NEWS

Rose State College is preparing for a leadership change as longtime President Jeanie Webb officially announced her retirement, effective July 1, 2025. Webb, who became the college’s first female president in 2013, led the institution through more than a decade of growth and academic advancement.

During her tenure, Webb launched initiatives that expanded access to education, strengthened community partnerships and elevated the campus experience for thousands of students. Under her leadership, Rose State grew in enrollment and embraced innovation across all levels of the college.

“It has been the honor of my career to serve as president of Rose State College, and I could not be more confident in the future of Rose State with Travis Hurst at the helm,” Webb said. “Travis is a visionary leader who understands the heart of Rose State — our students, our mission and our community. His deep commitment to innovation and academic excellence, combined with his years of dedicated service to the college, make him the ideal choice to lead Rose State into its next chapter.”

The announcement of Webb’s retirement prompted a nationwide search for the college’s next leader. After a comprehensive selection process, the Rose State College Board of Regents named Hurst as the institution’s eighth president. He will officially assume the presidency on July 1, 2025.

Hurst, who most recently served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Rose State, has played a key role in expanding online learning, enhancing student support services, and developing academic programs — including the college’s first bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. Colleagues describe his leadership style as collaborative, forward-thinking and deeply committed to student success.

Because Hurst has more than two decades of education experience, ranging from K-12 classrooms and higher education, he is dedicated to the ability to access educational opportunities.

“The future of Rose State is bright under Mr. Hurst’s leadership,” said Board of Regents Chair Gregory Smith. “His deep understanding of our college culture, combined with his passion for academic excellence and student empowerment, makes him the right choice.” 

Student reactions to the leadership change have been a blend of reflection and anticipation. 

“I’m sad to no longer have a female president but excited to see what the new one has in store,” said Rose State student Sarah Bradford. “I think this will benefit our campus and hopefully bring new ideas for Rose State.”

As the college community prepares for the transition, plans are underway to ensure a smooth handoff of responsibilities. Hurst is expected to meet with student organizations, faculty committees and community stakeholders in the coming months to begin shaping the vision for Rose State’s future.

Hurst’s visions for Rose State include expanding various programs like Aerospace, AI and Health Sciences to meet the changing norms.

“I look forward to building on our partnerships with business, government and four-year higher education partners, and ensuring Rose State is a driver of innovation in not only the metro area, but also the state,” Hurst said.

Photo courtesy of Ken Beachler

Funded by $9.4 million in funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, Rose State held a groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of the Health Sciences building on March 11.

The expansion covers about 19,000 square feet, all filled with advanced medical equipment. This development will feature a lecture hall with a stage, a skills lab, simulation rooms, manikins and computer software. In addition to the new equipment are offices and larger classrooms.

The ceremony marks turning point for years to come as it brings forth numerous opportunities. Scholarships are one of those opportunities. This grant introduced 15 scholarships that will be awarded per semester. These scholarships are also renewable. Students who are funding their education externally can benefit from this, especially if they have families to provide for. Now, they potentially have one less thing to worry about.

Dean of Health Sciences Rita Mild spoke at the ceremony and recounted the time she first came to Rose State. She reflected on the building she first saw when she arrived. That building won’t look the same much longer. Mild is most excited for the anatomage, a digital cadaver table, that gives students a safe and easy way to explore the body.

In nursing, it is important to study scenarios as realistically as possible. Additionally, it is important to think and act swiftly. A new simulation lab that lets professors monitor students from a separate area allows for that. This equipment also emphasizes peer review. Students can watch another student’s performance on a simulation. Afterward, they are able to discuss what they would have done differently.

Rose State considered the future of those students and explored what their needs were. Nursing can be an especially demanding and strenuous major. Additionally, there are almost 100 different specialties. Nursing student Katy Buxton, details that her workload consists of an eight-hour clinical shift at a hospital, participating in a skills lab, a lecture, working on case studies, reading and developing cure plans. She said the hardest part of studying nursing isn’t the workload, but trying to balance school work and personal life. What makes it easier for her is being around fellow nursing students. 

These new tools can help students. As simulation becomes more integrated with nursing studies, the Oklahoma Board of Nursing states that 30% of 300 clinical hours or 50% of 600 clinical hours can be substituted with Simulated Patient Care Experiences. 

“By having a certified lab, we make sure that the simulation is of a high quality and standard that the students need,” Mild said. 

Simulations can provide just as good learning experience as learning inside a clinical setting. Having that equipment nearby can benefit students who are busy multitasking different aspects of their lives, such as work or providing for their family. 

“In some ways, we don’t need to reinvent the wheel; we just need to use the technology we already have available to us,” Mild said. 

Not only does this aid the students, but it can also impact the professors. Now, they have even more tools to give their students the best education possible in order to have a successful career. Not only that, but they also have the opportunity to challenge their students with new and innovative technology. 

“It’ll prepare us for clinical situations and more real life scenarios,” Buxton said. 

She also described this equipment as a better launching pad thus producing more prepared nurses. More prepared nurses can aid in the nursing shortage to which COVID-19 greatly contributed. 

