Rose State College adds Whitney Alvis and Mahlon Smith to Workforce Development Program Published February 28, 2022

Pair to lead the Center for Workforce Excellence in Aerospace and Cybersecurity 

MIDWEST CITY (Feb. 28, 2022) – Rose State College recently hired local business leader Whitney Alvis to serve as Senior Director for the Center for Workforce Excellence in Aerospace and Cybersecurity. To direct its aerospace initiative, Rose State also hired Mahlon Smith who will take the initiative to new heights. 

“Alvis has a substantial background facilitating development across multiple industries, as well as experience in strategic planning with proven results,” Rose State President Dr. Jeanie Webb said. “Her experience is vital as we poise our aerospace and cybersecurity programs to meet the needs of these industries.”

Alvis comes into this role from her previous position at Rose State as the Director of the Small Business Development Center in which she worked to build economic development partners and provided one-on-one advising for businesses. Alvis has a Juris Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma College of Law.

“Meeting the needs of Rose State for both the aerospace and cybersecurity programs is a challenge I’m happy to undertake,” Alvis said. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to use my experience to help confront these needs head-on, and over time exceed expectations for the programs.”

Smith joins Rose State from his previous role as a Business Development Specialist at the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center. Prior to Rose State, Smith worked more than 20 years in the aerospace industry throughout his career and served in the U.S. Armed Forces. During his time in the military, Smith performed maintenance on multiple aircraft, as well as oversaw the training of junior technicians in aircraft maintenance.

“Smith is a huge addition to our aerospace program,” Dr. Webb said. “His experiences in management and the aerospace field give him a unique insight into the industry, which is vital to the direction and success of our aerospace program.”

The Center of Workforce Excellence at Rose State serves as a go-to resource for all things aerospace and cybersecurity related to moving industries forward in Oklahoma to propel our state to the next level of economic development.

To learn more about Rose State and the Aerospace and Cybersecurity Center for Workforce Excellence, visit www.trainingatrose.com.

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About Rose State College:

Rose State College is a two-year community college in Midwest City, Oklahoma. Founded in 1970, Rose State now welcomes more than 13,000 students each year. Rose State offers more than 60 different degree programs and is among the lowest cost of tuition in the State of Oklahoma.