RSU President's Leadership Class receives Hands of Hope Award

CLAREMORE, Okla. – Rogers State University's President's Leadership Class has received the 2026 Hands of Hope Award from the William W. Barnes Children's Advocacy Center.

The award was presented Oct. 2 at the center's Boots & Bourbon fundraiser at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum. It recognized the students for their work helping transform the center into a more trauma-informed environment for the children and families it serves.

During the fall 2025 and spring 2026 semesters, PLC students devoted their time, creativity and compassion to the center's renovation project. Their contributions went beyond updating the physical space, helping create an environment that feels safer, more welcoming and more supportive for children facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

"We are so grateful for the partnership with RSU and for the heart these students brought to the project," said Katie Drilling, executive director of the William W. Barnes Children's Advocacy Center. "Their work will continue to impact children and families for years to come, and we felt it was important to recognize them."

RSU's President's Leadership Class is a four-year scholarship program designed to develop leadership skills and enhance the academic experience. The program gives a select group of high-achieving RSU students the chance to grow personally and professionally. Members work closely with university administration and student groups to strengthen service to both the campus and the community.

For more information about the William W. Barnes Children's Advocacy Center, visit cacclaremore.org.

To learn more about the PLC program, contact Dr. Christi Mackey, PLC director and assistant professor, at 918-343-7752 or cmackey@rsu.edu, or visit rsu.edu/plc.