2018 OSUIT Annual Report by Oklahoma State

OS U I N ST I T U T E OF TE CHNOLOGY 2018 ANNUAL REPORT

3M, AAA, ABB, ABS, ADOBE SYSTEMS INC, AIR ASSURANCE, AMERICAN INNOVATIONS, ANHEUSER BUSCH, ANSPIRE, ARAMARK FOODS, ARCHITACTILE LLC, ARKANSAS PROSTHETICS & PEDORTHICS, ARROW TOOL, ATMOS ENERGY, AUTOZONE, BAMA COMPANIES INC, BODEAN’S, BOHLIN CO, BP PIPELINES, BROOKHAVEN HOSPITAL, BUMPER TO BUMPER, CANCER TREATMENT CENTERS OF AMERICA, CARDINAL GLASS, CARMAX, CENTERPOINT ENERGY, CHEROKEE BUILDERS, CHEROKEE NATION, CHESAPEAKE ENERGY, CHEVRON NORTH AMERICA EXPLORATION, CHEVRON PIPELINE, CHICKASAW NATION, CHRYSLER GROUP LLC, CNH AMERICA LLC, COBB ENGINEERING, CONOCOPHILLIPS, COVINGTON AIRCRAFT, CROSSLAND CONSTRUCTION, CUMMINS CHEVROLET BUICK GMC CADILLAC, DALLAS DODGE, DCP MIDSTREAM, DEVON ENERGY, DOUBLE TREE HOTEL, DRESSER-RAND, EMERSON, ENCANA OIL & GAS INC, ENERFLEX ENERGY SYSTEMS INC, ENERGY TRANSFER, ENOGEX, EPIC ENERGY, EUROPEAN AUTOSPECIALIST, EXPERITEC, EXPLORER PIPELINE, EXTERRAN, EXXONMOBIL PIPELINE, FINISHMASTER INC, FIRESTONE, FLINTCO INC, FOLEY EQUIPMENT CO, FORD, FW MURPHY, GAS PROCESSOR ASSOCIATION, GENERAL ELECTRIC OIL & GAS, GENERAL MOTORS, GEORGIA PACIFIC, GOOGLE, GRISSOM IMPLEMENT INC, GULF STATES TOYOTA, GUY ENGINEERING, H&E EQUIPMENT LLC, HALLIBURTON, HARD ROCK CASINO, HENRYETTA MEDICAL CENTER, HILLCREST HOSPITAL SOUTH, HILTI INC, HINTON REFRIGERATION, HLAVINKA EQUIPMENT COMPANY, HOME DEPOT, HONEYWELL, HP ENTERPRISE SERVICES, HUGG & HALL EQUIPMENT COMPANY, IMAX, J.A. RIGGS TRACTOR CO, JOHN DEERE, JOHNSON CONTROLS, JULES BOREL & COMPANY, KANEQUIP INC, KINDER MORGAN, KIRBY-SMITH MACHINERY INC, KMS, KOCH PIPELINE, KOMATSU AMERICAN CORP, LAND ROVER OF TULSA, LEXUS OF TULSA, LINDE, MAC TOOLS, MAGELLAN, MAHINDRA USA INC, MARRIOTT HOTEL, MEINEKE AUTO CENTERS, MERCEDES BENZ OF OKC, MESA CORROSION, MIDCON COMPRESSION, MUSCOGEE CREEK NATION, MUSTANG, CAT, NAPA, NEW HOLLAND, NUSTAR, OADA, OG&E, OKLAHOMA BANKERS ASSOCIATION, OKLAHOMA CORPORATE COMMISSION, OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, OMNI AIR INTERNATIONAL, ONEOK, O’REILLY AUTO PARTS, OSU MEDICAL CENTER, P&K EQUIPMENT, PETROCHEM, PHILLIPS 66, PINNACLE BUSINESS SYSTEMS INC, POE & ASSOCIATES, POLYVISION, PROGRESSIVE ORTHOTIC AND PROSTHETIC SERVICES, QUANTA, QUICKTRIP, RAE CORPORATION, RAYTHEON, REASOR’S LLC, RIVER SPIRIT CASINO, ROBERT M. PALMER INSTITUTE OF BIOMECHANICS, ROLAND MACHINERY CO, ROLEX USA INC, ROSEN, THE ROWLAND GROUP, RUSSELL KORMAN COMPANY, SAATCHI & SAATCHI X, SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITAL, SAINT JOHN HEALTH SYSTEM, SAM’S CLUB, SENTINEL POWER SERVICES, SHADOW MOUNTAIN HOSPITAL, SHERWIN WILLIAMS, SIEMEN’S, SNAP- ON, SOUTHWESTERN REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER, SPECTRA ENERGY, STATE FARM, STEWART MARTIN EQUIPMENT, STRAUB INTERNATIONAL, SWISS SERVICE CENTER, TD WILLIAMSON, TECHSICO, TEXAS INSTRUMENTS, TOYOTA, TRANE, TULSA COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT, TULSA ENGINEERING, TULSA HEATERS, TULSA SPINE & SPECIALTY HOSPITAL, TULSA WORLD, UNITED AUTO PARTS, UNIVERSAL COMPRESSION, VALERUS, WALMART, WARREN CAT, WAUKESHA-PEARCE INDUSTRIES INC, WESTERN EQUIPMENT DEALERS ASSOCIATION, WESTERN FARMERS PIPELINE, WEYERHAEUSER, WHITLOCK PACKAGING, WILLBROS, WILLIAMS COMPANY, YORK

, Y, R Y, , , C , N , L S L Y, S , , O , A , E C T D H , T S , , , K

LETTER from the PRESIDENT Autumn in Oklahoma is one of my favorite times of the year as backpacks and boots signal a return to classes at OSU Institute of Technology. It is a season of change that warrants a pause for reflection before embarking on a new adventure; and as our students face these milestone moments, we do well to follow their example. Within this report, we reflect on important accomplishments by our students, faculty and staff, and alumni over the last academic year. And while these have been challenging times for us fiscally, I have seen our campus community truly rise to the occasion, finding inspiring and creative ways to focus our attention toward the mission of serving Oklahoma as the leader in high-quality, advancing technology programs that prepare our students to compete in the global economy. That is why I am excited to announce that in Fall 2019, we will embark on our own adventure with the launch of a new degree programâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the Bachelor of Technology in Applied Technical Leadership. More details will come soon, but in the meantime, let us take a moment to reflect on what we accomplished over the last year.

Dr. Bill R. Path

Board of Regents for OSU & the A&M Colleges

H A LL O F FA M E

THE FIFTH ANNUAL OSUIT Alumni

ALUMNI HALL OF FAME

Homecoming Reception & Hall of Fame Awards was held June 16, 2018. For those honored, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an opportunity to go back to their alma mater to thank those who got them started on their career path. Six individuals were chosen to receive awards. Three were inducted as Distinguished Alumni, those who are established in their professions and whose career accomplishments have been outstanding, and three were inducted as Rising Stars, those alumni who have demonstrated significant or outstanding accomplishments within their first 10 years of graduation.

