RSU Names Director of First Year and Transfer Experience

Rogers State University has named Tracy Emmons as Director of First-Year and Transfer Experience to oversee the implementation, evaluation and continuous improvement of programs to orient first-year and transfer students to university life.

Emmons brings more than 20 years of experience in secondary and higher education. She most recently served as Director of Instructional Assessment at Wharton Junior College in Wharton, Texas where she collaborated with members of student services to implement, monitor and assess student success initiatives.

RSU President Dr. Larry Rice said the university had identified as a major priority the strengthening of programs and services to help new RSU students succeed, whether it was their first time attending college or transferring in from another school.

“We want to ensure that all RSU students have the opportunity to succeed when they enroll,” Rice said. “At RSU, about 67% of all students would be the first in their family to graduate from college. For first-generation students, it’s especially important that we help provide a framework for success. We are excited to welcome someone with Tracy’s passion and experience in success strategies to work with our faculty and staff on these initiatives.”

Emmon’s appointment follows extensive planning from faculty and staff. As the inaugural Director of the First-Year and Transfer Experience, this retention-focused position will enhance onboarding, orientation, and matriculation success for new RSU students. The position collaborates closely with students, faculty, staff and administration to implement new strategies, re-envision existing programs, and increase student persistence. 

“This unique position allows me the opportunity to be a part of building a program that will guide students through their transition into the academic and social life at RSU,” she said. “I am honored to be involved with passionate faculty and staff so committed to the success of their students. The goal of the First-Year and Transfer Experience initiative is to provide RSU students the opportunities to embrace the campus culture, build community and cultivate persistence.”

A native of Oklahoma, Emmons and her family are happy to be back in the state. She earned a master’s in education administration from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, Oklahoma, and her bachelor’s degree in secondary mathematics education from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.