This expansion can help inspire students to strive to be the best and face these challenges. Rose State’s passing rate on the National Licensure Exam for the RN has increased over the years. Now, there is nowhere to go but up. 

Construction for the expansion will end in May 2026. Although Buxton will not be able to use the equipment, she is nonetheless excited to come back and see it. Professors and aspiring nursing students alike are surely excited for the expansion as well.

Photo courtesy of Dr. Kent Lashley, Vice President of Administrative Services 

On April 1, the Rose State College Chorus took the stage at the world-renowned Carnegie Hall in New York City, marking a proud and unforgettable moment for the college’s music department. The chorus participated in the “Changemakers” concert, presented by National Concerts, an event that celebrated bold, culturally rich music from diverse voices across the country.

A highlight of the evening was the performance of Iholba’, a powerful piece by Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate, a classical composer and citizen of the Chickasaw Nation in Oklahoma. Tate is known for his dedication to integrating Native American themes and languages into classical music, creating compositions deeply rooted in heritage and strikingly contemporary.

Tate’s career has taken him to national stages, with commissions performed by the National Symphony Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, Oklahoma City Philharmonic and many more. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Northwestern University and a Master of Music in Piano Performance and Composition from The Cleveland Institute of Music.

During the concert, Iholba’ was performed by the National Masterwork Chorus and Orchestra, accompanied by artistic projections that enhanced the storytelling. The combination of visuals and music gave the audience an immersive experience reflecting Tate’s Chickasaw heritage and the concert’s overarching theme of change and impact.

For the Rose State students, performing at Carnegie Hall was more than a performance, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent their college on one of the most prestigious stages in the world.

“It would be a really cool experience, especially for kids from Oklahoma. I know they were all trying to find what shows they can go to,” said Dr. Tracey Gregg-Boothby, a Rose State College Music Professor. Their participation in such a high-profile event stands as a testament to their hard work, talent and dedication to the arts.

The “Changemakers” concert was not only a celebration of music but also of identity, innovation, and cultural connection. With their voices echoing through the halls of Carnegie, the Rose State Chorus brought a piece of Oklahoma to New York and left an indelible mark.

Looking ahead, throughout the year there will be performances. Gregg-Boothby said the chorus extends an open invitation to students, faculty and staff to attend public performances. Their last performance of the semester was April 26. Check the campus calendar for events for fall performances. 

Oklahoma City commemorated the 30th anniversary of the OKC bombing Saturday, April 19.

Thirty years ago at 9:02 a.m., a bomb exploded outside of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. This blast injured 700 people, demolished or desecrated 320 buildings and took 168 lives, 19 of which were children. First responders and citizens alike flew to the scene and helped as many people as they could. 

Families, friends and neighbors were impacted by this unfathomable act of violence that brought pain to many. Today, Oklahoma still remembers all who were killed that day, never forgetting one name. 

For the last 168 days, Oklahoma honored someone each day who was killed during the bombing. One of them being Baylee Almon. She would have been 31 this year. Most know her from the highly-recognized photo that shows a fireman carrying her from the wreckage. 

“The older I get, the harder it becomes,” said Bella Kok, Baylee’s younger sister. “There are things that I won’t get to have my sister for. She won’t be the maid of honor at my wedding. She didn’t help me get ready for prom.” 

The bombing is still the worst act of homegrown terrorism in the United States. 

“We like people to remember that she was a human, she wasn’t just that photo,” Kok, a Rose State alumn, said. “She loved her family. She loved her cousins and she was always smiling. She was a silly little girl.” 

While many still grieve that day, the “Oklahoma Standard” has continued to uplift the community. The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum emphasize that the Oklahoma Standard means we are responsible for helping our neighbors and acting in kindness. It means this event presents the opportunity to learn from the monolithic aspects of April 19. The passersby and first responders are part of that. 

However, they are not the only ones. First responders, medics and construction workers flew in from varying states to help Oklahoma. Some also sought justice. 

This attack was devised to ruin the American government. It did the exact opposite. 

Since then, the memorial and museum have dedicated itself to remembering those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever. Recently, the memorial and museum was accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Such a certification is a testament to the dedication they have to sharing people’s stories and Oklahoma’s standard to a better tomorrow. They have held mental health workshops to assist anyone who is having a hard time moving forward. They have saluted dentists and physicians who were accommodating and supportive during the bombing. They have taught lawyers at Oklahoma City University and journalism students at the University of Oklahoma the lessons they learned.

As hundreds of citizens, first responders, former and current government officials gather on April 19 every year, they pledge to live by the Oklahoma Standard. Former President Bill Clinton does the same. 

“I think all the time about the breathtaking changes you made here because of how you decided to respond,” 

Clinton said. 

In his speech, Clinton urged everyone about the dangers of resentment and polarization. However, he left everyone gathered in First Church with a bit of advice. 

“My advice to America today is that we were there for you when you needed us,” he said. “America needs you and America needs the Oklahoma Standard.” 

Some parts of America already know the Oklahoma Standard. As traveling helpers migrate back home, they will share the story of April 19. The Memorial and Museum distributed seedlings of a sole surviving tree that tell a story of light and hope so others can know it too. 