H A LL O F FA M E

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI BRADY ANDERSON ’91 School of Diesel & Heavy Equipment Western Service Director for GE Oil & Gas “Technology is always changing, OSUIT keeps up to speed with the changes in technology. Over the years, their programs have diversified.”

SCOTT GRAHAM ’84 School of Engineering Technologies Project Engineer for the University of Tulsa’s Petroleum Engineering Department “One of the strengths of OSUIT is hands-on training. You’re having to solve real world problems. They really prepare the student for the workplace.”

RISING STARS ANDREW COOK ’15 School of Engineering Technologies KAMO Power

JON MINSON ’79 School of Visual Communications Executive Vice President and Creative Director for Ackerman McQueen “OSUIT prepares students to step into the job versus learning on the job.”

“The internship programs are top notch. OSUIT will take you as far as you want to go.”

ABBY HOGLE ’16 School of Visual Communications Web Designer for Life.Church “OSUIT was a great solution. I was able get an excellent education, be debt free, and began working right after graduation.”

PARKER MINOR ’13 School of Energy Technologies Backup Lead at Green Country Energy “You can go anywhere, but if you want a solid career, go to OSUIT.”

A LU M NI SU CCESS

GRAPHIC DESIGN

ALUM CREATES UNIQUE

MAYFEST ARTWORK | JOHN HAMMER

When alumnus John Hammer was asked to create the poster design for the 45th annual Tulsa International Mayfest, he turned to his own memories of attending the long-running festival for inspiration. Those memories were the inspiration for one of two original paintings Hammer created for Mayfest 2018. “I think about the art, but the music is what I really remember,” Hammer said. “That’s why I chose guitars because music is a big part of it to me.” The first painting focuses on three guitars with the necks of the guitars transforming into colorful tulips. The other piece he created was an abstract painting with splashes of green, pink, yellow, purple and other spring colors. He decided to combine the two paintings for this year’s Mayfest poster. Mayfest is a free four-day outdoor festival in downtown Tulsa featuring hundreds of national and local artists and artisans as well as live entertainment from more than 100 musicians and performers across four stages.

Pictured: John & Carla Hammer. Photo courtesy of Tulsa International Mayfest

‘85 |

A LU M NI SU CCESS

CONSTRUCTION ALUM NAMED

PROJECT MANAGER OF THE YEAR

“I try to work hard and do my best at everything I do, but that’s what I try to do every day. I don’t see it as going above and beyond,” said Patterson, who added she was really shocked when she learned she was chosen. “I said ‘Wait, what?’ I had no idea what it was. I can’t believe that actually happened.” The event took place Nov. 16 at Rose State College in Oklahoma City. At the ceremony, Patterson addressed the audience which included Fran Colombin and Judy Black, instructors in the M-Power program under OSUIT’s Workforce and Economic Development division.

The Oklahoma chapter of the Association of General Contractors recognized several of their members during the annual awards banquet in February 2018, including alum Brandon Cheney. Cheney, who graduated in 2001, was recognized as the 2018 Project Manager of the Year from AGC of Oklahoma. The Oklahoma chapter formed in 1939 and represents all types of contractors from the construction field including general contractors, subcontractors, specialty contractors, suppliers, service providers and education affiliates. Cheney is senior project manager at Timberlake Construction in Oklahoma City. He’s worked there for more than a decade and worked on a variety of projects. “I’m third generation in the construction industry. I like the diversity of getting to do something different every day,” he said. “I love the management aspect of it. It’s given me experience on a variety of projects.” Cheney said his father was an advisory board member for the School of Construction Technologies and helped push him to OSUIT. “I’m very hands on,” he said, which helped him in the Construction Management program. “It put me ahead of a lot of kids that went to four-year schools, and it didn’t cost near as much.”

OSUIT ALUMNA RECEIVES

WORKFORCE ADULT ALUMNI AWARD Danielle Patterson graduated with honors from OSU Institute of Technology after taking part in the workforce training program M-Power, also based on the OSUIT campus. Now a student at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College taking online courses in health care administration, Patterson was recognized as the Workforce Adult Alumni Award winner for the eastern district at the 2017 Oklahoma Works Annual Alumni Celebration.

She talked about the importance of the people around you and the support they give you, like that of Colombin and Black. “It was amazing. I’m not a big public speaker. Looking at them while talking and thanking them for their support, it made me feel a lot more comfortable,” she said. “You realize there are other people out there who want you to succeed.” Black said seeing Patterson and the other winners recognized was phenomenal and brought tears to her eyes. “As I listened to her talk about her challenges of having a difficult life, being almost homeless and struggling to find a way to make a life for her and her son, it just broke my heart,” she said. “Danielle didn’t have much confidence or a hope for the future back then, but she reached inside herself to reach out for help.” Patterson started in the M-Power program to help her improve her life skills and job skills. She gained the confidence to go back to college so she enrolled in OSUIT’s business program in the School of Arts & Sciences. In August 2016, she graduated summa cum laude, a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and was named the Outstanding Business Student in her graduating class. “You learn so much about the community and the people. I want to work with the community and give back because they helped me so much,” she said, but it hasn’t been easy. “I didn’t realize how hard it would be to be a single parent and full-time student and work. I’m just taking one class at a time or one test at a time.” Black said she is so proud of Patterson and watching her grow and succeed has been such a pleasure and makes her work worthwhile. “We knew Danielle had great potential. We knew she was very capable of being a success even when she didn’t know or believe it herself. Danielle became the professional and personal success she dreamed she could be,” Black said. “She continues to grow, to succeed and to reach for the next challenge. I cannot wait to see what she continues to do in her life. She is an inspiration and shining example for others to follow.”

AMANDA CULLUM | WINTER 2017 ISSUE About 10 years ago, Amanda Cullum was a mother of two who had no idea what she wanted to do until she saw a news story about an event at OSU Institute of Technology. When Cullum started at OSUIT, she said she didn’t know what she was getting herself into, only that she liked that the programs utilized hands-on learning. “I had no idea what I wanted to get my degree in. I took an instrumentation class, and I was good at it. It was extremely hands on, which was great, that’s how I learn,” she said. “It wasn’t until my sixth semester that I realized I was the only girl in the program.” Cullum said she didn’t think anything about it, and she never felt she was treated differently because she was a woman. Cullum, who is the only woman in the 15-person automation department at Chevron, said the industry is becoming more open to women, and she hopes more female students see her and think they can do it too. “Women are generally more detail-oriented, and this job needs those details. It’s sad that women dismiss this career because it’s historically been so male-driven,” she said. “I want to show people it’s possible.”

CHARLEY BEEN | FALL 2017 ISSUE Charley Been had wanted to join the Air Force and then build a career working at American Airlines, but learning he was color blind meant he had to adjust his dream. Been worked at Ryder Transportation where he started as a mechanic, then moved up to shop foreman and then service manager. For the past 12 years, Been has worked at MHC Kenworth and now serves as shop foreman at the company’s Tulsa location. During his decades in the industry, Been has also served as a teacher and mentor for many of those who have worked for him. A lot has changed in the diesel and truck industry since Been graduated, and now he works to keep up with the everchanging and advancing technology used in the vehicles. “When I came up in the field, it was all mechanical. The only electrical things on a truck were the AM/FM radio and CB radio. It’s pretty amazing when you look at it now,” Been said. “The only way I’ve been able to keep up is we send people out to classes to learn and I learn from them.”

