Rogers State University (RSU) announced that its governing board has authorized the university to move forward with the acquisition of Atlas School, a Tulsa‑based technology education organization. The approval paves the way for RSU to expand workforce‑focused educational opportunities in downtown Tulsa while building on the reputation Atlas has established since its founding in 2020.
Why the acquisition matters for Tulsa’s tech talent pipeline
“This investment builds on the strengths of both organizations and creates new opportunities for growth, innovation, and student success,” said Dr. Don Raleigh, President of Rogers State University. “Atlas School has done important work to help address a critical need for technology talent in our region, and we see an opportunity to build on that foundation and expand its impact.”
The George Kaiser Family Foundation, which helped launch Atlas School in partnership with Holberton School, is providing an operating grant to RSU and will gift Atlas’s assets to the university pending required approvals. The foundation’s Executive Director, Ken Levit, noted, “Atlas was created to expand access to technology education and prepare more Oklahomans for careers in a growing industry. Through RSU, the program can reach more students, leverage the resources of a public university and better connect education with workforce needs.”
Atlas School’s track record
Since its launch, Atlas School has graduated more than 300 students through inclusive, hands‑on software development programs. The school’s curriculum emphasizes both technical skills and professional development, preparing learners from diverse backgrounds for careers in Tulsa’s expanding technology sector.
Drew Burks, Executive Director of Atlas School, said, “This proposed acquisition would build on Atlas School’s established software engineering programs while leveraging RSU’s academic resources to expand educational opportunities and strengthen Oklahoma’s technology workforce.”
How the transition will work
Upon completion, RSU would integrate Atlas’s programs into its existing downtown Tulsa facility, which currently houses Atlas. The university plans to use its broader academic resources and infrastructure to broaden the reach of the software engineering curriculum, creating additional pathways for adult and non‑traditional learners.
The University of Oklahoma Board of Regents has authorized RSU administration, with legal counsel assistance, to negotiate and execute the agreements necessary to complete the transaction. Final approvals are still required from the Oklahoma Board of Private Vocational Schools.
Impact on students and local employers
University leaders view the acquisition as a strategic step to strengthen Tulsa’s higher‑education ecosystem. By combining RSU’s public‑university resources with Atlas’s proven, hands‑on training model, the partnership aims to produce more qualified technology workers for local employers, supporting the region’s economic growth.
“We believe this transition creates an important opportunity to build on the foundation Atlas School has established and extend its impact across our region,” said Levit. “We’re proud to have helped establish Atlas and grateful to RSU for carrying its mission forward.”
Next steps
The governing board’s authorization allows RSU to move forward with detailed integration planning, subject to the required state approvals. If the Oklahoma Board of Private Vocational Schools grants its consent, the university will begin evaluating how best to merge services and expand program capacity.
Stakeholders—including current Atlas students, local tech firms, and community leaders—have expressed optimism that the combined institution will enhance Tulsa’s reputation as a hub for technology education and workforce development.
Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
