Two Rogers State University employees were given special recognition during the Claremore Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon, held Tuesday, Jan. 17, in the Dr. Carolyn Taylor Center at RSU’s campus in Claremore.
Dr. Keith Martin, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, and Travis Peck, director of alumni engagement, were named the recipients of the Educator of the Year Award and the Superstar Award, respectively, in honor of their contributions to the university and to the community.
Claremore Area Chamber of Commerce President Barby Myers expressed her gratitude to the pair for their commitment to positively impacting the Claremore landscape.
“The Educator of the Year Award is intended to recognize excellence in the field of education,” Myers said. “Last month, RSU announced it will be offering chemical engineering as the newest degree available in the fall of 2023. Dr. Keith Martin has taught at RSU since 1990, and Dr. Martin, who wrote the chemical engineering degree program, said there’s not only a desire but a demand for the university to offer it.
“The Chamber knows that chemical engineering degrees benefit business and can apply to several industries – including oil and gas, the aerospace industry and many companies located at the Claremore Industrial Park, Tulsa Ports and the Mid-America Industrial Park,” she said. “Dr. Martin’s loyalty and dedication to his field and the university are unmatched and he was instrumental in bringing this new program to the Hill. The Chamber is excited for this degree program at RSU and for the opportunity to recognize Dr. Martin for bringing it to fruition.”
Martin expressed his appreciation to the Chamber for the award while also crediting his fellow RSU faculty and staff for sharing his dedication to the students, university and community.
“I’m privileged, blessed and honored to work with peers, colleagues and superiors who are single-minded in the mission to help students shape and achieve their educational and career goals,” Martin said. “I have had a front row seat to watch the impact that the degree programs at RSU have had on the professional workforce in our region, and it’s an honor on behalf of RSU to be recognized for my small contribution to it.”
The Chamber president also acknowledged Peck’s merit.
“Travis (Peck) is an invaluable, yet unofficial, asset to the Claremore Area Chamber of Commerce,” Myers said. “For the past few years, Travis has been the director, producer and primary writer for the Chamber’s Gridiron comedy show, which is currently in its 59th year.
“Each month, the Chamber also produces videos, and Travis generously handles the creation and editing of those,” she continued. “He can be found at most Chamber events – whether it’s behind the scenes, entertaining the audience with his musical talents, or as an attendee. We’re indebted to Travis for all he’s done for the Chamber and the community at large.”
Peck said he was not expecting the recognition.
“I’ve been working with the Claremore Chamber for the last five years, writing and directing the Gridiron, but it was a huge surprise and great honor to be acknowledged for that work in front of so many great folks from Claremore and our special guests,” Peck said.
Claremore Area Chamber of Commerce’s State of the Chamber Meeting and Awards Luncheon is an annual event, at which, Chamber and community members are updated on the status of the Chamber and area residents receive special recognition for their contributions to the community. Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell was the special guest at this year’s event.
Source: Claremore Progress