Rose State College’s music program showcased its jazz talent in the first of two spring concerts held at the college’s campus on March 10. The Spring Jazz Concert brought together students, alumni, and community members to celebrate the art of jazz music and demonstrated the college’s growing commitment to arts education.

Dr. David Marvel, a professor of music and the orchestra director at Rose State, leads the community jazz band, which is composed of both Rose State students and community members. The group has grown in popularity over the past few years, with many individuals from surrounding high schools and local alumni participating. The concert provided an opportunity for the group to display the skills they’ve honed over the course of the semester.

“We have students earning credit through this ensemble, but it’s also a chance for community members, including alumni and high school friends, to come together and create music,” said Marvel, who also directs the community wind band and orchestra at the college. “We’re here to provide an outlet for them, to play music together, and show what they’ve been working on.”

This concert was not only a showcase for talented musicians but also an educational opportunity for students interested in pursuing careers in music education or performance. With six students actively enrolled in the ensemble, it’s part of their curriculum for credit.

“They’re learning how to rehearse, prepare for a concert, and perform at a high level,” said Marvel.

The jazz concert was the first of two planned for the semester, with the group performing for about 45 minutes. The musicians, including 18 performers in total, wowed the audience with a variety of jazz styles, ranging from big band to contemporary arrangements. The event was open to the public, and the audience consisted of faculty, staff, and local community members who attended to support the musicians and enjoy the music.

In addition to their regular spring performances, the jazz ensemble has plans to perform at several events this year. In April, they will be collaborating with high school musicians for a fundraiser, and in May, they will partner with the Ballet Barn for a jazz 

ballet performance.

“We’re always busy,” said Marvel. “Our group keeps performing through the summer, and we’re excited to have the opportunity to share music in different ways.”

Rose State College’s music program has seen significant growth, with the orchestra entering its second year and new opportunities opening up for students and community members alike. The program fosters a collaborative environment, and Marvel hopes it will continue to inspire more individuals to explore music. The concert series provides not only an avenue for performance but also for community engagement and musical growth.

“Music is a powerful thing,” he added. “It’s one of the few activities that stimulates both sides of the brain, and it’s been shown to improve mental health and cognitive function, especially as we age. It’s never too late to pick up an instrument.”

The Spring Jazz Concert was a testament to the thriving music culture at Rose State College, highlighting the college’s commitment to supporting both its students and the broader community through the arts. As the semester progresses, the community can look forward to more musical performances that celebrate both the students’ hard work and the joy of music-making.

Photo Provided by Kenneth Beachler

As the semester is ending, some students will leave to pursue different opportunities. Various staff are doing the same. 

Cindy Mikeman is one of them. Cindy Mikeman, former Vice President of Foundation and Resource Development, retired in February after 12 years at Rose State. 

Many know her from the work she has done, even if they have yet to realize it. 

While at Rose State, she raised money for scholarships, submitted grants, fundraised and secured the naming rights of various buildings like the Jeanie Webb Student Union and the Tanenbaum Aerospace and Cybersecurity Center. She has also worked with the movie industry and its intricate pieces. Mikeman helped with the six movies that were filmed at Rose State.

Additionally, she supported several events at the Atkinson Heritage Center, as it was her grandparents' home. Furthermore, her grandfather, W.P. "Bill" Atkinson, founded Midwest City. The roots planted by her family would further help her get to know and love her community. 

Before she arrived at Rose State, she taught for 33 years in the Mid-Del school district. She attended her students' baseball games, dance recitals, graduations, baby showers and unfortunately funerals. 

Six months after she retired from teaching, she arrived at Rose State as Executive Director of Resource Development. 

Her work with students heavily influenced her work ethic. Rose State President Dr. Jeanie Webb easily recognized the impact she made. Moreover, she was confident in the fact that Mikeman knew her community. She called her and asked how long she would be able to work. Twelve years later, this chapter will evolve into both Webb and Mikeman supporting students in a different way. 

Furthering her work at Rose State and in education allowed her to excel. She received the opportunity to work on a grant, thus allowing 4,000 students from various schools to attend to Rose State. 

Upon transitioning to Vice President of Foundation and Resource Development, her primary objective was to try to move the foundation forward. Initially, the foundation struggled to acquire $35,000. This year, the foundation raised $416,000 in student scholarships. Additionally, the foundation now has $6.2 million in assets. Although Mikeman's dedication contributed to this success, she also did it with synergy. 

"I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Cindy for some time,” said Adjunct Professor Adam Bush. “She is easily the most passionate supporter of Midwest City and Rose State. While there are plenty of tangible accomplishments at Rose State and Midwest City that Cindy is directly responsible for, there are countless other success stories where Cindy indirectly championed a cause. It was an honor working with Cindy and witnessing her lead by example. We all have much to learn from such a smart, hard-working, and perpetually kind business person." 

Although she has led an immensely successful career, things were not always easy for her. Her campus family at Rose State helped her during the difficult loss of her husband, Keith, in 2018, whom she met when they were both students at Rose State. They married in 1979. Following his death, the Rose State community was able to be there for her as she had been there for so many. 

