Q & A with the New President

Dr. Larry Rice

President Designate
Rogers State University

Q: Why were you interested in becoming President of Rogers State University?

During the last decade, I have been very impressed with the transformation of RSU from a two-year college to a four-year university. The growth of the university has been phenomenal – new academic programs, new facilities, major expansions of all three campuses, and large increases in enrollment. This growth is truly a testament to the university’s academic excellence, Dr. Wiley’s strong leadership, and the continuing demand for higher education in the region.

I believe RSU is at a pivotal point in its history and has the potential to become the state’s best regional university. I am honored to have been selected to provide leadership as RSU takes this next step toward excellence. I would like to express appreciation to our Board of Regents for placing their confidence in me. Leading this great institution has always been my dream and I am looking forward to reaching more major milestones in the next few years.

Q: You began your academic career at RSU. Is returning like “coming home?”

I was Director of the Applied Science Division, Director of the Criminal Justice Program, and Criminal Justice Instructor at Rogers State College in Claremore from 1979 to 1986. In 1985, I was assigned the task of establishing a new campus in Pryor. In that role, I was responsible for all aspects of the establishing a new branch campus, including securing funding, hiring faculty, recruiting students, planning construction and developing class schedules. I served as Associate Director of Academics for the Pryor Campus from 1986 to 1991. RSU has always been close to my heart and returning is like “coming home.” My wife Peggy and I are thrilled to be back.

Q: What were some of your responsibilities at TU?

As Executive Assistant to the President at TU, I served as Chief Advisor to the President on a variety of issues, primary Legislative and Government Relations Liaison, and key contact with the University’s Board of Trustees. I also assisted the President with special projects. I served as Coordinator of the elite Presidential Scholars Program and was liaison with the advisory board for the nationally recognized Tulsa Undergraduate Research Challenge. I also represented the university as a member of the Joint Facilities Board for the Tall Grass Prairie Ecological Research Center, a joint research station operated by TU and the Nature Conservancy. I represented the President at legislative and community functions. I also was integrally involved in the University’s fundraising efforts, serving as Interim Vice President of Institutional Advancement. I think these activities were ideal preparation to provide leadership for RSU.

Q: Which bachelor’s degree programs do you envision RSU adding in the next few years?

We have several new bachelor’s degree programs under development. This effort is being spearheaded by the Office of Academic Affairs. In the next year, I anticipate us adding bachelor’s degrees in business administration – forensic accounting, business administration – manufacturing management, liberal arts – American studies, and public administration. This year, the university will embark upon a comprehensive Strategic Planning process that will help guide us in the development of new degree programs.  

Q: Will RSU begin offering master’s degrees?

I would like to see RSU begin offering a limited number of master’s degree programs, perhaps beginning with a master of business administration (MBA). Other master’s degrees will be developed in accordance with our Strategic Planning process, regional market demands, the educational needs of area residents, and existing university resources. I would like us to draw on our traditional academic strengths and synergies as we move forward with new degrees.

Q: Do you envision RSU adding more athletic programs in the next few years?

The athletic programs we’ve added in the last few years have been very successful. I’d like to continue that momentum and increase our participation in intercollegiate athletics. I would envision some high-interest, relatively low-cost sports such as men’s and women’s golf and a few others. I’ll be working closely with our Athletics Department to help establish new programs.

Q: What is your overall vision for RSU in both the short and long-term?

In the short term, I’d like to complete some of the major initiatives of our Campus Master Plan, including the opening of our Student Services Center; expansion and renovation of Baird Hall; renovating additional floors of our Bartlesville campus; and completing the major expansion of the Pryor campus.

This year, I plan to initiate a long-range, comprehensive Strategic Planning process that will provide us with a roadmap for the future of the institution. All university constituencies will be integrally involved in developing the Strategic Plan, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the communities we serve.

In the next few years, I’d like to continue to expand our academic offerings at all three campuses, including new bachelor’s and master’s degree programs; enhance student life by offering more co-curricular programs; and improve student success and retention by offering better support services, according to our Strategic Plan. But perhaps most importantly, I’d like to strengthen the university’s academic excellence and stature. I strongly believe RSU can become the regional university with the highest level of academic excellence in the state.

I also envision the university becoming a stronger, more visible partner with the communities in our region, partnering with them on a host of initiatives to enhance our shared quality of life.  

Q: What are some of RSU’s greatest challenges?

Of course, one of our greatest challenges continues to be obtaining greater financial resources for the university, from both public and private sources. I am going to do everything I can to help persuade members of the Oklahoma Legislature that higher education should be among our state’s highest priorities. Supporting higher education is the right thing to do no matter how you look at it. Higher achievement in education leads to better jobs, a higher income, and a better quality of life. As a former member of the Legislature myself, I believe I’m in a position to effectively make these arguments.

In addition, it is important that we elevate the level of alumni involvement in the life of the institution, by involving them in campus initiatives and obtaining their support.

It is critical that we increase the level of private giving to the university from foundations, corporations, and individuals. This is an important part of enhancing the academic quality of the institution and increasing resources available for scholarships. I think my background in community relations and fundraising will significantly help in this endeavor.

Another challenge will be keeping up with our growth, which some may view as a “good” problem. Although we’re making strides with the new Student Center and expansion projects at our branch campuses, we will need more and better facilities if we wish to continue growing at our recent pace. We are in great need of more student housing and I plan to address that issue as soon as possible.

We also must ensure that all our students get the support they need to succeed in college. Increasing student retention and graduate rates are challenges shared by most colleges and universities.

Q: Will it be necessary to increase tuition?

Our goal at RSU will always be to keep tuition low, affordable, and competitive. But unfortunately, declining state funding is shifting the burden of paying for a college education from the states to students and their families across the nation. I think moderate, reasonable increases in tuition may be necessary if state support does not increase significantly. At the same time, we will work hard to ensure that more scholarship funds are available for students.

Q: When will the new Student Services Center open?

Right now we anticipate that we will move into the new Student Center over the holiday break in December and have a Dedication Ceremony for the new facility in January 2009. Of course, that timetable depends largely on the weather. This will be a top-flight facility and all of us are anxious to see it completed!

Q: When will the expansion and renovation of Baird Hall begin and when will it reopen?

We will begin construction work on Baird Hall this summer and anticipate that the new facility will be open for classes by the spring of 2010, barring any unavoidable delays. As we all know, classroom and laboratory space on the Claremore campus is tight due to our rapid growth. A new, larger Baird Hall will significantly remedy that problem. But this is another project that will be worth the wait! The facility will be truly state-of-the-art and conducive to learning.

Q: Will RSU build more student apartments?

The Student Apartments have been filled to capacity for quite some time and we presently have a waiting list for occupancy. I anticipate building more student housing in the next two years to alleviate the shortage and enhance the traditional university environment on the Claremore campus. Hang tight – we’re building as fast as we can!

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