HIGH VOLTAGE LINEMEN | SPRING 2018 ISSUE Responding to storm-ravaged areas is part of the job for a lineworker with electric companies and utilities. The 2017 hurricane season was especially devastating and kept the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lineworkers busy; many are still working in Puerto Rico, the hardest-hit American territory in 2017. Several OSUIT alumni from the High Voltage Lineman program were among those who spent several weeks in Puerto Rico in January 2018. Hurricane Maria demolished much of the island, including its entire power system, when the Category 4 storm roared ashore on September 20, 2017. Bruce Paulus, a journeyman lineman for Oklahoma Gas & Electric Company, was one of those who arrived in Puerto Rico in January. When he and his crew arrived, power was still out on about 35 percent of the island. There are myriad reasons why recovery is taking so long in Puerto Rico, but Paulus said just the location alone is a big hurdle for those working in the field trying to restore power. Michael Dickinson, who graduated from OSUIT in 2008, said working in Puerto Rico had its own unique complications. Both men worked in and around Arecibo, on the northeast coast about 40 miles west of San Juan, for two weeks. Residents rejoiced when they saw crews driving into their neighborhoods, and that had a big impact on Dickinson.

NE WMAN CI VIC F E LL OWS I try to help out anywhere I can, anywhere that’s needed. – KATIE HARDIN – GROWING UP IN VALLIANT, a town of almost 800 people, Katie Hardin saw firsthand how important service to those in your community can be. When the 7-year-old sister of one of her best friends died in a car crash, she said the community came together to support the family with anything they needed. She saw it again after her uncle, a fixture in the community, passed away, and the people of Valliant came to the aid of her aunt. “I’ve seen what my community at home can do. It blew me away,” said Hardin, a student in the Business program at OSUIT. She herself has helped organize blood drives and canned food drives around the holidays.

“I was really honored. I was so happy, and it’s very humbling,” Hardin said. The Newman Civic Fellows Award, sponsored by the KMPG Foundation and Newman’s Own Foundation, honors college students who have demonstrated an investment in finding solutions for challenges facing communities throughout the country. Hardin is working toward her Associate in Science in Business and then plans to transfer to East Central University to earn a bachelor’s degree before starting a career in event planning. Serving others in your community is important because those people are your community, she said.

“I loved doing that because it helped our community,” she said. “I try to help out anywhere I can, anywhere that’s needed.”

“They’re struggling, and if you can do your hardest to help, you should. You never know what’s going on in someone else’s life and you never know the impact that can have. Just one small task can make a big difference,” Hardin said.

Hardin was announced as a 2018 Newman Civic Fellows Award winner in April 2018.

“You’re nothing without your community, so why not give back?”

STU D ENT SU CCESS

MIKEROWEWORKS SCHOLARSHIP Air Conditioning & Refrigeration student Seth Moody was awarded a $3,700 Work Ethic Scholarship from the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, which supports and promotes skilled trades to people who have an interest and aptitude in mastering a specific trade.

48 HOUR FILM FESTIVAL

The short film “Awkward First Date” won first place in the adult division at the annual Okmulgee Main Street 48 Hour Film Festival held in October 2017. The winning team was made up of School of Visual Communications students Sara Barr, Lee Cole, Charlie Grau, Tyler Kearns, Jory Looper, Kaytlynne Payne and Brock Salter with instructor Nathan Harmon serving as director.

OSUIT STUDENT DESIGNS

OKMULGEE’S SESQUICENTENNIAL LOGO

The year 2018 marks Okmulgee’s 150th anniversary—its sesquicentennial—and OSUIT is joining with other community organizations in the celebration. School of Visual Communications students in an advertising class worked for about three weeks creating a visual identity to commemorate the anniversary of the city’s formation. They presented their logo designs to the Okmulgee Sesquicentennial Committee comprised of representatives from Okmulgee Times, City of Okmulgee, Okmulgee Main Street, Okmulgee Chamber of Commerce, Okmulgee Tourism, the Muscogee Creek Nation, OSUIT, and the Okmulgee Area Development Corporation. The design by Erico Smith, a graphic design student, was chosen as the winner. “When they picked mine I thought ‘I’m going to make an impact on this town,’” said Smith, whose design features one of the most iconic, and historical, buildings in Okmulgee. “The biggest touchstone is the Creek Council House.”

Smith’s logo centers on the cupola of the Creek Council House, which sits at the heart of downtown Okmulgee. The stone building that now sits along 6th Street was constructed after the original Council House, which was built in 1868, was destroyed by fire. “We liked the design because it showcased the Council House cupola where the story began— with the building of the Council House even before Okmulgee was established,” said Sharla Stephenson, one of the committee members who decided on the winning logo. “The Muscogee (Creek) Nation leaders saw the vision and dreamed about a beautiful place to gather, live and thrive as we are still seeing and doing together today 150 years later.” Stephenson said the 150th anniversary logo will be incorporated in Okmulgee events, celebrations, fundraisers, advertising, and the Okmulgee NOW mobile app.

STU D ENT SU CCESS

PRO-TECH STUDENT EARNS SCHOLARSHIP, ATTENDS TRAINING AT ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Jamie Smith, a student the Pro-Tech program, was recognized in April 2018 with a Technicians of Tomorrow scholarship from the Automotive Service Association-Midwest chapter. “I wouldn’t have thought I would have won it,” Smith said of the national scholarship competition. And while having the $1,000 scholarship is helpful, attending ASA’s VISION Hi-Tech Training and Expo was truly priceless. “The money for the scholarship is great, but getting to go to VISION and go through the training is invaluable. I attended four or five high level training sessions— that’s invaluable information right there. They got the best of the best to come and teach,” Smith said. Growing up, he was always interested in cars and worked on them with his dad, even working in an auto parts store for four years before enrolling at OSUIT. “I saw the value of the Pro-Tech program. Instead of learning just one manufacturer’s vehicles, you’re being trained to work on everything,” he said. “I’ve loved it—the friendships we’ve made; plus, I come out as a technician with a two-year degree.”

ALL OK/ALL USA ACADEMIC TEAM Three OSU Institute of Technology students were recently recognized at the State Capitol in Oklahoma City for being selected to the All-Oklahoma/All-USA Academic Coca-Cola Team.

Yerger was taking courses at Meridian Technology Center in Stillwater and was able to put those credits toward an associate degree at OSUIT.

Shellie Waller is pursuing an Associate in Applied Science in Graphic Design; Kristyn Yerger will earn an Associate in Science in Office Information Systems; and Abigail Fassbender is seeking an Associate in Applied Science in 3D Art/Animation.

