OKC BASEBALL HAS A NEW NAME

Oklahoma City’s Triple-A baseball team is now known as the Oklahoma City Comets. The OKC Comets name pays homage to Oklahoma baseball legend Mickey Mantle, whose nickname was the "Commerce Comet.” The brand’s light blue and red colors and logo, with a baseball shooting through the sky like a comet, honor the team’s long-time affiliation with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

“We wanted our new name and brand to be something that reflects Oklahoma’s rich baseball history and our affiliation with the Dodgers but is also uniquely ours and embraces the future of our city and state,” said Oklahoma City Comets President/General Manager Michael Byrnes. “Mickey Mantle — the Commerce Comet —is an iconic baseball figure for our state, our city, our team and our ballpark. In addition, the OKC Comets name and different marks that display images of space suggest a look toward the future and enables us to have a bit of fun bringing our new identity to life for our fans.”

Byrnes said the local community and key stakeholders played a significant role in selecting the new name. Over the past two years, team officials hosted focus groups with members of the community and reviewed the high volume of feedback received from fans via social media and email submissions.

“We appreciate our community of fans who provided input into the new name and brand and who have supported this team throughout the years — since 1962,” Byrnes said. “Our commitment is to continue to provide the same fun, family-friendly game day experience our fans have come to expect—now with new signage, new uniforms and mascots.”

The team remains the Los Angeles Dodgers Triple-A affiliate through at least 2030 under the current Professional Development League license, featuring players one step away from Major League Baseball for years to come.

Work is underway to replace signage, uniforms and other graphics with the OKC Comets brand, which will greet fans when the new season begins in April 2025. Fans who want to get a jump-start on displaying the new brand can purchase OKC Comets merchandise online or at the Team Store, located on the west side of Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Season memberships for 2025 are currently available for purchase online or by calling (405) 218-1000

(Story from OKC Comets Press Release)

Three Rose State College Leaders Recognized as Top 55 Influential Oklahomans

Rose State College is pleased to announce President Dr. Jeanie Webb, Vice President for Student Affairs Lance Newbold, and Regent Laure Majors named honorees of the 55 Over 55 Inspiring Oklahomans. These individuals are celebrated for their contributions to education and public service. 

President Jeanie Webb is a transformational leader with over 25 years of experience in higher education, known for her energy, passion, and dedication to student success. Under her leadership, Rose State College has become a top community college in Oklahoma, experiencing significant growth through academic excellence, partnerships, and workforce development. Dr. Webb’s contributions include securing over $36 million for infrastructure and program expansion, including a new aerospace and cybersecurity center and increased nursing program capacity. Dr. Webb actively serves on various community boards, including the OETA Regular Authority Board and Oklahoma Governor’s Business Roundtable, and has participated in leadership programs such as Leadership Oklahoma and the TACAMO Navy Community Leadership Program. 

Lance Newbold, Vice President for Student Affairs at Rose State College since 2017, has a background in Business Management and Logistics, with 26 years of active service in the US Army, including international assignments and a final role as Professor of Military Science at the University of Central Oklahoma’s Army ROTC Broncho Battalion from 2007-2011. He joined Rose State in 2012 as Coordinator of Veteran Services, later advancing to Director of Veteran Services and Academic Advisement. Newbold has held leadership roles with the Oklahoma Association of Veterans Coordinators and Counselors and the Council on Student Affairs for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. Currently, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Del City Chamber of Commerce and is a member of Henderson Hills Baptist Church. 

Appointed by Governor Fallin and confirmed by the Senate, Laurie Majors has been a member of RSC’s Board of Regents since 2013. As a Principal at FSB Architects + Engineers, Laure leads strategic planning, business development, and marketing, driving growth in the architecture and engineering industry. She became the first woman in the firm’s history to be named Principal, building strong client relationships and contributing to FSB's recognition as a Metro 50 "Fastest Growing Company" in 2016 and 2017. Laure collaborates with FSB's leadership team to identify business opportunities and develop project strategies across diverse markets, as well as mentoring future leaders within the firm, fostering the next generation of talent. 

Rose State College congratulates Dr. Jeanie Webb, Lance Newbold, and Laure Majors for their outstanding contributions and for being named among the top 55 Over 55 Influential Oklahomans. Their commitment to education and community service reflects the college’s mission to empower students and strengthen Oklahoma’s workforce. 

(Story/Photo Courtesy of Rose State College)