New Rose State president shares vision

By Jeff Harrison
Midwest City Beacon

Rose State College President Travis Hurst outlined his vision for the school during his first State of the College address on Sept. 30.

The event was held at the FNB Community Bank Ballroom. It featured remarks from faculty, students, and regents before Hurst shared his plans for the future of the college.

Hurst took office as the eighth president of Rose State College on July 1. He said his first three months on the job have been focused on listening and learning.

“These first 91 days have been a time of deep reflection, listening and learning,” Hurst said. “Rose State College is poised to boldly decide its future and move forward with purpose. But this is not just about me. This is about us deciding together what Rose State will be and then going forward to become it.”

The president highlighted Vision 2035, a long-term plan built around four pillars: student experience, campus infrastructure, academics and workforce development, and collaboration across campus. He said the plan will guide changes and improvements over the next decade.

“Our people want systems and structures that support progress, not slow it down,” Hurst said. “We are realigning resources to eliminate duplication, create clarity and ensure every effort is positioned for maximum impact.”

Plans include a new STEM building, an expanded Career Development Center, and an increase in scholarships from $400,000 to $600,000 annually.

“You can’t teach biology without a lab. You can’t prepare nurses without clinical equipment. You can’t launch students into the future without spaces designed for that future,” he said. “Imagine a student walking into that building for the first time. They realize in that moment that Rose State is not a stepping stone, it’s a launch pad.”

Before Hurst’s remarks, faculty and students spoke about their experiences at Rose State.

Ann Smith, General Education Mathematics Coordinator, said the college has always opened doors for students.

“My first professor at Rose believed that I could do great things, and she gave me the foundation I needed to thrive by meeting me where I was at,” Smith said. “That’s what we do here. We offer opportunities to grow and flourish even when it looks like the odds are stacked against you.”
Smith noted a 34% increase in developmental math enrollment this fall. “Rose State College is keeping the doors of opportunity open for all our students and continuing to meet them where they need us most,” she said.

Dravin Henderson, Student Senate President, said he has already seen new energy under Hurst’s leadership.

“President Hurst is building on a strong foundation we already have, while encouraging students to be more involved in shaping where we go next,” Henderson said.

Board of Regents Chairman Bill Croak praised Hurst for choosing a State of the College address over a traditional inauguration ceremony.

“Rather than an event focused on himself, he opted for today’s State of Rose State address — a testament to his commitment to keep the focus on the mission of the college and the important work ahead,” Croak said.

Hurst ended his address by emphasizing the importance of the college community.

“The state of Rose State is strong, and our greatest strength is our people,” he said. “….Together, we will build a future where opportunity is multiplied, where labs are worthy of the dreams students bring to them, and where the phrase ‘community college’ means exactly what it should, a college that belongs to the community.”