Waller’s journey to OSUIT took a little longer, even though she grew up living just 10 minutes from campus. After she graduated high school, she didn’t want to go into debt attending college without knowing what her career path would be.

The Oklahoma Council of Two-Year College Presidents and the Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges named 40 students to the 2018 All Oklahoma/USA Coca-Cola Academic Team.

All three said they were excited when they first heard they had been selected for the All Oklahoma/All USA Academic Team. Yerger said she hopes this recognition helps her future.

Oklahoma is one of 38 states that participate in the State Academic Team Program through Phi Theta Kappa International, a two-year college student honor society. To be eligible, students must be nominated by their college president and have at least a 3.5 cumulative grade-point average. The three students were selected not only based on grade point averages, but also because they demonstrate leadership skills in the classroom, on campus and in the community.

CO M M ENCEM ENT

TA I R RY N S K A G G S ( L E F T ) A N D N A N C Y V U E ( R I G H T ) , F RO M T H E S C H O O L O F N U R S I N G & H E A LT H S C I E N C E S , C E L E B R AT E W I T H P E E R S AT T H E FA L L 2 0 1 7 C O M M E N C E M E N T C E R E M O N Y.

In the 2017-18 academic year, three individuals met the challenge of serving as commencement speakers at OSUIT’s three graduation ceremonies. Two industry leaders and one renowned educator graced the graduation stage to deliver heartfelt speeches to the newest generation of alumni reinforcing the message that while it’s important to find and further their career, it’s vital that career be something they’re passionate about.

GRADUATION STATS BASED ON 2017-2018 ACADEMIC YEAR DEGREES AWARDED

GRADUATES EARNING HONORS 65%

TOTAL | 697 BACHELOR | 67 ASSOCIATE | 630

TOP DEGREES AWARDED HIGH VOLTAGE ELECTRICITY NURSING AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION

CO M M ENCEM ENT

“Choosing that goal to pursue in life can be challenging, but you have already made that first, most difficult choice. You have chosen something to study, a career to pursue. My hope for you is that you have chosen something you love. Even when we are doing things we love, work is work, and it will at times be difficult, but it is so much easier to do difficult things when they contribute to something you love.”

D R . R E G I N A F O ST E R SCIENCE INSTRUCTOR, RETIRED O S U I T S C H O O L O F A R TS & S C I E N C E S

“Whatever industry you represent whether it is construction technologies; culinary arts; engineering technologies; information technologies; automotive or diesel; find something that you’re passionate about. Don’t be afraid of change, make fear your friend, be passionate and creative, and don’t let anyone else tell you ‘no it can’t be done’ when you know it can.”

“If I could leave you with anything, it would be this: live your life well. Do what you love. Never stop learning. Learning is growing. Learning is preparing. I have been the president of MESA for almost 40 years, and I’m not an expert on leadership, but there is one thing I know for sure – leadership is not about a title, a salary or a position. I challenge you to be the leaders we need for the future.”

M I K E H AY E S

T E R R Y M AY

D I R E CTO R O F D I S T R I B U T O R D E V E L O P M E N T KO M ATS U A M E R I CA C O R P.

F O U N D E R O F M E SA

IND U STRY SU P P O R T

KO MATSU PROGRAM C E L E BRAT E S 2 0T H

AN NIVERSA RY, R E C EIV E S E Q U I PM E N T D O N AT I O N

In 2017, OSUIT and Komatsu America Corp., celebrated the anniversary of a partnership that began two decades ago and formed the Komatsu Advanced Career Training (ACT) Program. Komatsu started the Komatsu ACT program to assist distributors with the training needs of the new and upcoming technicians, said Mike Hayes, director of distributor development for Komatsu America Corp. “OSUIT was able to offer theory in the classroom and practical learning in the lab, under a controlled environment,” Hayes said. “After eight weeks at school, the student returned to the dealership where he or she would also participate in repairs to fortify classroom learning.” This model has been very successful, and today several companies have partnership programs with OSUIT like the one Komatsu started 20 years ago. Terryl Lindsey is dean of the School of Diesel & Heavy Equipment and knows the impact that the partnership with Komatsu has made on students during those two decades.

“There have been over 100 lives changed because of this education, some of whom would not have been able to go to college otherwise,” Lindsey said. That strong partnership continues. In March of 2018, Komatsu dealership Kirby-Smith in Tulsa donated two new engines to the program worth about $65,000. Bruce Taylor is branch manager at Kirby-Smith Machinery in Tulsa and said when he first started out in the field, someone could come in and learn the job on the job. Now, equipment has progressed to the point where that’s just not the case anymore. “I see great value in what OSUIT is doing,” Taylor said. “This program allows students to start with a foundation that’s very solid. Now when we get them in our dealerships, we can be more specific with our training.”

“There have been over 100 lives changed because of this education, some of whom would not have been able to go to college otherwise.” – Terryl Lindsey

IND U STRY SU P P O R T

WOLVERINE| Students in the School of Construction Technologies were each given a new pair of Wolverine work boots as part of Project Bootstrap, an initiative started by Wolverine and the mikeroweWORKS Foundation. Representatives from the foot wear company gave away close to 300 pairs of boots to students and instructors during their visit to OSUIT.

PHILLIPS 66| Representatives from Phillips 66 presented OSUIT with a $50,000 donation in February 2018 to support several degree programs including Power Plant Technology, Pipeline Integrity Technology, Natural Gas Compression, Instrumentation Engineering Technology and Electrical/Electronics Technology.

IND U STRY SU P P O R T

WEYERHAEUSER, OSUIT OFFERING SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY TO STUDENTS

Weyerhaeuser, one of the largest wood product companies in the world, will sponsor students at OSUIT to better meet the company’s workforce needs and demands. Weyerhaeuser was founded in 1900 with three employees on 900,000 acres in Tacoma, Washington. More than a century later, the company now employs about 10,000 people in more than 100 facilities across the U.S., and Canada. The sponsorship program began with Weyerhaeuser’s 13 facilities in its Mid-South and Central South regions with the goal of eight to 10 student sponsorships by the fall 2018 semester. While some students will be sponsored in the Electronics Technology program, the majority will be sponsored in the Instrumentation Engineering Technology program. Students chosen for the sponsorship program will have their education costs paid for outside of any scholarships awarded. Weyerhaeuser will also provide paid internships as well as opportunities for paid work during school breaks. Upon graduation students will then be offered full-time employment at a Weyerhaeuser facility.

“We were impressed with the facility and class sizes. The work readiness approach the university took, and the focus not just on academics, but on safety and team work. The level of engagement, responsiveness and flexibility is really outstanding,” said Melanie Freiberg, wood products human resources director at Weyerhaeuser. “OSUIT’s approach is much more customer-centric and the willingness to partner and work together has been outstanding.” Dr. Ina Agnew, vice president of Student Services, said OSUIT’s curriculum and equipment prepares technicians with the skill level Weyerhaeuser demands, and the company has invested a lot of money into their mills and are operating high-tech equipment using advanced technologies. “Our students are able to transition into that environment and can be productive from the first day in the mill. And, we are only one of three ABET-accredited instrumentation programs in the United States,” Agnew said.

