Rogers State University

PROJECT PURPOSE

Rogers State University seeks to construct a Center for Science and Technology on its Claremore Campus. The facility will become the home for the University?s academic programs in science, mathematics, and technology, but will be utilized by other academic areas, such as nursing and other health science programs. Need for this facility was identified in the 2014 Campus Master plan and it will replace the existing Loshbaugh Hall, which is outdated and not large enough to accommodate class sizes. Because Oklahoma lags the nation in the percentage of adults with a bachelor?s degree, it lacks the necessary workforce to service its current STEM industries. This workforce deficiency also serves as a roadblock to attracting new industries. The new Center for Science and Technology will allow RSU to add programs, such as engineering, and recruit more students into STEM programs.

EVIDENCE

Workforce Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and regional industries have identified a critical need for additional engineers and nurses at the bachelor degree level. Governor Stitt also has identified the need for engineers and nurses as a priority for the State Regents for Higher Education.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

The pandemic disproportionately impacted college degree attainment in northeast Oklahoma because of its higher poverty rates and lack of broadband access. This hampered the ability of residents to pursue STEM related college degree during the periods when courses were moved to remote delivery. This project will expand STEM offerings in the region, negating some of the educational and economic effects of COVID-19. In addition, COVID-19 has amplified health inequities in American Indian communities because of underfunded and under-resourced health systems, limited access to health services, poor infrastructure, and underlying health disparities. This project will allow Rogers State University to expand the number of students admitted in its nursing program with expanded classrooms and laboratory space.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Upon completion of the project, Rogers State University will measure project performance using the following benchmarks: 1. Approval from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to offer bachelor degrees in engineering. 2. Number of students receiving engineering degrees from Rogers State University. 3. Number of students receiving nursing degrees from Rogers State University 4. Number of students receiving STEM related degrees from Rogers State University that align with Oklahoma's top 100 critical occupations.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma