William Cherrington

The board discussed several items, including the approval of purchases and contractual services, financial reports for multiple funds, and out-of-state travel requests. Personnel actions, including new appointments and promotions, were reviewed and approved. Additionally, the meeting covered reports on the Performing Arts Center partnership, commencement ceremony planning, and the adoption of the Rose State College Strategic Plan (2026-2029). Curriculum changes and the internal audit report for the previous calendar year were also addressed and approved.

The Rose State College Strategic Plan outlines the institution's commitment to being a student and community-centered institution that makes college education accessible and transformative. It aims to improve quality of life and foster lifelong learning. The plan is structured around four main strategic pillars: The Student Experience, Campus Infrastructure, Academics & Workforce Development, and Bridges Across Campus. It is supported by cross-pillar strategies for evaluation, funding and resource alignment, data and technology, and staffing, all geared towards aligning people, resources, and systems around a student-centered vision.

The board meeting addressed several key items, including the approval of a new Associate in Applied Science degree in Simulation Technology with specializations in aerospace and healthcare. The meeting also included the renewal of Interlocal Cooperation Agreements with the Midwest City-Del City school district for fiscal year 2027 and a report on active and planned capital projects as part of the ongoing Campus Master Plan process. Additionally, the board received updates on the performance of authorized charter schools, reviewed various financial reports and investment activities, and confirmed routine personnel actions.

The joint regular meeting agenda covered several key areas. The Consent Agenda included routine items such as the approval of the previous month's minutes (January 22, 2026), Rose State College Financial Reports for December 2025, Technical Area Education District Financial Reports for December 2025, Out-of-State Travel Requests, and Personnel Actions. Academic Affairs sought approval for a new Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Simulation Technology with Aerospace and Healthcare Simulation Maintenance Technician options, authorizing submission to OSRHE. A possible executive session was listed to discuss personnel matters. The President's Report included consideration for Interlocal Cooperation Agreements for Fiscal Year 2027 with the Midwest City-Del City Lewis Eubanks Technology Center, reports from the Academic Affairs and Campus Master Plan committees, and a report on upcoming meeting dates and items of interest.

The event, titled the 2026 Tower Awards, celebrated the Prairie Rose Roundup theme. The meeting included welcoming remarks, an invocation, and acknowledgments of sponsors, board members, distinguished guests, volunteers, and students. The primary focus was honoring two significant community members who passed away in the previous year, Brigadier General Richard Dick Heftton and Dr. Anthony Tony Thomas, through presentation of the Tower Awards. General Heftton was recognized for his instrumental role in the construction of the village housing complex and his substantial scholarship endowment. Dr. Thomas was recognized for his nearly 40 years of service on the Rose State College board. The proceedings also highlighted the foundation's contribution to scholarships, noting that $412,000 worth of scholarships were provided in the past year.