades of Field Trips
RSU biology Professor Keith Martin is no stranger to field trips.
Over the course of his 35-plus years in education, Martin estimates he’s taken student groups into the field at least 500 times to experience what they’ve been studying outside of a textbook.
But his most recent trip – to the Pearl Jackson Crosstimbers Preserve in Creek County – marks his final outing, as this is Martin’s last semester at Rogers State University.
“This (fall 2024) semester is my last on the ground – I’ll do a little more online work – I have some seniors whose capstone projects I’ll still be supervising, but (wife) Lisa and I are planning a move to Colorado to be closer to our daughter and four grandkids there,” Dr. Martin said. “So, after decades of taking students out into the field, my most recent one was my last one.”
Martin said he first started the practice of taking groups of students on science-related field trips in the mid-80s when he was a junior high teacher in Owasso.
“We had a science club – this was in the fall of 1986 – and I took a group of my students to Black Mesa,” he recalled. “The students loved the experience, and I quickly learned how impactful it is for students to have a tactile experience with the things they’re reading about in class. It gives them a whole new dimension to subject matter.”
After coming to work at RSU – when it was still Rogers State College –Martin continued the practice of leading field trips – some of them day trips, some overnight – to introduce students to the material in a real-life setting.
“Whenever I took a group out (into the field), I wouldn’t lecture them or ‘instruct’ them – it was always just the opportunity for them to gain an appreciation for nature and biology that they couldn’t get in the classroom, it changes their concept of life forms from the theoretical to the practical. There’s no way for them to fully get that without the kind of hands-on interactions they have in the field.”
During Martin’s most recent field trip, his students studied plant life (“Much easier to catch than animals,” he joked), although he’s taken several groups to dig crystals, trap, observe, and release wildlife, and more. “It’s not uncommon for the students to chase snakes, lizards, bats, birds, rats, especially kangaroo rats, which are little desert rats with long tails
and big hind feet,” he said. “The students always have protection and always take care of the animals they study before they’re released again. It’s really an effective way for them to appreciate the plants or animals we’re in the field to study.”
Over the years, Martin has made numerous trips to Black Mesa, the Salt Plains, Broken Bow and “all over the state,” as well as the occasional trip to Colorado, with each trip being as unique and memorable as the students within the groups.
“I’ve gone on a lot of great trips – I regularly hear back from former students of mine who tell me that these field trips were their favorite part of college, which is always nice to hear, very touching,” he said. “One of the coolest things alumni will write to remind me about is me taking them to a cave in Freedom (Oklahoma) and watching about a million bats emerge – it’s a phenomenal site, a remarkable wildlife viewing opportunity that they never forget, one which goes on for about an hour and is an experience everyone should have.”
As Martin reflects on the countless field trips taken, he said he’s thankful for all the professional and personal relationships to have come from his time at RSU, as well as deeply appreciative for the university’s support.
“The institution has always been very kind, very supportive of encouraging opportunities, such as the many field trips taken over the years, for the students to have a unique learning experience,” he said. “I’m deeply appreciative, knowing it’s ultimately the students who benefit the most.”
During his time at RSU, Dr. Martin served as instructor of biology, assistant professor of biology, associate professor of biology, professor of biology and department head of the Department of Mathematics and Science. From 2008 to 2023, he served as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (formerly the School of Arts and Sciences).
Although he said he’ll miss Rogers State University, it’s the “right time” for he and his wife to make the move to Colorado.
“I’m excited about being a taxi for the kids,” he said. “I’m hoping to continue some of my research after we move – there’s a lot of research opportunities with bats, so I’d like to pursue that, and maybe do some online instruction – that, and a lot of hiking, a little mountain biking and skiing. We have another child who lives in Oklahoma, so we will be back to visit, but I’m looking forward to this next chapter in my life.”
RSU is grateful to Dr. Martin for his decades of service and the enduring impact he made on students, faculty and staff during his career on the the Hill.
RSU Criminal Justice Grad
Finishes Tulsa Police Department Academy with Top Honors
Rogers State University alumnus Hunter Brown recently completed his training at the Tulsa Police Academy, where the former Hillcat finished with top scholar honors.
Collinsville native Brown graduated from RSU with a degree in criminal justice, after which, he went through the 30-weeklong Tulsa Police Academy, graduating at a ceremony held Dec. 13 at the Tulsa Police Training Center.
Attending the ceremony were Gerry Bender, criminal justice assistant professor, and Rob Turner, criminal justice assistant professor and Criminal Officer Program (COP) director.
Brown began his first shift of field training Tuesday, Dec. 17, under the guidance of Field Training Officer Triston Morris, also a Rogers State University graduate.
