From the Classroom to the Community: Dr. Rebekah Wagenbach Leads OPSU’s Charge in Innovation and Engagement

Goodwell, Okla- Dr. Rebekah Wagenbach has been named Oklahoma Panhandle State University’s Academic Innovation and Community Engagement Coordinator, a new role focused on strengthening the university’s academic offerings and building deeper connections with the region OPSU serves.

“This role is about using OPSU’s resources effectively, so our students and communities get the very best of us,” said Dr.Wagenbach. “It means identifying what we do well and building on that, and just as importantly, identifying where we can improve and turning those challenges into opportunities.”

In this position, Dr. Wagenbach will lead efforts to update and enhance academic programs through a lens of innovation. Her goals include evaluating online course offerings, integrating emerging technologies like AI into the classroom experience, and creating new interdisciplinary programs that reflect student interests and workforce needs. She’s also exploring the development of stackable micro-credentials, which are short-term, skill-based programs that allow learners to earn college credit and pursue certificates or degrees over time.

“Academic innovation at OPSU means finding solutions to the problems higher education is facing today,” she said. “It’s about keeping our curriculum responsive and relevant, while always putting student success at the center.”

Dr. Wagenbach understands the heart of this university,” said Dr. Charla Lewis, Vice President of Academic Affairs. “She’s not afraid to ask hard questions or tackle complicated challenges, and she always brings the conversation back to what is best for our students and community. Her approach is thoughtful, practical, and rooted in real experience, making her exactly what OPSU needs in this moment of growth.”

Equally important is the community engagement component of this new role. With OPSU’s regional community including Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, Kansas, and New Mexico, Dr. Wagenbach sees relationship-building as essential to the university’s future.

“OPSU’s reach is broad, and that’s something we should learn into,” Dr. Wagenbach said. “We want to provide consistent, high-quality opportunities that reflect and support the rural way of life in this region. That means showing up, listening, and being a true partner.”

Dr. Wagenbach’s approach includes representing the university at community events, organizing service opportunities for students, and holding regular conversations with regional leaders to assess how OPSU can best meet local needs.

“Dr. Wagenbach brings persistence and energy to the work of innovation, said OPSU President Dr. Julie Dinger. “With her variety of experiences both at OPSU and elsewhere, she understands our context and has shown a commitment to strengthening both academic programs and community connections. This role requires someone who can think strategically and follow through, and I’m confident she’ll help move our institution forward in ways that matter.”

In her own words, Dr. Wagenbach hopes to be a resource for students, faculty, and community members alike. “I want to help turn great ideas into reality,” she said. “This role is about finding ways to support progress, both inside the classroom and in our community.