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History

Overview

Rose State College opened its doors in the fall of 1970 as ‘Oscar Rose Junior College’ with a desire to provide higher education to the community with a handful of students and only one building. Throughout the last 50 years, Rose State College has welcomed more than 270,000 students to our expanded campus of 22 buildings and a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

Rose State has been committed to preparing students to be career ready for 50 years awarding more than 23,000 degrees. 

In 2020, Rose State celebrates its 50th anniversary as a center of academic learning for students from 66 counties in Oklahoma, 34 U.S. states and 25 countries. There has never been a more exciting time in Rose State’s history and we look forward to you joining us to celebrate our golden anniversary. Stay tuned to RoseState50.com for any updated regarding the 50th anniversary! 

However, the Rose State progress is not limited to the internal assets. Rose State College has also developed multiple strategies to improve its external presence to increase its competitiveness in the modern marketplace.  These improvements include new messaging with the primary tagline: Going Somewhere Starts Here; a new, student-focused and student-friendly website; and a new branding image which is incorporated into other marketing efforts like social media, billboards, radio ads, banner ads and other media initiatives.  It is through Dr. Webb’s leadership and vision that Rose State College is positioning itself to become the first choice for students.

Rose State College Presidents

Name Term of Service
Jacob B. Johnson 1968-1972
Joe A. Leone 1972-1978
Joe T. Packnett 1978-1985
John E. Davis 1985-1986 (Interim)
Larry W. Nutter 1986-2000
James J. Cook 2000-2006
Terry D. Britton 2006-2013
Jeanie S. Webb 2013-