Rogers State University Faculty Celebrate Recognition at OCPRA Awards

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights:
2. Introduction
3. Overview of the OCPRA Awards
4. RSU Faculty Achievements
5. The Impact of Recognitions on RSU
6. The Role of OCPRA in Higher Education
7. Future Directions for RSU’s Communications Team
8. Conclusion
9. FAQ

Key Highlights:

• Two faculty members from Rogers State University (RSU) received multiple awards at the 2025 Oklahoma College Public Relations Association (OCPRA) Awards Competition.
• Randy Riggs, a graphic designer, won three awards, while Tom Fink, a writer/editor, secured two awards for his compelling storytelling.
• The OCPRA competition featured 607 entries from 23 institutions, showcasing the excellence in communications and marketing across Oklahoma higher education.

Introduction

Rogers State University (RSU) recently garnered attention at the 2025 Oklahoma College Public Relations Association (OCPRA) Awards Competition, where two faculty members received prestigious accolades for their contributions to the field of communications and marketing. The OCPRA, an esteemed organization comprising professionals from public and private universities across Oklahoma, hosts this annual competition to recognize exemplary work in various categories. The event highlighted the creative prowess and storytelling capabilities of RSU’s faculty, underscoring the university’s commitment to promoting life-changing higher education.

Overview of the OCPRA Awards

The OCPRA Awards Competition is a significant event within the Oklahoma educational landscape, celebrating excellence in public relations, marketing, and communications. This year’s competition attracted a record 607 entries from 23 different institutions, spanning 56 categories. This broad participation illustrates the competitive nature of the awards and the emphasis on high-quality work in the field. The recognition of RSU’s faculty members amidst such a diverse pool of talent underscores their exceptional skills and dedication to their craft.

RSU Faculty Achievements

Randy Riggs: A Graphic Designer with Vision

Randy Riggs, RSU’s graphic designer, was a standout at this year’s awards, receiving three accolades. His innovative designs were recognized in the “Wild, Tactical, Fearless Idea” category, where he earned first place for the “RSU Admitted Student Box” design. This design not only reflects creativity but also serves a practical purpose in welcoming new students to the university.

Riggs also received third place in the same category for his “RSU Pillowcase Summer Melt” project, which highlights his ability to engage students during the transitional summer months. Furthermore, he achieved an Excellence Award in the “Seasonal or Celebration Design” category with his “Play Anything but the Top 40 RSU Radio Poster.” Each of these honors reflects Riggs’ capacity to blend aesthetics with functionality, creating designs that resonate with the university’s mission.

Tom Fink: Storytelling Through Words

Equally notable was Tom Fink, RSU’s Communications and Marketing Writer/Editor, who secured two prestigious awards. Fink earned second place in the “Storytelling or Documentary Photo” category for his compelling article on the “RSU Nursing Mock Disaster Drill.” This piece not only showcased Fink’s writing talent but also highlighted the university’s commitment to practical training in nursing, emphasizing the importance of real-world applications in education.

Additionally, Fink received second place in the “Short-Form Writing (Headlines, Captions, Microcontent)” category for his engaging piece titled “Blind Ambitions: RSU Senior Sets Sights on Communications Career.” This article exemplifies Fink’s ability to craft narratives that inspire and inform, effectively communicating the aspirations of RSU students.

The Impact of Recognitions on RSU

A Testament to Team Excellence

Kenny Day, RSU’s Director of Communications and Marketing, expressed his gratitude for the recognition of both Riggs and Fink, emphasizing the importance of their contributions to the university. Day remarked, “I’m grateful for this statewide recognition for both Randy’s and Tom’s outstanding work. Both are seasoned professionals who tell the RSU story of life-changing higher education in a compelling way every day.” Such acknowledgments not only bolster the morale of the faculty but also enhance the university’s reputation in the competitive landscape of higher education.

The awards received by Riggs and Fink serve as a testament to the collective excellence of the RSU Communications and Marketing team, which includes website and social media coordinator Tashona Jones. Each member plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative and image of RSU, demonstrating how effective communication strategies can elevate a university’s profile.

Building a Stronger Community

The recognition of RSU faculty members at the OCPRA Awards also highlights the broader impact of effective marketing and communication strategies within the educational community. By showcasing their achievements, RSU not only attracts prospective students but also fosters a sense of pride among current students, alumni, and faculty. This recognition can lead to increased engagement and support from the community, ultimately enhancing the university’s ability to fulfill its mission of providing transformative education.

The Role of OCPRA in Higher Education

Fostering Professional Development

The Oklahoma College Public Relations Association plays a critical role in fostering professional development among communications and marketing professionals in higher education. By facilitating competitions like the OCPRA Awards, the organization promotes best practices, encourages collaboration, and provides valuable networking opportunities. These events allow professionals to share insights, learn from one another, and elevate the standards of communication within the sector.

Encouraging Innovation

The competitive nature of the OCPRA Awards encourages innovation and creativity among participants. Institutions are motivated to push boundaries, develop compelling narratives, and create visually striking designs that resonate with their audiences. As seen with RSU’s award-winning entries, such efforts can lead to notable advancements in how universities present themselves and engage with their communities.

Future Directions for RSU’s Communications Team

Embracing Digital Transformation

As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, RSU’s Communications and Marketing team is poised to embrace digital transformation. With the rise of social media and online platforms, effective communication strategies must adapt to reach a broader audience. The team’s recent successes at the OCPRA Awards indicate their readiness to explore new avenues for storytelling and engagement, leveraging technology to enhance their outreach efforts.

Strengthening Community Relations

Moving forward, RSU’s Communications and Marketing team will likely focus on strengthening community relations. By highlighting local partnerships, student achievements, and faculty expertise, the university can build a stronger connection with its surrounding community. This approach not only enhances the university’s visibility but also emphasizes its role as a vital contributor to regional development.

Conclusion

The accolades received by Randy Riggs and Tom Fink at the OCPRA Awards highlight the exceptional talent and dedication of the faculty at Rogers State University. Their achievements underscore the importance of effective communication and marketing in higher education, illustrating how compelling narratives and innovative designs can significantly impact a university’s image and engagement. As RSU continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the higher education landscape, its Communications and Marketing team stands ready to lead the way in telling the RSU story with creativity and passion.

FAQ

What is the OCPRA Awards Competition?
The OCPRA Awards Competition is an annual event recognizing outstanding work in public relations, marketing, and communications among Oklahoma colleges and universities.

Who were the award winners from RSU?
Randy Riggs, a graphic designer, won three awards, while Tom Fink, a writer/editor, received two awards at the 2025 OCPRA Awards Competition.

What categories were included in the OCPRA Awards?
The competition featured 56 different categories, including storytelling, graphic design, and short-form writing.

How does RSU’s Communications and Marketing team contribute to the university’s image?
The team plays a crucial role in shaping the university’s narrative, promoting student achievements, and enhancing community engagement through effective communication strategies.

Why is recognition at the OCPRA Awards significant for RSU?
Recognition at the OCPRA Awards enhances RSU’s reputation, boosts faculty morale, and showcases the university’s commitment to excellence in education and outreach.