Mikeman leaves legacy with city’s past and future
Cindy Mikeman visits the Atkinson Heritage Center in Midwest City. The historic home was owned by her grandfather W.P. “Bill” Atkinson who developed Midwest City in the 1940s. Photo by Jeff Harrison
Midwest City native retiring after leading Rose State Foundation for 12 years
By Jeff Harrison
Midwest City Beacon
Cindy Mikeman holds a special place in Midwest City’s past and future.
As a granddaughter of city founder W.P. “Bill” Atkinson, Mikeman has a unique connection to the city’s past. She proudly helps people learn about the city’s history through tours and events at the
Atkinson Heritage Center, located in her grandparents’ former home.
Mikeman also plays a key role in shaping the city’s future through her work in education. She taught in the Mid-Del School District for 33 years, before starting her second career with the Rose State College Foundation.
For the past 12 years, Mikeman has led the Foundation and its mission of providing scholarships for students. She loved working in education but says it’s time to step aside.
“I have had two amazing careers that I loved,” she said. “I loved teaching in the Mid-Del School District and I’ve loved working with children who are now parents and grandparents. There’s just something special about reuniting with those former students that I’ve had. I’ve absolutely enjoyed the people that I’ve worked with at Rose State. I enjoy the newfound friends that I’ve met at Rose State with students and people making donations to the Foundation.”
Mikeman said she plans to spend more time with her children and young grandchildren.
“I want to be a part of their lives, and I don’t want to miss any more sporting events and music programs,” she said. “My grandkids also show animals. I go to these pig shows, and they all tell me that I look like a duck out of water, but I love it.”
Mikeman is a lifelong Midwest City resident. She went to Rose State College, then Oscar Rose Junior College, where she met her late husband, Keith Mikeman. She went on to Oklahoma State University to earn a bachelor’s degree, and later earned a master’s in education from UCO.
She taught in Mid-Del Schools for 33 years. That included Epperly Heights Elementary, Ridgecrest Elementary, and Monroney Middle School.
“It was a joy to work with children and see the light come on when they would learn a new concept,” she said.
After she retired from teaching, Mikeman received an offer to serve as the executive director of the Rose State College Foundation. She believed it would be a short-term assignment until former
Rose State president Terry Britton retired later that year. Six months later, Jeanie Webb was named president.
“That night, Jeanie Webb called me and said how many years are you good for?” Mikeman said. “That was 12 years ago.”
During her time at Rose State, Mikeman helped raise money for scholarships, promote higher education and develop relationships with many leaders in the community.
The Foundation hosts an annual golf tournament and Run for the Roses event in advance of the Kentucky Derby. They also work with Rose State on a Christmas dinner and awards banquet.
“When I took this job at Rose State it pretty well consumed my whole life,” she said. “I loved it, and it was a joy to work at Rose State. I’d go to work early in the morning and stay late at night.”
Mikeman had considered retirement for some time. In September, she made the announcement to the Foundation Board.
“The bottom-line reason that it’s going to be so hard to retire is because of all the relationships that I’ve made,” she said. “When I announced my retirement in September it was hard.”
Mikeman has become good friends with many people at Rose State including Webb, who also plans to retire later this year. Webb said Mikeman has left an impressive legacy at Rose State and in the community.
“Cindy Mikeman’s commitment and love for Midwest City and Rose State College have left an indelible mark on our community and state,” Webb said. “Her expansive 33-year teaching career in the Mid-Del School District, as well as the 12 years Cindy served as Rose State’s Vice President of Resource Development and Foundation, reflects her passion for creating opportunities for students and ensuring their success. It has been a true privilege to work alongside Cindy in raising funds for scholarships and advancing the mission of Rose State College. Her legacy of dedication and service will continue to inspire us all for years to come. We wish her the very best in her well-deserved retirement.”
Mikeman led her final Foundation board meeting last month, almost 12 years to the day of her first day on the job. Her last official day is Feb. 1.
