Rose State College Participates in Joint Celebration of Oklahoma Higher Education Day and Oklahoma’s Promise Day at the Capitol Published April 15, 2025

Rose State College joined public colleges and universities across the state at the Oklahoma State Capitol to participate in the annual Higher Education Day and Oklahoma’s Promise Day. The combined events emphasized higher education's vital role in strengthening Oklahoma’s workforce and celebrated the success of Oklahoma’s Promise scholarship program.

In a strong show of support, Rose State College organized a group visit to the Capitol that included President Dr. Jeanie Webb, faculty, staff, and students. Throughout the day, the group engaged with legislators, advocating for the importance of accessible and affordable higher education in the state.

“Rose State College is always eager to have the chance to express gratitude to legislators for their backing of higher education in Oklahoma,” said President Webb. “Recognizing the profound influence higher education has on the state’s workforce, we are grateful for the ongoing commitment of our State Regents to ensuring accessible and affordable public higher education for all Oklahomans.”

The day also emphasized the significance of Oklahoma’s Promise, a scholarship program created by the state Legislature in 1992 to expand college access for eligible families. RSC students, faculty, and staff urged lawmakers to maintain funding for Oklahoma’s Promise, a critical pathway to higher education for thousands of students.

Among the students representing Rose State College were Lily Goolsby, Dalaney Uranga, Jessica Roe, Scarlet Simpson, Karlie Roberston, Dravin Henderson, Brinleigh Edwards, Abigail Estradazuniga, Emma Davis, Ean Watham, Allison Smith, Emma Davis, Brylee Toney, Grace Gregory, and Asa Graham. Accompanying the students were Vice President for Student Life Kirby Harzman, Director of Student Engagement Paige Stramski, and Coordinator Campus Activities and Service Learning Austin Borjas, who advocated for the program’s continued success.

Oklahoma’s Promise covers tuition at any public college or university in the state or partially at accredited private institutions or career tech programs up to the point of a bachelor’s degree or five years of enrollment. The scholarship requires students to enroll in the 8th through 11th grades and meet specific academic and conduct criteria and family income eligibility.

The impact of Oklahoma’s Promise has been profound. Recipients typically surpass state averages in GPA and ACT scores and are more likely to enroll in college, stay enrolled, and graduate. Many go on to live and work in Oklahoma, making lasting contributions to the state’s economy and communities.

This year’s joint observance of Higher Education Day and Oklahoma’s Promise Day mark the collective commitment to strengthening the state’s educational and economic future through sustained legislative support.

For more information about Oklahoma’s Promise, visit okpromise.org.