IND U STRY SU P P O R T

OG&E RECOGNIZED BY REGENTS FOR PARTNERSHIP WITH OSUIT In March 2018, OG&E was recognized by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education with a Regents Business Partnership Excellence Award for its continued partnership with OSUIT and support of several programs and events on campus.

GCA DONATION OF $14,000 TO OFFSET EQUIPMENT, SOFTWARE COSTS IN NGC PROGRAM In November 2017, GCA donated $14,000 to the Natural Gas Compression program. Each year, the GCA education committee evaluates programs offered by schools and universities and determines the amounts awarded. Mike Pierce, assistant dean, said the donation from GCA will help offset the cost of tools, equipment and software in the Natural Gas Compression program. “Without donations like this, it is much more difficult to provide the type of technical training we do here at OSUIT,” he said.

“Having the financial support from our industry partners not only gives us confidence in what we are doing, but allows us to take the training to the next level. It allows us to give back to industry a more well-trained and well-rounded employee better equipped to handle the challenges of the future.”

WEDA PRESENTS CHECK TO WESTERN PROGRAM FOR TRAINING AIDS, EQUIPMENT Members of the Western Equipment Dealers Association Foundation presented a $16,000 check to OSUIT’s WEDA Training Program in November 2017. The donation will be used for consumables and training aides within the Western program.

NGC PROGRAM RECEIVES EQUIPMENT, SOFTWARE DONATIONS WORTH NEARLY $200,000 In early 2018, the Natural Gas Compression program received a donation of equipment and software worth almost $200,000. Targa Midstream Services donated two programmable logic controller panels (PLCs.) One of the PLCs is used a monitoring station that simulates how to remotely control a station, and the other is hooked up to an older model natural gas compressor and engine so students can learn how to modernize the skid. Spartan Controls donated five software programs needed for the PLCs, and Proface America and Red Lion Controls provided the software site licenses for each. The new equipment gives students another element or aspect of the industry to be trained on before they go out into the field, said Matt Salas, NGC instructor. “It’s huge. It keeps us in touch with the newest technology. We can’t go out and buy the newest technology every year,” he said. “Without industry partners and these kind of donations, we’d be left behind.”

T I U S O D U O R P

O SUI T E X CE E D S P R OUD C A MPA IGN GO A L , R E COGNIZE S SUP P OR T E R S THE UNIVERSITY marked a significant milestone in spring 2018 when President Path announced that the OSUIT PROUD capital campaign not only met but exceeded its $3 million goal in just two years’ time. In a reception held March 13 in the Student Union, supporters of the campaign were recognized with the unveiling of the donor recognition wall that lists the names of individuals and businesses that contributed. “We are proud of our industry partners, proud of our faculty and staff, proud of our students and graduates, and proud to have the support and generosity of our community,” he said in his remarks. “Every gift, great and small, is an investment in Okmulgee’s future and in Oklahoma’s economy.” The OSUIT PROUD Campaign launched January 2016 with the goal of raising $1 million for student scholarships and $2 million for the Grand Old Post Office Student Housing building project. It ended January 2018 after raising nearly $3.5 million. “These are the people that realize the importance of a school like OSUIT. Each individual or business that contributed to this campaign has more than likely been affected by OSUIT at some point. They realize that this school truly puts graduates to work,” said campaign chairman Mark Mabrey. “We want to honor and thank those who contributed their hard-earned dollars to this endeavor. Their contributions will continue to help OSUIT attract and develop elite talent, and we want to thank them for that. We are extremely proud to have them as partners in achieving this goal.”

“We are proud of our industry partners, proud of our faculty and staff, proud of our students and graduates, and proud to have the support and generosity of our community,” - President Path Four years ago, occupancy rates were around 98 percent in the campus’s residence halls, and the need for additional student housing was apparent. Leaders at OSUIT saw an opportunity to not only meet the needs of students but also help the Okmulgee community. In 2015, OSUIT purchased the two-building complex at 5th Street and Grand Avenue in downtown Okmulgee— the city’s former post office— with the goal of renovating the historic building into a unique housing option for students. Student housing facilities are notoriously some of the most difficult fundraising projects, Path said, but he was impressed with the local donors who really stepped up in a big way to support the Grand Old Post Office Student Housing development because of its significance to downtown Okmulgee. In addition to helping fund the GOPO project, the OSUIT PROUD campaign also focused on helping students financially. Nearly 50 percent of OSUIT students are the first in their family to attend college. Providing additional assistance will lead to more students completing a degree, certificate or career-skills program and entering the workforce. “It’s really humbling to see how donors are always willing to support scholarships for students in need. Many donors recognize that they themselves benefitted from a scholarship in the past, so they want to do the same for a student in the future,” Path said.

FO U NDATIO N

CULINARY STUDENTS CROWDSOURCE FOR POP-UP RESTAURANT In fall of 2017, the School of Culinary Art’s Contemporary American Restaurant class used the crowd-sourcing website PhilanthroPete to raise money for a pop-up-style restaurant on campus, created and managed completely by students.

ART PLUS RAISES $10,000 FOR VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS SCHOLARSHIPS The fifth annual ART Plus, an art show and sale featuring work done by School of Visual Communications alumni and instructors, raised nearly $10,000 for the Visual Communications student scholarship fund. ART Plus was held on April 6 2018 in the Tulsa Arts District in downtown Tulsa. Since the event started five years ago, it has raised close to $60,000 for second-year students in the School of Visual Communications. “It’s a continuing problem. Students come in and have funding for the first year. For a lot of them, there’s no funding beyond that first year. We’ve seen some of our best students— our most promising students— have to step out. They leave, and it’s extremely hard for them to come back,” said Visual Communications Dean James McCullough. “Those that come to the show, not only are they investing in our students, but they get to take home a really great piece of art.” McCullough said close to 25 Visual Communications alumni and instructors donated about 40 pieces to ART Plus this year. Photo courtesy of Mike Tedford

| FOUNDATION |

| CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTORS | KATHY AND STAN STRONG | Due to his career with ExxonMobil, Kathy and Stan Strong lived all around the world. Kathy and Stan met in ninth grade in Blackwell, Oklahoma, and were married shortly after Stan graduated from OSU. Their first move was to New York City for a summer job for Stan. They then moved to Boston for Stan to attend Harvard and get his MBA. They have lived in Brussels, Connecticut and Houston, Texas, among other places, before deciding to settle in Houston. They have one

CASH GIFTS | $414,464.50 GIFTS IN KIND | $29,803.99 TOTAL | $444,268.49

daughter, one son and four grandchildren. Stanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s uncle was Wayne Miller, the former Director of OSUIT, and they were very close. Stan would visit OSUIT often during the summer when he was a kid. Kathy and Stan made a $200,000 commitment to OSUIT for both the downtown Okumulgee revitalization project and a scholarship.