At one point, Mikeman considered herself an outside cheerleader of Rose State. Now, she is such a integral figure of Rose State. 

Her endeavors impacted those around her. One person being Anita Poole-Endsley, Executive Director of Foundation and Resource Development. As Poole-Endsley transitions into taking over for Mikeman, she details that the process has been seamless. Mikeman set her up for success with communication and patience. 

"Cindy does everything with excellence and class," Poole-Endsley said. The two grew up together. They went to church together when they were younger. Since working together, she has seen Mikeman's most admirable traits radiate. In fact, her favorite memory of Mikeman is an example of that. 

"At the golf tournament, riding on the golf cart and just hearing her laughter and joy at what she did," she said. "It was the kind of laughter where you throw back your head and you got the belly laugh. The sun’s shining outside. It feels great. The winds kind of blowing your hair a little and it's just the joy of the moment. She finds joy in every moment. I aspire to be like that someday." 

Mikeman has had an outstanding career whilst leading the foundation to prosper. Her framework of success is quite unique. In her words, success is not defined by the money made, but the lifechanging decisions. 

"I've had the time of my life," Mikeman said. Although her diligent work still leads her to still attend various events at Rose State, she officially retired Feb. 1. 

"Her dedication to Rose State is very admirable," Poole-Endsley said. "She transitioned to where her dedication is toward her grandchildren, which is also admirable. We’re just thankful that they shared her with us for so long." 

Despite the fact that she is retired from Rose State, Mikeman will continue to serve on various committees and organizations that range from the Garden Council and the TACAMO Base. 

The 15th Street News and The 6420 would like to extend their gratitude and congratulations to Cindy Mikeman. Her efforts from the time she was Executive Director of Resource Development and Foundation to Vice President of Resource Development has not gone unnoticed. Thank you and congratulations.

As the semester is ending, some students will leave to pursue different opportunities. Various staff are doing the same. 

Cindy Mikeman is one of them. Cindy Mikeman, former Vice President of Foundation and Resource Development, retired in February after 12 years at Rose State. 

Many know her from the work she has done, even if they have yet to realize it. 

While at Rose State, she raised money for scholarships, submitted grants, fundraised and secured the naming rights of various buildings like the Jeanie Webb Student Union and the Tanenbaum Aerospace and Cybersecurity Center. She has also worked with the movie industry and its intricate pieces. Mikeman helped with the six movies that were filmed at Rose State.

Additionally, she supported several events at the Atkinson Heritage Center, as it was her grandparents' home. Furthermore, her grandfather, W.P. "Bill" Atkinson, founded Midwest City. The roots planted by her family would further help her get to know and love her community. 

Before she arrived at Rose State, she taught for 33 years in the Mid-Del school district. She attended her students' baseball games, dance recitals, graduations, baby showers and unfortunately funerals. 

Six months after she retired from teaching, she arrived at Rose State as Executive Director of Resource Development. 

Her work with students heavily influenced her work ethic. Rose State President Dr. Jeanie Webb easily recognized the impact she made. Moreover, she was confident in the fact that Mikeman knew her community. She called her and asked how long she would be able to work. Twelve years later, this chapter will evolve into both Webb and Mikeman supporting students in a different way. 

Furthering her work at Rose State and in education allowed her to excel. She received the opportunity to work on a grant, thus allowing 4,000 students from various schools to attend to Rose State. 

Upon transitioning to Vice President of Foundation and Resource Development, her primary objective was to try to move the foundation forward. Initially, the foundation struggled to acquire $35,000. This year, the foundation raised $416,000 in student scholarships. Additionally, the foundation now has $6.2 million in assets. Although Mikeman's dedication contributed to this success, she also did it with synergy. 

"I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Cindy for some time,” said Adjunct Professor Adam Bush. “She is easily the most passionate supporter of Midwest City and Rose State. While there are plenty of tangible accomplishments at Rose State and Midwest City that Cindy is directly responsible for, there are countless other success stories where Cindy indirectly championed a cause. It was an honor working with Cindy and witnessing her lead by example. We all have much to learn from such a smart, hard-working, and perpetually kind business person." 

Although she has led an immensely successful career, things were not always easy for her. Her campus family at Rose State helped her during the difficult loss of her husband, Keith, in 2018, whom she met when they were both students at Rose State. They married in 1979. Following his death, the Rose State community was able to be there for her as she had been there for so many. 

At one point, Mikeman considered herself an outside cheerleader of Rose State. Now, she is such a integral figure of Rose State. 

Her endeavors impacted those around her. One person being Anita Poole-Endsley, Executive Director of Foundation and Resource Development. As Poole-Endsley transitions into taking over for Mikeman, she details that the process has been seamless. Mikeman set her up for success with communication and patience. 

"Cindy does everything with excellence and class," Poole-Endsley said. The two grew up together. They went to church together when they were younger. Since working together, she has seen Mikeman's most admirable traits radiate. In fact, her favorite memory of Mikeman is an example of that. 

"At the golf tournament, riding on the golf cart and just hearing her laughter and joy at what she did," she said. "It was the kind of laughter where you throw back your head and you got the belly laugh. The sun’s shining outside. It feels great. The winds kind of blowing your hair a little and it's just the joy of the moment. She finds joy in every moment. I aspire to be like that someday." 

