Rose State College Hosts Tower Awards Banquet to Celebrate Outstanding Contributors Published December 13, 2024

Rose State College celebrates the achievements and contributions of its dedicated community at the college’s annual Tower Awards Banquet. The event honors college donors who are instrumental in funding student scholarships and awards those who have made a lasting impact on the RSC community. RSC recognized two exemplary individuals with the 2024 Tower Awards: Cindy Mikeman, Vice President for Foundation and Resource Development, and Lance Newbold, Vice President for Student Affairs. 

“What makes Rose State so special are the dedicated faculty and staff members who have contributed to the college's success throughout the years,” said Rose State President Dr. Jeanie Webb. “With the Tower Awards, we recognize select individuals who have gone above and beyond to support the college’s mission to promote lifelong learning.” 

About the Tower Awards

The Tower Awards were established in 2010 during Rose State College’s 40th anniversary to honor individuals who have significantly contributed to the college and its mission. These awards highlight those who recognize RSC’s impact on the communities of Midwest City and Del City and the great state of Oklahoma. 

The Tower Awards serve as a reminder of the dedication, leadership, and community spirit that make RSC a beacon of higher education in Oklahoma. This year’s recipients, Cindy Mikeman and Lance Newbold embody the values and mission of Rose State through their tireless work and enduring impact. Both Mikeman and Newbold announced their retirement from RSC in 2025 after more than a decade of service to students. 

2024 Tower Award Recipients

Cindy Mikeman – Vice President for Foundation and Resource Development

Proud graduate of Midwest City High School and Oscar Rose Junior College, Cindy Mikeman earned a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University and a master’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma and has dedicated her life to education and community service. With an illustrious 33-year career in elementary and secondary education within the Mid-Del School District, Cindy earned numerous accolades, including being named Site Teacher of the Year at both the elementary and middle school levels. She was also honored as one of Mid-Del’s Top 5 Teachers, a testament to her commitment and excellence in the field. 

After retiring from teaching, Mikeman embarked on a new journey as the Executive Director of the Rose State College Resource Development and Foundation in 2012. In this role, she channels her passion into organizing various Foundation events, overseeing the Atkinson Heritage Center, managing Grants and Contracts, and leading the Empower program. Her work focuses on advancing Rose State College by raising funds for student scholarships, faculty enhancements, and campus naming opportunities—work she considers a privilege.

Mikeman’s dedication extends beyond her professional endeavors. She is an active member of several civic organizations, including the Midwest City and Oklahoma City Chambers of Commerce, Midwest City Rotary Club, Junior Service League, Midwest City Garden Council, and the SSM Health St. Anthony Foundation. She also served as a Trustee on the Alliance Health Midwest Hospital Board, reflecting her commitment to enhancing the community. 

A lifelong resident of Midwest City, Mikeman cherishes her roots and the relationships she’s cultivated. She and her late husband Keith raised two daughters and are the proud grandparents of two granddaughters. Mikeman treasures time with her family, whether at home, enjoying the lake, or traveling together. 

Lance Newbold – Vice President for Student Affairs

A native of Boone, Iowa, Lance Newbold has served as Vice President for Student Affairs at Rose State College since January 2017. A graduate of Central College in Pella, Iowa, with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management, Newbold also earned a Master of Science in Logistics Management from the Air Force Institute of Technology. 

Newbold’s 26-year military career in the U.S. Army included assignments in Korea, Germany, the UK, Kuwait, and Iraq. He concluded his service as the Professor of Military Science at the University of Central Oklahoma’s Army ROTC program. Joining Rose State in 2012 as the Coordinator of Veteran Services, Newbold then became Director of Veteran Services and Academic Advisement. 

An active leader in education and the community, Newbold has served as the Past President of the Oklahoma Association of Veterans Coordinators and Counselors and the Past Chair of the Council on Student Affairs for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. He is also a Del City Chamber of Commerce board member and volunteers with the English as a Second Language program at Henderson Hills Baptist Church. 

Newbold and his wife, Margell, reside in Oklahoma and are proud parents of two sons, Tristan and Cade, both college graduates.