CLAREMORE, Okla. — The Cherokee Nation signed an agreement with Rogers State University Wednesday committing up to $4 million to support construction of the proposed Center for Science and Technology on the RSU campus in Claremore.
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr., Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner, RSU President Larry Rice, and Susan Kirtley executive director of the RSU Foundation signed the MOU on the school’s campus.
The investment by the Cherokee Nation represents the largest single gift in the history of the Foundation and begins the effort to secure private funding to support the construction of the facility.
The proposed Center for Science and Technology will become the new home for RSU’s programs in science, engineering, mathematics, and technology. The Center will replace Loshbaugh Hall, which no longer meets the needs of the university’s STEM education programs. The center will feature approximately 52,000 square feet of lab, classroom, and office space.
“Today’s agreement toward construction of a state-of-the-art STEM education facility will create new pathways for students to pursue careers in health and allied health fields and bring new opportunities for all students, including Cherokee citizens,” Chief Hoskin said. “Cherokee Nation has an unwavering commitment to the education and future of our youth, and the well-being of our communities. This collaboration will ensure students are well-prepared to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in these critical areas as well as serve Cherokees pursuing degrees in nursing.”
In addition to funding for construction, the MOU also provides that starting in 2024-25, Rogers State University Foundation will annually for 10 years award the tuition and mandatory fee costs of up to ten Cherokee Nation citizens accepted and enrolled in the RSU nursing program, after the application of Cherokee Nation tribal scholarships and any federal or state grants.
“The partnership between the Cherokee Nation and Rogers State University is long standing and this investment will have a transformational impact on our ability to educate future generations for the high-demand careers of tomorrow,” said Dr. Larry Rice, RSU president. “We offer our gratitude to Principal Chief Hoskin, Deputy Chief Warner, Speaker of the Council Mike Shambaugh and all Council of the Cherokee Nation members for their support of this project and the mission of the University.”
The collaboration will ensure students are well-prepared to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in critical new health, technology, and other science fields. About 29 percent of students at RSU at Native American, the majority Cherokee citizens.
“With a record setting number of Cherokees attending college on scholarship, Cherokee Nation’s commitment to higher education has never been stronger,” said Cherokee Nation Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner. “We are at our best when we work with great partners like RSU.”
Additionally, the agreement outlines Cherokee Nation’s intention to strengthen a partnership with RSU and the Foundation to provide for growth and future planning in the areas of economic development, training opportunities and higher education career paths for Cherokee Nation citizens.
The Center will support continued growth in RSU’s chemical engineering, pre-medicine, and nursing programs, along with other STEM and allied health degrees.
RSU is the only public residential regional university that has its main campus located in the Tulsa metropolitan area. For more information about RSU, visit www.rsu.edu.