RSU Honors 34 Nursing Graduates at Pinning Ceremony
Dec. 13
Rogers State University honored its 41st graduating class of nurses – the university’s first fall cohort – at the Nursing Pinning Ceremony held Friday, Dec. 13, at First Baptist Church in Claremore.
Dr. Carla Lynch, associate dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions, began the ceremony with the welcoming of students, guests and audience members, after which, RSU Interim President Dr. Mark Rasor made opening remarks.
Honor graduates were then acknowledged by Assistant Professor and MSN Coordinator Amber Sanchez, who recognized Sylvia Angote as the Fall 2024 Outstanding Nursing Graduate. Nursing Instructor Sheryl Klenovich recognized Callie Sellers as the Fall 2024 Distinguished Nursing Graduate.
Nursing pins were then presented to graduating nurses by assistant professors Tonya Ballone, Dr. Cassandra Barrow and LeeAnn Sipes.
Fall 2024 nursing graduates included Muna Adhikari, Alyissa Harry, Meagan Ready, Sylvia Angote, Brooklyn Hinton, Sara Rowan, Sarah Ball, Audrey Jackson, Callie Sellers, Isabela Barbosa, Sasha Lowther, Viktoriia Smith, Kolby Bauer, Ashlyn Lundholm, Bailee Tabor, Addison Beck, Layne Mannon, Yee Thao, Audrey Bedford, Carlee Marcum, Darcy Tolbert, Haley Eckert, Faith Melton, Laura VanCleave, Amaka Etumudor, Carli Mettry, Jordan Walker, Lauren Fisher, Parker Minick, April Warren, Cassie Fleming, Amira Pendergraff, Mai Yang and Desiree Queen.
Following the presentation of pins, Nursing Instructor Caitlyn Thomas led the graduates in the recitation of the Florence Nightingale Pledge, in which, the group pledged to practice their profession faithfully, do all in their power to maintain and elevate the standards of the nursing profession, and to dedicate themselves to the welfare of those committed to their care.
Lynch then congratulated the newly pinned nurses and wished them much success in their chosen profession and in life.
RSU Assistant Professor Gerry Bender (left) and Assistant Professor Rob Turner (right) congratulate RSU alumnus Hunter Brown (center) for the recent completion of his training at the Tulsa Police Academy. Collinsville native Bowen finished his training with top scholar honors.
Tribal Nation Flag Event Raises Awareness of RSU’s Support of Indigenous Students
Rogers State University held an event to raise awareness of RSU’s support of its Native American students and to highlight the number of tribal Nations represented at the university.
Hosted by RSU Student Affairs, the event took place Tuesday, Nov. 19, in the Dr. Carolyn Taylor Center on RSU’s Claremore campus. It featured numerous guest speakers, who discussed their respective journeys and how their Nation has supported them at RSU.
Speakers included Indian Women’s Pocahontas Club administrator Debra West, who discussed the history of the Pocahontas Club, its connection to Will Rogers, and its partnerships with RSU, and RSU’s Native American Student Association (NASA) RSU faculty advisor Rebekah Warren, who acknowledged the Tribal Council members present and discussed her involvement in and the activities of NASA.
Also speaking were RSU students Jaxen Smith and Cate Campbell, and graduate student and Miss Oklahoma Collegiate Seyton Thomas.
The last student to speak was Seyton Thomas, who spoke about using her platform in the beauty pageant realm to encourage people to overcome the cycles of poverty and drug addiction.
Thomas then discussed how she uses her platform in the beauty pageant realm to educate and raise awareness on breaking the cycles of poverty and substance abuse, working with non-profit organizations and caring for others and the rising homeless population.
The event concluded with all attendees converging at the DCTC’s rotunda to review the collection of Tribal Nation flags – currently, 19,
with more to be added – to acknowledge and honor the university’s Native American presence.
Shortly thereafter, event attendees were invited to Chapman Dining Hall to enjoy a meal with a traditional Native American theme.
As of the fall 2024 semester, there are 941 students enrolled at Rogers State University that are citizens of one or more of 28 Tribal Nations, signifying 28.8 percent of the total number of students (3,258) currently enrolled.
RSU students Cate Campbell (left), Jaxen Smith and graduate student and Miss Oklahoma Collegiate Seyton Thomas.
RSU to Award 22 Hours of Nursing Credit to CareerTechTrained LPN’s
Rogers State University, along with more than half a dozen other Oklahoma universities, has entered into an articulation agreement with the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education (CareerTech) to address the ongoing nursing shortage in the state.