Mikeman has had an outstanding career whilst leading the foundation to prosper. Her framework of success is quite unique. In her words, success is not defined by the money made, but the lifechanging decisions. 

"I've had the time of my life," Mikeman said. Although her diligent work still leads her to still attend various events at Rose State, she officially retired Feb. 1. 

"Her dedication to Rose State is very admirable," Poole-Endsley said. "She transitioned to where her dedication is toward her grandchildren, which is also admirable. We’re just thankful that they shared her with us for so long." 

Despite the fact that she is retired from Rose State, Mikeman will continue to serve on various committees and organizations that range from the Garden Council and the TACAMO Base. 

The 15th Street News and The 6420 would like to extend their gratitude and congratulations to Cindy Mikeman. Her efforts from the time she was Executive Director of Resource Development and Foundation to Vice President of Resource Development has not gone unnoticed. Thank you and congratulations.

Thanks to Rose State College, Oklahoma’s investment in drones is flying further with the introduction of a new 16-week drone course.

The course provides an introduction to small unmanned aircraft system operations, safety considerations, regulatory requirements and more. At the end of the course, students will be prepared to take the Federal Aviation Administration’s unmanned aircraft general knowledge test and earn their remote pilot [part 107] certificates.

Ryan Stoddard, Ph.D., the dean of the engineering and sciences division at Rose State College, is the instructor for the course. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy and former naval aviator, he holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering from Virginia Tech. 

“A small unmanned aircraft system is useful as a tool because it is an affordable, highly maneuverable, flying HD camera connected to an accurate GPS,” he said. “This makes it valuable for photography, videography, inspections and photogrammetry (mapping) in industries such as construction, agriculture, utilities, surveying, public safety, real estate and marketing.” 

Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, has also had drones on the brain.

In an effort to promote transparency, Dahm introduced Senate Bill 36, which would make police drone footage accessible through Oklahoma’s Open Records Act if passed.

“The law says that bodycam footage and dashcam footage are subject to (the Open Records Act), but drone footage is not,” he said. “Government in general doesn’t like transparency and accountability, whether it’s law enforcement or any other entity of government.” 

Drones have been a hot topic in government for several years. In 2022, Gov. Kevin Stitt signed House Bill 3171, which classified the unlawful use of drones as a misdemeanor offense. Drones are small, hard to trace and cheap to operate. This cocktail of features makes them the perfect platform for bad actors to use for any number of purposes.

For those interested in drones as a hobby, there are multiple ways to inexpensively get involved. Many small aviation clubs dot the state, and many various entry-level drones sell for under $100. However, by law, all recreational flyers must hold a Recreational UAS Safety Test certificate, which is attained by passing an aeronautical knowledge and safety test. Recreational flyers must also have an adequate understanding of flying requirements. If requested by law enforcement or FAA personnel. The TRUST test is free to take and can be found on the FAA website.

The drone industry in Oklahoma is getting noticed. In 2022, George Mason University ranked Oklahoma No. 1 in drone commerce readiness. With wide open skies and the FAA facilities at the heart of the state, Oklahoma is more than prepared to take on the economic changes that the drone market brings.

For states that welcome aerial commerce, adapting to mainstream drone usage could rapidly change the economy and revolutionize many industries. Various home delivery services such as FedEx and UPS have already tested drones for commercial use, but there are also potential agricultural and medical applications on the horizon. Commonly used for photography, land surveying and geo-mapping, drones are also used extensively in the film industry to get previously cost-prohibitive aerial shots.

The growing interest in drones combined with the up-and-coming film industry in Oklahoma have spawned several dedicated drone film companies and even a drone film festival. Already in its third year, the Thunderbird Drone Film Festival is the first of its kind in Oklahoma. The two-day festival is in Woodward and involves an aerial scavenger hunt, an obstacle course and awards show.

In 15 years, drones have gone from a curiosity to a tool with practical application. The rapid advancement in lithium-ion batteries and the increased availability of small microprocessors have played a large role in this booming industry. Oklahoma has become a hotbed for aerial technology innovation largely due to the influence of Tinker Air Force Base and the significant aerospace presence in the state.

To further cement Oklahoma’s aerospace reputation, Sen. John Haste, R-Broken Arrow, and Rep. Kevin Wallace, R-Wellston, recently coauthored Senate Bill 942, which would create the Oklahoma Aircraft Engine Testing Development Grant Program to advance aerospace research.

Students interested in Rose State’s introductory drone course can enroll for the fall 2023 semester beginning March 27.

Any hopes of having mobile Boys & Girls Club experiences in rural Oklahoma by the end of the year were dashed as the legislature’s special session adjourned Friday, Oct. 14.

The  Boys  &  Girls  Clubs of Oklahoma was just one nonprofit of 10 that were set to receive American Rescue Plan Act funding in the latest round of pandemic relief appropriations. However, funding allocations were delayed when state lawmakers failed to reach a consensus regarding YWCA’s funding proposal.

