Rogers State University has named Brett Rowh as the new director of the Pryor campus. He began his duties last month.
Rowh will oversee the daily operations of the campus and serve as the university’s liaison with the community to identify the educational needs of Mayes County residents and regional employers. He replaces former director Faith Gates, who has accepted a position with Pryor Public Schools.
“We are pleased to add Brett to our university’s leadership,” RSU President Dr. Larry Rice said. “He brings to the position a thorough understanding of university operations, as well as a demonstrated ability to foster meaningful partnerships. Brett will serve a key role in meeting the educational needs of Pryor and Mayes County.”
Rowh comes to RSU from Oklahoma State University, where he served as the coordinator of concurrent programming. He was presented the Stillwater Public Schools Community Partner Award for his work in expanding access to higher education for students in Northwest Oklahoma. A native of Beloit, KS, Rowh earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Fort Hays State University. His previous experience coordinating academic services and partnership development aligns with the university’s new partnership with Pryor Public Schools.
Announced in April, the Pryor High School Innovation Center begins its first semester this month. Beginning their junior year, students at Pryor High School will be able to join an accelerated pathway toward earning a college degree through this new partnership. Students will earn high school and college credit at the same time potentially earning up to an entire year of college course work before high school graduation. It will be home to the Pryor High School Esports program and Tech Lab. Classes held at the Innovation Center will include manufacturing, engineering and robotics.
“I am thrilled to join RSU as the director of RSU Pryor. It is a great opportunity to expand access to higher education for the entire region. The campus location, in the heart of MidAmerica Industrial Park, gives our students an up-close look at the vast high-tech career opportunities they can have right in their home area once they complete their education,” Rowh said.
Rogers State University is the only four-year institution of higher education serving the Pryor and Mayes County area. The Pryor Campus of RSU is located next to MidAmerica’s administrative offices on Highway 69A. More than 400 students are enrolled at the RSU Pryor campus. For more information, visit www.rsu.edu/pryor.