Energy, excitement, and plenty of coffee filled the FNB Community Bank Ballroom on August 13 as the Rose State College (RSC) campus community gathered for Fall 2025 Convocation—President Travis Hurst’s first address since taking office July 1.
Themed “Choose Your Own Adventure,” the event brought faculty, staff, and campus leaders together to celebrate achievements, honor milestone service anniversaries, and look ahead to an academic year guided by Vision 2035—a strategic framework focused on enhancing the student experience, upgrading campus infrastructure, advancing academics and workforce development, and strengthening campus collaboration.
President Hurst highlighted the College’s strengths and his vision for the future.
“While our strategic plan matters and presidential vision statements are important, our greatest strength is not words on a screen or paper. It is our people. It’s you—our faculty and staff—who bring this campus to life through your passion, dedication, and belief in our mission,” Hurst said.
He also spotlighted RSC’s digital transformation and reaffirmed the college’s commitment to aligning academic programs with Oklahoma’s critical workforce needs.
Service Award Honorees
Rose State recognized the following employees for their years of dedicated service:
10 Years
Shyre Brown
Brandon Burris
Darcy Delaney
Paula Gordon
Julia Kelly
Autumn Miranda
Alberta Nutter
15 Years
Ian Byers
Joe Campbell
Krista Norton
20 Years
Brandon Acree
Craig Dawkins
Jennifer Khoh
Leanne May
Dustin Orrell
Kristina Rogers
Suzanne Thomas
30 Years
Arlene Haynes
Lucille Pierce
35 Years
Steve Daffer
In closing, Hurst challenged the campus community to take bold action in shaping the RSC’s future:
“The decisions we make this year will shape our legacy. My challenge to you is this: Let’s make sure our story is one worth reading—and one worth telling again and again.”
For more information, visit Rose State College.