The  Boys  &   Girls   Clubs of Oklahoma’s proposal requested $30.1 million to build out mobile clubs and  for capital  needs  at  their  96  locations  across the state. The proposed mobile clubs would have brought specialized programs to areas  where The Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma do not have a physical presence.

“There are some schools and a lot of rural towns in the state of Oklahoma that don’t, for various reasons, have access to a club experience,” said Teena Belcik, the president   and   CEO   of   the   Boys   &   Girls   Clubs   of   Oklahoma County.      

“[We] can come with a mobile club and bring all the academic support, mentoring, sports, arts and STEM opportunities.  All of those would be beneficial in many of these areas that maybe don’t have or can’t support a full-time club, but when we’re on wheels, we can go.”

Even when schools are closed, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma are open and ready to serve. However, the delay has stalled programs that were ready to hit the ground running.

The  Boys  &  Girls  Clubs of Oklahoma County recently piloted a reading  recovery  program  for  students  in kindergarten through eighth   grade.   The    program  is   designed   to improve students’ reading level after the pandemic caused a widespread academic delay in learning.

“Everyone’s concerned about making sure all our kids succeed academically, but the pandemic didn’t do anybody any favors,” she said. “We were really excited to be able to implement that reading recovery program, but that’s part of the funding we were hoping to receive.” The Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma and the other nine nonprofits will now have to wait until the legislature’s next session in February 2023 to receive the $95.2 million in ARPA funding left on the table:

• $25 million to the YMCA to expand the outside school hours childcare needs at facilities across the state

• $30 million to Oasis Fresh Market to help support strong healthy communities by increasing poverty wrap-around services at locations to mitigate food deserts

• $2.8 million to the YWCA to build one and two bedroom apartments to house youth aging out of foster care

• $700,000 to the Parent and Child Center of Tulsa for two intervention programs to prevent child abuse in high-risk communities and better integrate fathers who live separately from their children

• $1 million to The Spring for capital improvements to a facility that serves victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and sex trafficking

• $2 million to the Family Safety Center to go toward their total need of $27 million for a new multipurpose community facility aimed at providing assistance to individuals impacted by domestic violence and sexual abuse

• $30.1 million to The Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma to build mobile clubs that would have specialized programming for areas where The Boys & Girls Club does not have a physical presence and for capital needs at their 96 locations

• $3  million  to  Food on the Move to contribute toward their $11 million need for their first Food Hub, which will bring small/local farmers and independent sellers together to buy and sell products

• $342,360 to Oklahoma Court Appointed Special Advocates to pay for background checks for new advocates and other related expenditures

• $300,000 to the First Step Male Diversion  program to fund a $1.1 million facility to house those currently going through the program
  ​

To ensure that ARPA funding is spent as proposed, the Legislature has arranged various levels of oversight. For the first time in the state’s history, Oklahoma is outsourcing a portion of the oversight responsibilities to 929 Strategies, a comprehensive consulting service that specializes in public policy advice, government relations and regulatory affairs.

“The legislature employees are working directly with 929 Strategies to make sure money is spent correctly. This group is unique because it is the first time the House and Senate have hired a consulting group to make sure we are complying with the rules,” said Sen. Roger Thompson, R-Okemah. “The ARPA rules have changed several times, and Melissa Houston and her team at 929 Strategies will keep up with the changes.”

As mandated by the Legislature, the Office of Management and Enterprise Services will publish a weekly report of the status of all ARPA grant agreements to the Chairs of the Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding and will make them available to the public. They will also publish a quarterly report of all expenditures of ARPA funds.

“Under the authority granted by the Legislature, OMES will primarily play the role of administrator in the distribution of ARPA funds,” said Caden Cleveland, the OMES director of legislative and public affairs in an emailed statement. “By this, I mean we will be working with each entity that the Legislature and the governor have decided shall receive ARPA dollars to ensure they have the correct budgetary and legal documentation in place before receiving the dollars. Once correct documentation is in place and ARPA dollars are distributed to these entities, we will continue working with them to make sure the expenditure of the funds are all meeting federal requirements for their use.”

According to Thompson, the previous mismanagement of pandemic relief funding, via the ClassWallet fiasco, has not been a contributing factor to the oversight of this round of pandemic relief money.

ClassWallet was hired by Oklahoma officials in   August   2022   to  distribute $17.3 million in emergency federal educational funds. The State   of   Oklahoma  later  filed  a  lawsuit against ClassWallet as it failed to ensure proper money management.

During the pandemic, ClassWallet distributed funding using the Stay in School grant, which provided $6,500 in tuition assistance, and the Bridge the Gap Digital Wallet, which provided $1,500 in grants to low-income families to buy educational items.

The Frontier and Oklahoma Watch performed a combined investigation of ClassWallet in May 2022. Records  show  a  heavy amount  of  funding  was  spent  on non-educational items such as TVs, Christmas trees, barbecue grills, smartphones and video game consoles all through the Bridge the Gap program.

Suggestions on how to spend Oklahoma’s ARPA funding were submitted through an online portal. The proposals came from a wide variety of industries, such as water management, workforce development, nonprofits and more.