NANCY AND GORDON GREER | Gordon Greer has had a long history in banking. His family owned the Morris State Bank in Morris, Oklahoma, and he is currently the Vice Chairman of BancFirst in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He previously served as Chairman and CEO of Bank IV in Wichita, Kansas, Chairman of First National

TOP INDUSTRY SUPPORTERS

Bank of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and President of Liberty National Bank & Trust in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Gordon received his BS from OSU in 1958. Nancy and Gordon have two sons, both graduates of OSU. Gordon is also a member of the OSU Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Board of Governors. With a $100,000 gift, Nancy and Gordon created the Nancy and Gordon Greer Endowed Scholarship at OSUIT, which

supports students from Morris, Oklahoma.

GRAND OLD POST OFFICE MAKES ITS GRAND DEBUT THE OSUIT

Grand Old Post Office Student Housing, a project that took nearly three years to complete, opened its doors to the public Nov. 28, 2017 after a grand opening dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Throughout the GOPO, elements of the nearly centuryold structure remain such as doors and doorframes, post office boxes and exposed brick walls within the apartments. Other elements were repurposed including skylights, sliding firewalls and lumber and ceiling slates.

The newest university housing option for students is located in downtown Okmulgee at the corner of Grand Avenue and 5th Street. The loft-style housing was originally a two-building complex built in 1918 and 1919. The earliest building was the home of Okmulgee’s first post office. After several years of planning, design, construction and restoration, the 38-unit building, which can house 75 students, was opened to the public before students moved in on January 3, 2018. Hundreds of Okmulgee residents, OSUIT employees, and future tenants toured the GOPO’s lofts and flats—no two alike. The tiled lobby with grand staircase, community kitchen, two-story light wells and unique common areas were featured spaces of the tour. Architects and construction crews went to great lengths to preserve, restore and reuse as much of the original building as possible.

Carmen Taylor, OSUIT alumnae, is shown aloft a scaffolding at the GOPO building installing her mural that was selected at the Food For Thought event held in downtown Okmulgee. Taylor’s mural titled, “Ride of Your Life,” was voted most popular among other entries and was praised for the artistic homage to OSUIT and the GOPO’s history.

– GOPO STATS – 37,507 SQUARE FEET | 1.12 ACRES 30 APARTMENTS | 75 BEDROOMS 3,000 SALVAGED BRICKS | 302 WINDOWS 2,380 GALLONS OF PAINT | 13 GALLONS OF PAINT AND PRIMER FOR THE EXTERIOR RIDE OF YOUR LIFE MURAL 75 REFURBISHED MAILBOXES 215 NEW DOORS | 33 SALVAGED DOORS 1,000 LIGHT FIXTURES | 900 LIGHT SWITCHES 93 SECURITY CAMERAS 615 FIRE SPRINKLER HEADS FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM THAT HOLDS 1,000 GALLONS OF WATER

COWBOY CHEF’S TABLE

IN ITS INAUGURAL YEAR, Cowboy Chef’s Table raised more than $16,000 for the School of Culinary Arts and student scholarships. For the first year of the series, six guest chefs were invited to the Okmulgee campus to create a lunch menu and then work directly with Culinary Arts students to prepare their menu’s dishes. The guest chefs would do a live cooking demonstration of that day’s meal and talk about their culinary style to ticket-holding luncheon patrons. The series kicked off in July 2017 and the last event in the inaugural series was held in April of 2018. The series’ goal was to raise money for student scholarships, and Culinary Arts Dean Gene Leiterman said this first Cowboy Chef’s Table

series exceeded all expectations. U.S. Foods and Ben E. Keith donated $2,500 worth of food, and U.S. Foods also donated $1,000 to support the series. Leiterman said the chefs, who work in a variety of professions in the culinary industry, presented an array of dishes and cuisine that showcased their different styles. “We have eaten everything from beef cheeks to poke tuna to chicken and farro,” he said, and that goal of diversity will continue into the next Cowboy Chef’s Table luncheon series that begins in October. “We plan to bring a diverse group of chefs and create even more experiences for students and guests.”

| FEATURED CHEFS | BEN ALEXANDER Executive Chef of The Tavern

DEVIN LEVINE Executive Chef of the BOK Center Arena and the Cox Business Center

OSUIT Alum ‘08

THERON JESSOP Executive Chef of Springs at the Artesian

RYAN LOPEZ Personal Chef to NBA Star Kevin Durant

Early in Theron’s career, he assisted in the openings of three major restaurants in Tulsa. The first being Ti Amo’s downtown location in Tulsa, OK, next to the BOK Center. The other being the 31st and 32nd floors of the distinguished Summit Club of Tulsa. During his time at the Summit Club, he traveled to Motta di Livenza, Italy, where he was trained in classic Venetian cuisine.

JONATHAN MOOSMILLER Executive Chef of Southern Hills Country Club

In 2011 he moved to Oklahoma City to be the Chef de Cuisine at the Skirvin Hilton, one of the top 10 hotels in the Hilton brand. After 5 years at the Skirvin he had the opportunity to become Executive Chef at the Artesian hotel in his hometown of Sulphur.

JOSH VALENTINE Residential Chef at Carlton Landing

O2018 R ANGE F ORANGEFEST BRINGS OSUIT, OKMULGEE COMMUNITIES TOGETHER AGAIN RAIN AND WINDS

came and went just in time for the 2018 OrangeFest, the community homecoming celebration hosted by OSUIT and Okmulgee Main Street. This year’s festival held on April 13, 2018 once again offered attendees family-friendly fun including live music, games, Kids Zone, food trucks, chalk walk, the GloRun 5K and even a visit from Pistol Pete. For more than 70 years, Okmulgee has been home to OSUIT, and OrangeFest is a unifying “town and gown” symbol of the longstanding relationship between the campus and community. Several of the campus’s student clubs and academic programs were involved in a number of activities that showcased the university’s distinctive educational opportunities. “With the opening of the Grand Old Post Office Student Housing this year, more students are now calling downtown Okmulgee home,” said Dr. Bill Path, OSUIT President “OrangeFest provides an opportunity for the community to learn more about the campus and for students to learn more about the Okmulgee community.”

F E ST 29

OSUIT PARTNERS WITH

COMMUNITY TO OFFER FITNESS COURT Okmulgeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new National Fitness Campaign Outdoor Fitness Court is the first of its kind in Oklahoma. Sponsored by OSUIT, the City of Okmulgee, CP Kelco and others, this state of the art outdoor health and fitness facility is designed to provide fitness training for the community. With seven stations, users are able to strengthen and tone based on any age and fitness level.

Air

fest

OKMULGEE AIRFEST TAKES TO THE SKIES

For the first time in almost 30 years, the City of Okmulgee, Okmulgee Area Development Corporation and Okmulgee Regional Airport hosted an air show complete with flying aerobatics, vintage and war planes on display, as well as activities for all ages. Okmulgee AirFest was held Sept. 30, 2018, at the Okmulgee Regional Airport. OSUIT was one of several community organizations that partnered together for AirFest including the Okmulgee Regional Airport Advisory Board, the City of Okmulgee, the Okmulgee Area Development Corporation, Okmulgee Main Street and the Okmulgee Chamber of Commerce. OSUIT hosted a booth and the School of Nursing & Health Sciences assisted the Okmulgee Lions Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision screenings trailer.

