Rose State College located in Midwest City, Oklahoma, is an established public community college.
Historical Background
Inception
Initially named in honor of Oscar V. Rose, a notable superintendent of the Mid-Del School District, the institution began as Oscar Rose Junior College.
Renaming and Expansion
In April 1983, Senate Bill Number 9 was passed, leading to the renaming of the institution to Rose State College effective November 1, 1983.
The college commenced its inaugural classes on September 21, 1970, following the approval of its establishment by voters from Midwest City, Del City, and some areas of Oklahoma City in 1968. This approval was a sequel to the enactment of Senate Bill Number 2 in 1967, which permitted community colleges operated by districts to be eligible for state funding. The college’s establishment was further supported by voter-approved funding measures in 1969 and 1970.
Rose State College was incorporated into The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education in December 1973, upon endorsement by its Board of Trustees. The college was envisioned as an institution providing extensive lower-division higher education and community services.
To accommodate growing student numbers, the Communication Center was established in 1998!
Thus, enriching the campus with facilities for art, music, journalism, and performing arts. In May 1999, a tornado inflicted significant damage on the campus, with some destruction being categorized as high-end F4 on the Fujita scale. The demand for dental hygiene and dental assistant programs prompted the construction of the Health Sciences Annex in 2001. From an initial enrollment of 1,700 students, Rose State College has expanded to a regular fall enrollment of around 8,200 students and encompasses twenty-two buildings across approximately 116 acres.
Academic Profile
The institution maintains an enrollment exceeding 8,000 students across its expansive campus. Rose State College awards various scholarships, including Leadership Scholarships and the Ticket to Rose Program, which offers free tuition and fees to graduates of several local high schools.
Campus Life
The college proudly wears blue and gold, celebrating the Raider as its mascot—a tribute to the Doolittle Raiders’ historic World War II mission. Due to its close location to Tinker Air Force Base, the college annually serves numerous military personnel. Rose State also produces The 15th Street News, a student-run newspaper, and is a hub for community activities throughout the year. Additionally, the campus features “The Village,” an apartment-style residence that can house up to 180 students.