On March 11, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act, a federal stimulus bill to help economic recovery and public health after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The act allocated $350 billion in emergency funding to state, local, territorial and tribal governments. State governments and the District of Columbia received $195.3 billion.

Funding was sent out in two separate installments, with the exception of territories which received $4.5 billion in a single installment. Recipients must appropriate the funds by Dec. 31, 2024, and have it spent by Dec. 31, 2026.

Sitting on the curb, Johnson Jackson, 63, waits for City Care’s Night Shelter to open. Bundled in layers with gloves and a beanie, it is 40 degrees outside, the wind is blowing, but the doors won’t open for another 45 minutes.

It is not his first time at the night shelter, but he is not alone. Countless others have also come to find a bed for the night. If those living on the streets can arrive early enough or manage to reserve a bed ahead of time, they can look forward to a bed and warm shower.

But with only 150 beds, it’s first come, first served, and the shelter is full every night.

Before being homeless, Jackson was living the American Dream. He had a house and a long-lasting marriage, raised children and even worked long enough to earn retirement–the average joe.

Raised by his grandmother, Jackson resolved to learn how to fix things around the house to alleviate the financial burden on his grandmother who was on a fixed income.

“I wanted to know how to do everything,” he said. “I wanted to be ‘the man,’ and I am.”

Eventually, he became the building manager at the old Bank One building in downtown Oklahoma City. Over the course of his career, he worked for furniture companies, the Salvation Army and even the Oklahoma City Housing Authority for awhile as an independent contractor.

Then his life came to a screeching halt.

His wife of 18 years kicked him out, and just like that he was left with no home and no car. Just the shirt on his back, his wallet and the depression that followed him as he left his life behind.

“I got depressed and started drinking,” he said. “I’ve had money and plenty of opportunities to get a place, but I never have. I never applied myself. Mentally, I was still torn up about the relationship, and I was depressed. I allowed myself to slip deeper into depression and just kind of gave up.”

Not long after, his wallet was stolen. His ID, cash, debit and credit cards? Gone.

“I went and had all the stuff canceled, then two weeks later, someone supposedly walks up to the front desk and hands them my wallet,” he said. “They don’t know who it is. They can’t run the camera back. ‘Oh Lord, it just ain’t working right today.’ Whatever. They don’t want me to know who it was.”

He has also had clothes, shoes and other things stolen.

“They steal from you,” he said. “Man, I’ve had four or five nice $500-600 coats stolen from me here. Brand spanking new Polo boots, never touched the dirt, never even touched the ground? Stolen.”

Theft isn’t the only thing lurking in the shadows. Substance abuse, alcoholism and mental illness run rampant among the homeless population.

“A lot of them are schizophrenic,” Jackson said. “That guy that just walked by? He’s talking to himself. You don’t see anybody with him, do you? They’re talking to themselves. They’re schizophrenic, bipolar, and they’re doing drugs.”

The National Institute of Mental Health estimates between 0.25% and 0.64% of Americans suffer from schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders. However, estimates are even higher among the homeless community. Studies show about 20% or more homeless people suffer from some form of psychosis.

“When the long-term psychiatric hospitals closed in the ‘80s, the idea was we wanted to give these people a dignified life, to live in a community or with their families, go to the grocery store, the things that people do,” said Tom Knudsen, director of housing navigation at City Care. “That looked good on paper, but the community was not ready for them. For the ones that do not have any family, this results in them on the street.”

Substance abuse is just as prevalent as mental illness among the homeless community. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reports nearly 16% of homeless people suffer from chronic substance abuse.

“Substance use and mental illness are usually always in the picture somewhere,” he said. “At the day shelter, we’re seeing a variety of people in the throes of their addiction. We’ve got a number of in-patient recovery programs. If somebody is trying to detox from substance use, maybe they need a bed at Catalyst Behavioral Services or a sober living more-structured 30-day, 60-day, 90-day situation.”

City Care’s mission is a lengthy one. Its mission first started with a day shelter, which is now run by The Homeless Alliance.

“The day shelter is a place where they can come in the  daytime,” he said. “They get showers. They get computer access. They get meals.”

Beyond helping those afflicted by addiction, City Care also offers case management to help get people off the streets through Section 8 housing vouchers.

Section 8 is a federal program designed to assist very low-income families, the elderly and the disabled in finding affordable housing. Upon approval, the housing voucher covers a portion of the rent and is paid directly to landlords on behalf of the participating individual or family.

However, there is a waitlist, and it may take two months, a year or longer to get approved.

“Let’s say somebody has applied for Section 8, and we have an expedite that we can get on a Section 8 housing voucher. There’s a small number of vouchers they prioritize for people who are homeless,” Knudsen said. “For someone that is working a minimum wage job or is on a fixed income or supplemental security income, that is really the only way you can sustain the cost of living in a standard apartment.”

The average rent for regular housing is $11,400 per year. For the elderly, it costs an average of $4,500 a month to live in an assisted living facility, according to the American Seniors Housing Association. That is $54,000 per year.

Homelessness can happen to anyone. As the recession lingers, more and more people are facing budget cuts, layoffs, increasing inflation and skyrocketing rent.

