Walking into the Sunrise Ballroom, nearly 100 students gathered for the annual President’s Leadership Class (PLC) Retreat at OKANA in Oklahoma City. As students met one another, their smiles grew bigger and bigger. They discovered a welcoming community and felt excited for the rest of the trip.
“The PLC quickly becomes a family where students grow as leaders, form lasting connections, and set the stage for success,” said Dr. Kirby Harzman, RSC Vice President for Student Affairs. “The retreat is where it all begins and is the best place to discover more about their peers and Rose State College, and, of course, have fun!”
RSC hosts one of the most prestigious leadership classes in the state, developing students into leaders through mentoring, financial support, and individualized academic plans guided by an advisor.
“PLC at Rose State is something students work so hard to be a part of,” said Paige Stramski, Director of Student Engagement. “It provides students with opportunities to grow in their academic, social, emotional, and leadership skills—all while having an advisor who case manages you during your entire time as a student.”
During the retreat, students met new peers, joined group activities, played in the waterpark, and explored campus resources.
One of the first activities asked students to take an Enneagram Test to discover their personality numbers. After finishing the quiz, advisors divided the students into groups by number, one through nine. Students collaborated on tasks such as creating a list of likes and dislikes that everyone agreed on or creating a team poster to represent their number. Then, the groups presented their posters to the entire room. From coordinated dances to synchronized cheers, students had a blast, and laughter filled the room.
Advisors also gave students free time to enjoy the indoor waterpark at OKANA. They faced their fears on the slides, surfed in the simulator, splashed in the wave pool, and enjoyed many other thrilling activities. After the waterpark, students headed back to the ballroom for board games.
On Friday morning, campus representatives shared RSC resources available for students. Dr. Anita Poole-Endsley spoke about the RSC Foundation and the importance of writing thank-you notes, Dr. Emily Wise talked about counseling services and mental health tips for college students, and Dr. Emily Stacey emphasized the importance of community involvement.
Students also took photos with their small groups and the entire PLC group.
The most important part of the PLC Retreat came during small group time. Students connected with peers and advisors throughout the two-day retreat. They shared fears and concerns in a safe space and received advice to help alleviate those worries.
“The retreat is important to give these students time to bond with new and returning PLC members and their advisors,” Stramski said. “It humanizes the idea of college and the PLC program.”
For some PLC advisors, the retreat felt like a full-circle moment. Many advisors once sat where the students sit now. Today, they lead on campus, and much of their success traces back to their own PLC experience.
“The President’s Leadership Class is an incredible opportunity for students to build strong campus connections, develop leadership skills, and pave their path to academic success,” Dr. Harzman said. “I feel very grateful to be part of a campus community that comes together to support this program and make it all possible.”
PLC applications open on January 1 with a March 1 priority deadline. Visit the President’s Leadership Class Scholarship or contact the Student Engagement Office at 405-733-7372 to learn more.