“RSU’s instructors instilled in me a passion for accounting, finance, and business management. I built my career on these skills. I can honestly say that without RSU, I would not be where I am today.” – Michael Bailey, Bartlesville City Manager
RSU Bartlesville Helps Build Careers
Alumnus Michael Bailey earned his associate degree from RSU Bartlesville in 2001 when the school was still offering only two-year degrees at that campus.
His RSU degree in liberal arts provided him with a strong, broad-based education that helped prepare him for completing his bachelor’s degree in business at another Oklahoma university.
Bailey, who earlier this month was named as Bartlesville’s city manager, said he would have gladly finished out his bachelor’s degree at RSU Bartlesville had that been an option. He’s excited to see the changes that have happened to the local campus in recent years, along with the expanded opportunities for Bartlesville-area students and alumni.
For the past year, Bailey has served as Bartlesville’s interim city manager while the former city manager recovered from a major illness. The interim tag was removed during a July 9 city council meeting, and Bailey said he’s looking forward to continuing the city’s progress.
“The City of Bartlesville is the greatest organization I have ever been a part of, and it is truly an honor to have the chance to serve as its City Manager,” he said.
RSU Bartlesville’s early years began in a small building on the east side of Bartlesville, with classes being held at local schools and in Nowata. In 2005, RSU transitioned to downtown Bartlesville with the purchase of the former Cities Service/Reda Building that allowed the university to be the educational anchor for downtown.
“Adding the downtown RSU Bartlesville campus and increasing degree plans in Bartlesville gives our community a true state college. It’s a great fit for Bartlesville and our surrounding communities. I have personally appreciated RSU’s openness and willingness to do more in the community and to offer more courses and programs. RSU is filling in the gap that exists for many in our area who need and want a public university,” he said.
“If RSU had been a four-year university in Bartlesville at the time I completed my associate degree, I would have happily completed my bachelor’s degree at RSU. But as it worked out for me, it served me very well, helping me get a great start on an accounting degree.” He completed his bachelor’s degree at Langston University and went on to attain his Certified Public Accountant certification.
RSU Bartlesville provides several degree programs that attract high-quality students. Programs in high-demand include: nursing, business administration, accounting, management information systems, and information technology. RSU also partners with local companies through a co-op program that benefits both the company and the student.
How did RSU impact Michael? “RSU was the perfect solution for me at a time in my life when I needed a convenient place to receive a quality education. RSU provided me with the basic educational requirements that allowed me to attain my Bachelor’s degree. RSU’s instructors also instilled in me a passion for accounting, finance, and business management. I built my career on these skills, and I can honestly say that without RSU, I would not be where I am today.”