On Nov. 6, 2024, the State Regents and CareerTech signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish guidelines for fouryear universities such as RSU to award students credit for prior learning in practical nursing programs at technology centers across the state.
According to, Dr. Carla Lynch, associate dean, School of Nursing and Health Professions at RSU, the agreement will help remove
barriers to students, making it easier for LPNs (Licensed Practical Nurses) to advance in their educational journeys.
An articulation agreement is a formal partnership between two or more colleges or universities that outlines how credits earned at one institution will be accepted at another.
Through the agreement, RSU will award at least 22 college credit hours to CareerTech students who pass the LPN NCLEX exam.
“This agreement effectively gives incoming nursing students a minimum of 22 credit hours – arguably saving them a semester and a half – towards their education, once they pass their LPN licensure exams,” Lynch said. “This will be a huge help to our students to move upwards in their nursing careers, while receiving some of the best instruction and support services available here at Rogers State University.”
According to Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, the agreement “reflects the strong alignment between our higher ed and career technology centers, and that’s going to help every nursing student achieve their goals” through the creation of a “seamless process for students completing their nursing degree.”
Applicants must have a valid, unencumbered practical nursing license to practice within the state and meet all respective university or program admission requirements.
This new agreement supersedes previous memorandums of understanding developed between individual institutions and technology center partners. In total, 28 technology centers offering practical nursing programs – including Northeast Technology Center’s campuses in Claremore and Pryor – are participating in the new agreement.
RSU Robotics Team Finishes 7th at the LEEP Higher VEX University Robotics Competition
Rogers State University’s competitive robotics team finished in 7th place at the recent LEEP Higher VEX University Robotics Competition (VURC) in Lawrence, Kansas.
Held Nov. 23 at the University of Kansas, this regional event allowed robotics teams from nationally known universities and institutions to compete against one another on a national platform, showcasing their technical prowess, teamwork, and innovation in robotics, design and programming.
RSU’s team – the RoboClaws – made it to the quarterfinals, where they ultimately finished in 7th place out of 14 teams, beating larger teams which included the University of Nebraska and Texas Tech.
According to RoboClaws advisor and Technology and Justice Studies Department Head Dr. Curtis Sparling, the team performed well and is already making plans for their next competition.
RSU’s competitive robotics team, the RoboClaws
Hillcats athletics off to a great start to the 2024-25 season
Women’s Cross Country earned their first-ever bid to the NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championships. They finished in 22nd place out of 34 schools with 554 points and an average time of 22:27.2 in the 6k race.
Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Head Coach Matt Kennedy was named MIAA Coach of the Year after guiding the Hillcats to a second place finish at the MIAA Championships and a fifth place finish at the NCAA Central Region Championships as well as their first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division II National Championships.
Men’s Soccer made their first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division II National Tournament in Saginaw Valley, Mich. The Hillcats won their first round game in a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory over rival Southern Nazarene with Marcos Vasallo firing home the golden goal on a penalty kick in the 94th minute. RSU eventually fell to Saginaw Valley State in a penalty shootout in the second round.
Men’s Soccer Head Coach Derek Larkin was named the GAC/MIAA Coach of the Year in his final season on the sidelines after leading the Hillcats to their first-ever national tournament bid. He and his coaching staff were also named the United Soccer Coaches (USC) Central Region Coaching Staff of the Year.
Marcos Vasallo was named a D2CCA Second Team All-American after leading the Hillcats with 11 goals and four assists. The Madrid, Spain native was instrumental in leading RSU to their first NCAA Tournament win, scoring the deciding goal on a penalty kick in overtime against rival Southern Nazarene.
Trindon Turner was named a College Sports Communicators Academic All-American for the second year in a row. A Business Administration major from Edmond, Okla., Turner earned the prestigious honor by holding a sterling 4.00 GPA and was only one of 11 student-athletes among the 35 total honorees with a perfect GPA.
Jake Simpson was promoted to Head Men’s Soccer Coach, taking over for Derek Larkin who stepped away from coaching at the end of the 2024 season. One of RSU Athletics’ favorite sons, Simpson previously served as associate head coach and an assistant under Larkin and had one of the most prolific careers in school history as a player, earning AllAmerican and Academic All-American honors.
Men’s Basketball got off to a hot start to the 2024-25 season with a 9-3 record in the non-conference portion of the schedule. This stretch included two impressive firsts for the program with their first win over an NCAA Division I school in the 69-68 win over Oral Roberts in an exhibition matchup and the first win over a Top 10 team as they took down No. 9 North Georgia with a dominant 67-52 victory in San Antonio, Texas.