VETERAN, FORMER INSTRUCTOR RECOUNTS HIS HISTORY WITH OSUIT

Some didn’t know his name, but many recognized Jim Vaughn’s face and the World War II, Korea and Vietnam veteran hat he always sported when on campus. Originally from Carey, Ohio, Vaughn was drafted in 1942 to the U.S. Army, and eventually the Army Air Corps., when he was 20 years old. He was sent to Italy as part of 10-man B-24 bomber crew in January 1944. He went on to serve as a gunnery instructor and as part of an aerial medical evacuation team for the Air Force. Vaughn, now in his 90s, moved to Okmulgee in 1973 after retiring from the U.S. Air Force and started teaching in the School of Automotive Technologies. “I was in my mid-50s and not ready for the rocking chair,” he said. “I said ‘I’m going to find a good tech school and teach there.’ Someone said ‘Go down to Okmulgee, the Harvard of tech schools.’” Vaughn visited the university, toured the automotive school and met with automotive instructors, but it wasn’t the first time he had been to campus.

Before it was a branch campus of OSU, the property belonged to Glennan General Hospital, a medical facility operated by Camp Gruber for wounded military servicemen and prisoners of war. “I would fly in here as part of an aerial medical evacuation team. We would fly patients across the United States and Europe,” Vaughn said. “I was destined to get back here. I loved teaching. People accepted me here. It was just the right place to be. When I came back here, I knew where I wanted to be. I’ve never looked back.”

“I was in my mid-50s and not ready for the rocking chair,” he said. “I said ‘I’m going to find a good tech school and teach there.’ Someone said ‘Go down to Okmulgee, the Harvard of tech schools.’ ”

“If you want to get to work, get to work fast and in a decent amount of time, OSUIT is the best place to go.”

– STEVE DOCKRAY Medically Retired Staff Sergeant, United States Army

“OSUIT is a school that focuses on giving you the skill sets you need to get a job; not just a piece of paper.”

– LORENA WILKINSON Staff Sargeant, Oklahoma Air National Guard

REGENTS DISTINGUISHED TEACHING AWARD, MARK RODRIGUEZ

The sign of a good teacher is getting the material across to students on their terms. “Teachers have to adapt to their students’ learning and way of thinking,” said physics instructor Mark Rodriguez, which is why he uses activities many of his students are familiar with like hunting and driving to explain concepts of physics such as trajectory and centrifugal force. “I tell them if they have a question, ask it. I don’t mind being interrupted. We follow rabbit trails,” he said. “I do that because it leads me to teach them in a way they’re familiar with. If they’re familiar with it, they can understand it.” Putting in that extra effort to help his students succeed is why Rodriguez was recently named a Regents Distinguished Teaching Award winner by the OSU/A&M Board of Regents. This is the second time Rodriguez has received the honor. The first was in the 2013-14 academic year. “It’s nice to be appreciated and recognized, but that’s not the reason I’m here,” Rodriguez said. “My motivation is I want to see the underdog win. I want to see victims become victors.”Dr. Scott Newman, vice president of Academic Affairs for OSUIT, said he wasn’t surprised at all that Rodriguez was recognized once again with the Regents Distinguished Teaching Award.

“Mr. Rodriguez is well known for going above and beyond to help students be successful, both during their tenure at OSUIT and in the future,” Newman said. “Our university is fortunate to have so many talented and dedicated faculty, and Mark Rodriguez is definitely among them.” Rodriguez said he’s just one of countless teachers and instructors at OSUIT who work to ensure their students do well and succeed inside and outside the classroom. But Rodriguez said he expects his students to work just as hard. “I don’t mind making my students work hard because they will appreciate that hard work later on,” he said. “I enjoy working with people who appreciate the opportunity they’re given and the education they receive when they come to OSUIT.”

“It’s nice to be appreciated and recognized, but that’s not the reason I’m here. My motivation is I want to see the underdog win. I want to see victims become victors.”

SIX FACULTY, STAFF RECOGNIZED AS NISOD EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS

OSUIT RECOGNIZES THREE AS ROUECHE EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS

OSUIT is recognizing several faculty and staff members as winners of the 2018 National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Excellence Awards. School of Culinary Arts Dean Gene Leiterman and instructor Julie Byers were honored as co-winners in the Collegiate Project category for the pop-up restaurant fundraiser along with Power Plant Technology instructors Terry Hanzel and Bob Pope and information technology support specialist Carl Sampson for the power plant simulator project. Leiterman was also recognized in the Service to OSUIT/ Community category for his work developing and launching the Cowboy Chef’s Table luncheon series that raises scholarship funds for culinary students. Dr. Abul Hasan, School of Engineering Technologies dean, was recognized in the Innovative Practices category for surpassing workforce development industry standards. Created in 1978, NISOD is a member organization that promotes and celebrates excellence in teaching, learning and leadership at two-year institutions and technical colleges. NISOD winners were honored at the Excellence Awards Dinner and Celebration held during the organization’s annual conference in Austin, Texas, in May 2018.

Three from OSUIT were recognized as 2017 John & Suanne Roueche Excellence Award winners, and were the only recipients from Oklahoma. School of Nursing & Health Sciences instructor Jodi Campbell was recognized in the faculty category; Student Union Bookstore Manager Alison Ward in the staff category; and Academic Excellence and Distance Learning Director David Files in the administrator category. The John & Suanne Roueche Excellence Awards recognize faculty, staff and administrators from two-year colleges and universities across the country. The winners were announced in the fall of 2017.

LAMUNYON TAKES FIRST PLACE IN OACC’S CREATIVE STAFF INNOVATIONS AWARDS Efforts to better identify students who may need help and connect them with resources in the community has once again earned OSUIT honors from the Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges. Karla Lamunyon, prospect data management specialist in the Office of Student Services, was awarded the first place 2017 Creative Staff Innovations Award from the OACC for OSUIT’s new concierge messaging program. New students are sent a survey with questions that cover topics such as food insecurity, childcare needs, veterans’ services, and many more. Slate, the data management system used by OSUIT, then sends out informational emails based on those responses throughout the year. Lamunyon’s work on the concierge messaging program earned her a nomination and, ultimately a first place win, from the OACC. She follows fellow Student Services coworker Rendi Glass, director of the Assessment Center, who took the top Creative Staff Innovations Award in 2016 for her work on improvements to the Assessment Center. Other staff members from Student Services were also recognized by OACC in 2014 and 2013.

OSUIT NAMED A SUBARU UNIVERSITY PARTNER SCHOOL

CULINARY ARTS TO OFFER CULINARY CERTIFICATES TO STUDENTS

The Pro-Tech program, where students earn an Associate in Applied Science in Automotive Service Technology, was named a Subaru University partner school in December 2017.

The School of Culinary Arts is now offering certificates for students sponsored by employers in need of skilled culinary staff.

