New RSU Leadership Program Named in Honor of Dr. Larry Rice

A new leadership program at Rogers State University has been named in honor of former university president Dr. Larry Rice.

Launched in the fall 2024 semester, the Dr. Larry Rice Community Leadership Fellows Program connects RSU students with partnering non-profit boards to enrich the students' academic experience through community collaboration.

Program director Christi Mackey said the idea for the program came about last spring as a means to further develop RSU students' skillsets and connect them with the community.

"This program provides fellows with valuable insights into non-profit operations and approaches to strengthening communities, as well as what it means to be on the board of those entities," Mackey said. "We decided to name the program after Dr. Rice, as a tribute to him and a testament to his extensive service to numerous agencies and communities, and his unwavering commitment to student development.

"Fellows develop additional skillsets for professional environments and have the opportunity to contribute innovative ideas, dynamic energy, and diverse experiences to the boards they serve," she continued.

Participating nonprofits include Rogers County Youth Services, Volunteers for Youth, Rogers County Literacy Council, Light of Hope, Claremore Public Schools Foundation, Safenet Services and Claremore Chamber of Commerce.

Currently, there are seven program Fellows, ranging from sophomore to senior. who will assume board participation this fall semester.

Program participants include Kaylee Biersdorfer of Claremore, Aubrey Haught of Altus, Jarreka Hurt of Claremore, Cambrey Harrison of Cushing, Madison York of Claremore, Delana King of Owasso, and Emma Kelley of Claremore, who is paired with the Claremore Public Schools Foundation.

"As a Claremore native, I've worked with various nonprofits while growing up, but I've never seen what goes on behind the scenes," Kelley said. "As someone who believes nonprofits are one of the most important parts of a community, I was interested to see the inner workings of an organization, which is why I ultimately decided to apply for the Fellows Program.

"I was lucky enough to get paired with the Claremore Public Schools Foundation which is especially meaningful as an alumna of Claremore High School," she continued. "I'm looking forward to learning about how nonprofits plan events, network with other nonprofits and local businesses, as well as learning how the work of a single nonprofit can impact the greater community."

Kelley said she's excited to see what she can do to help bring RSU into the conversation and collaborate between her nonprofit organization, Claremore and the RSU community on the Hill.

Ultimately, Professor Mackey said she hopes the program will serve to inspire present and future students to become lifelong leaders in their future communities, just like the program's namesake, Dr. Larry Rice.

Rogers State University is a regional university serving northeastern Oklahoma and is the only four-year public residential university in the Tulsa metropolitan area.

For more information about the Dr. Larry Rice Community Leadership Fellows Program, email Mackey at [email protected].

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