A recent analysis by Zillow shows rent in Oklahoma City has increased by 5.8% since November 2021, and paying an extra $100 per month adds up quickly. For those already straddling the poverty line, paying an extra $1,200 every year can be enough to send them over the edge.

“If you’re trying to rent a one-bedroom unit and the price is $500 a month, a landlord would want to see that you make three times more of that price just so they know you’re not going to get behind,” he said. “That’s all fine and good, but if you’re talking about someone who’s working at minimum wage, makes $8 an hour and probably clears only $1,100-1,200 a month if that, there is no way they can clear that bar.”

A detrimental injury, a divorce, a death in the family, a loss of career—a couple slips in the rent, and eviction is right around the corner. A downward spiral may be only a tragedy away.

“Homelessness is complex,” he said. “It’s more than just four walls and a roof. I think, at the bottom of it, is a catastrophic loss of family and loss of relationship. If you’ve never had anybody that believes in you, be it a mom, dad, family member, mentor, leader or whatever, then it’s hard to make good decisions.”

Throughout the winter, homeless people find themselves in increasingly colder and harsher conditions. Every year, City Care opens an emergency cold weather shelter to house as many homeless as possible through the freezing nights.

“It’s an overflow shelter when all the other shelters are full during the winter,” he said. “What happens is all the other shelters will lift their admission criteria and let anybody come get a bed to get out of the winter. When they’re full, we need an overflow space.”

While every race, ethnicity and gender can be found amongst the homeless, HUD reports that white and Black people are equally affected nationally.

“I would say that the population we serve is probably the least segregated in terms of ethnic background and cultural background,” Knudsen said. “Segregated from the rest of society? Yes. But within this group, you see all kinds of people, all kinds of different stories, all kinds of different backgrounds. Your stereotypes start to dissolve really quickly.”

In an effort to address homelessness, 48 states have enacted at least one law restricting behaviors of people experiencing homelessness, according to a recent study by the National Homelessness Law Center. These laws prohibit a variety of homeless-related actions including, but not limited to, camping in particular public places, sleeping in cars and vagrancy.

In 2021, Texas lawmakers passed House Bill 1925, which would rescind state funding and support from any local entity that “prohibits or discourages enforcement of any public camping ban.”

After the law was signed, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton sent a joint letter to the Texas Association of Counties, the Texas Municipal League and cities across the state to remind them of their duty to enforce the ban on camping in public places.

"Local entities like yours should uphold the rule of law by enforcing this public camping ban,” the letter read. “In the coming months, we will be monitoring local entities across Texas to ensure compliance with House Bill 1925. We trust that you will begin enforcing the public camping ban in good faith. Doing so will achieve our shared goal of delivering improved services for the homeless and safer communities for everyone.”

As part of their continuing efforts, Texas also contributed over $358 million to local entities to help the homeless find housing and shelter.

In Oklahoma City, City Care has discussed opening a secondary shelter, but Knudsen said it is not going to solve the problem.

“There’s talk of another shelter, but honestly, building a shelter is a Band-Aid,” he said. “Homelessness is a community issue, and it deserves a community response. In some way, I think building another shelter lets the community off the hook.”

Knudsen said he thinks a more holistic approach is necessary to solving homelessness.

“You can take a hard-line approach of criminalizing poverty or criminalizing addiction or arresting people who are panhandling or whatever, but all that really does is get it out of sight, out of mind, so I don’t have to look at it,” he said. “Let’s say we fund more shelters or more social programs. It almost creates an incentive for people to come, and it makes the problem more visible. On both sides of the coin, you’re not really fixing the problem. At the end of the day, it has to start in the hearts and the minds and the attitudes of people.”

Each year, Oklahoma City takes one day and counts and surveys people experiencing homelessness. In 2022, there were a total of 1,339 “countable” homeless people. The Point in Time count found that within the homeless community, nearly 10% are veterans, 16% are members of families with children and 20% are youth age 24 or younger.

After living in the inner city and constantly seeing what homeless people are up against, Knudsen said he realized he wanted to help those most at risk.

“Whatever I wanted to do in life, I wanted to give myself to working with people on the margins, trying to figure out what it looks like to ‘re-neighbor’ the hood if you will,” he said. “In their world, yeah, it’s not the healthiest sense of community, but they know each other. They know each other on the street. They look out for each other.”

Even those who have a  place   to   live   can   still be missing a sense of community.

“People in our world are relationally bankrupt,” he said. “We could go to work and sit in a cubicle for eight hours a day, drive in our cars to work 45 minutes in one direction, go home to a gated community and never have to see or talk to anybody.”

Knudsen said the solution to homelessness might not come in our lifetime.

“When we decide ‘You know what? Nobody should be without a home. We’re not okay with that,’ I think the only way that’s going to start is not through more programs or not even more housing, as much as we need those things,” he said. “It’s through the avenue of relationship and building and sustaining relationships with people on the margins to the point where hearts, minds and attitudes change and the way we think about homelessness changes.”

In a couple years, Jackson said he wants his own place, a nice car and hopefully a wife.

“You never really know what another person’s story is unless you ask them,” he said.