Pro-Tech instructors Ryan Lasarsky and Eric Reeves are incorporating Subaru-U’s Level 1 and Level 2 web-based training courses into the Pro-Tech curriculum so when students graduate they will also be a Level 2 Certified Subaru Technician. Chris Weigel, technical training education manager for Subaru of America, said Subaru University started in 2016 in response to a growing shortage in the technician workforce. There are 166 secondary and post-secondary schools participating in the Subaru-U program so far. Representatives from Subaru-U visited the Pro-Tech program in November 2017 and a month later named OSUIT a partner school. The web-based training is now being incorporated into students’ curriculum.

Gene Leiterman, dean of the School of Culinary Arts, said the two certificate programs came about after input from industry leaders who said they didn’t have enough workers with basic entry-level skills. The fast-track culinary certificates are aimed at incumbent employees, those sponsored by employers, and even people just looking for a general culinary education. Culinary Certificate I, which earns students 15 credit hours, and Culinary Certificate II, worth 16 credit hours, each require students to be on campus for two weeks of intense coursework— dubbed culinary boot camp— with the remaining classes being offered online. Each also requires a paid internship.

OSUIT’S LITERACY PROGRAM RECEIVES $10,000 GRANT For the third consecutive year, OSUIT’s Adult Basic Education program received a $10,000 grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. The literacy foundation awarded more than $7.1 million in grants to more than 900 schools, programs and nonprofit organizations in 43 states. The ABE program assists adult students at all education levels, including those in need of adult literacy classes, in Okmulgee, Hughes and Seminole counties. The grant funding will be used to purchase books, testing prompts, supplies and equipment, as well go toward teachers’ salaries.

OSUIT NURSING INSTRUCTORS PRESENT AT NATIONAL CONFERENCE Three of OSU Institute of Technology’s School of Nursing & Health Sciences faculty presented workshops recently at a national conference for nursing school instructors and educators. Kathryn Bible, Jodi Campbell and Jamie Diggins all presented at the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN) annual convention for nursing educators and instructors held in November in Scottsdale, Arizona.Bible and Diggins co-presented a session titled “Promoting Critical Thinking in First Semester Nursing Students Using the Verbal Plan of Care.” “It involves understanding the patient’s disease process, how it can affect the patient as a whole person, what complications are possible, how to prevent complications and the role of the nurse throughout the patient’s plan of care,” she said. Campbell’s session, “Using a Comprehensive Examination Writing and Review Program to Improve Outcomes” looked at how OSUIT’s nursing program was able to improve pass rates and graduation rates by doing a complete overhaul of course examinations, a process that took three years to complete. All three said having the support of fellow faculty members and Dean Jana Martin was critical in their ability to present at the conference and the subsequent success of their sessions. “We, as a team, strive to be innovative and continually improve the nursing program,” Bible said.

DEAN OF SCHOOL OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES RETIRES AFTER 35 YEARS In Randy Ritchey’s 35 years at OSU Institute of Technology, his biggest hope was that he made a difference. Ritchey, former dean of the School of Information Technologies, retired in December 2017 after more than three decades as an instructor and administrator. “Making a difference in students’ lives has been the driving force or I wouldn’t have been here 35 years. Students are our No. 1 customers,” he said. “For me it’s giving back and making a difference.” Ritchey, whose background was in electronics, taught at OSUIT for three years, then left for additional education before returning to campus in 1985. “I missed teaching more than I thought,” he said. In 2001, the decision was made to combine the academic programs related to computers and electronics under one umbrella that would eventually become the School of Information Technologies. In 2013, Ritchey moved into the administrator position at the school.

“Making a difference in students’ lives has been the driving force or I wouldn’t have been here 35 years. Students are our No. 1 customers. For me it’s giving back and making a difference.”

“I was ready for a change. It was a new challenge. There’s never a dull moment,” he said, and moving into the dean position was another way for him to give back. “As a former teacher I felt I could be helpful to the students and the faculty.” Dr. Scott Newman, vice president of Academic Affairs, said he’s had the privilege to work with Ritchey throughout his 17-plus years at OSUIT. “I can say without reservation that he has always been oriented to helping and supporting others in any way possible whether that was as an Information Technologies faculty member, or through his role as the school’s dean the past few years. He will definitely be missed,” he said.

Su Ste s a ns n tr o W m 25 ei m Ca er lv in Ki 27 nz er Ja m es W ar 32 re n Br Br ew 3 4 end st a Ri er Le ck w 36 ie M is on Da tg nn om y Cl ab e r y or n

20 22 Kurt

Ro Lin y da Ac C h e ro o m k ir e 2 Bi 26 6 lly Ha nn on 31 Ra nd y Ri tc hi e

17 to n 20 le

rt on

be m

ki ar

tA va er Cl

Ro b

r ly

10 J 12 udith

Re B gi l a c na k Fo st er

YEARS OF SERVICE

Oklahoma State University, in compliance with the Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid and educational services. Title IX of the Education Amendments and Oklahoma State University policy prohibit discrimination in the provision or services or benefits offered by the university based on gender. This publication, issued by Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology as authorized by the Office of Marketing & Communications, was printed by University Printing at a cost of $5,776 for 3,000 / September 2018.

– IN –

MEMORIAM DR. SHERYL HALE Dr. Sheryl Hale had a passion for technical education and the bright future it could bring to students, and she brought that passion for education to OSU Institute of Technology. Hale joined OSUIT in May 2015 as executive director of Workforce & Economic Development after nearly 25 years in Oklahoma’s CareerTech system. In October 2016, she joined the President’s Cabinet as associate vice president with oversight of the university’s advanced training center at MidAmerica Industrial Park; grants and sponsored programs; adult basic education; customized training programs; and institutional research. Hale died on April 9, 2018 at the age of 58 after a short battle with cancer. While she maintained her home in Stillwater, Hale was an established personality in the Okmulgee community as a resident of the Park on the Square lofts downtown, and she worked tirelessly to create and inspire joint initiatives with local industry to spur economic development.

ROY ACHEMIRE Over the course of his 26 years at OSU Institute of Technology, Roy Achemire was known as an exceptional change agent. He began his career as a diesel instructor and advanced to lead the School of Diesel & Heavy Equipment, developing key partnerships with CAT and Komatsu that would become integral sponsored programs. One of Achemire’s most prominent professional achievements was expanding the Natural Gas Compression elective courses, which had been offered at OSUIT since 1974, into a full-fledged degree program in 1999. Then in 2013, the 24,000 square foot Chesapeake Energy Natural Gas Compression Training Center was opened to accommodate the growing NGC program. Two years later, he was instrumental in creating the School of Energy Technologies on the OSUIT campus and named dean and George Kaiser Family Foundation Endowed Chair of the School of Energy Technologies. An accomplished administrator, Achemire retired in 2017 to return to Glen Rose, Texas, to spend time with his family. He passed away August 19, 2018.

3 A A T C C C C E A F E T C H T K L C M C O B S M G S S M I T W W

OKL A H OM A 'S ON LY UN IV ERSITY O F A PPLIED TECHNO LO GY 1801 East 4th Street | Okmulgee, OK 74447 | osuit.edu