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Campus News
Freeman named interim vice provost and dean of the College of Professional Studies at OSU-Tulsa
Oklahoma State University-Tulsa has named Craig Freeman interim vice provost and dean of the OSU College of Professional Studies.
Freeman recently served as assistant dean and senior inclusion officer in the College of Arts and Sciences and director of the School of Media and Strategic Communications on the Stillwater campus.
“Craig is a longtime Tulsa resident who knows our campus, students and the needs of our community,” said Dr. Johnny Stephens, interim president of OSU-Tulsa and president of OSU Center for Health Sciences. “His innovative approach to aligning academic offerings to the demands of a rapidly changing economy is a perfect fit for OSUTulsa and the College of Professional Studies.”
As director of the School of Media and Strategic Communications, Freeman created workforce-responsive graduate certificates, an undergraduate certificate in the emerging area of esports and undergraduate degree options including one in entertainment media specifically for OSU-Tulsa. His team significantly improved graduation rates, more than doubled available scholarships and leveraged alumni to support increased internship opportunities for students.
Under Freeman’s leadership, the school’s research output doubled and grant production increased significantly. In his role as assistant dean and senior inclusion officer in the College of Arts and Sciences, he championed efforts to foster inclusion and diversity throughout the college and increase recruitment for students from historically marginalized communities.
“I am thrilled for this opportunity to build on the exciting things happening at OSU-Tulsa,” Freeman said. “We bring OSU’s land-grant mission to an urban setting, and central to that mission is providing access to higher education. With the OSU College of Professional Studies located at OSUTulsa, there are opportunities for growth and professional development at any career stage, whether through micro-credentials, certificates or flexible degrees. Research shows that when employees receive the education they need to advance in their careers, companies benefit by retaining their workforce. We all benefit by educating our community and keeping Tulsa’s talent in Tulsa.”
OSU receives NSF grant to host research mentor program for recent biology grads
Thanks to a $2.7 million grant from the National Science Foundation, Oklahoma State University will be home to a three-year program to mentor recent college graduates with biology degrees.
The NSF Research and Mentoring for Postbaccalaureates in Biological Sciences (RaMP) program will begin at OSU in June 2023 with an initial class of eight mentees, who will spend the year researching and training in professional skills.
“Strong mentorship by leaders in biological fields is one of the most critical factors in retention of people in STEM fields,” said Dr. Liz McCullagh, integrative biology assistant professor. “An important aspect of the NSF’s RaMP program is training opportunities for faculty in how to help students and recent graduates build their resumes, making them competitive in future STEM careers. We are really excited to get this program going and to serve the needs of people in Oklahoma and nationally.”
Research experience is one of the most important factors for recent college graduates to get jobs in the sciences, according to OSU Department of Integrative Biology faculty. McCullagh and fellow integrative biology assistant professor Dr. Michael Reichert will utilize the mentorship program to recruit and train recent biology graduates. The program — officially titled RaMP: Oklahoma Network, or ON-RaMP for short — will focus on human impacts on biological processes and involve students working closely with faculty mentors from the College of Arts and Sciences and the Ferguson College of Agriculture on paid, one-year research projects.
Oklahoma State University recently named Jack Henneha as its new director of University Health Services on the OSU-Stillwater Campus.
As director of UHS, Henneha will lead OSU in providing primary medical care to students, faculty and staff. A two-time OSU graduate, Henneha has extensive experience in health care in a university setting and has led the university through several health care changes and challenges, including OSU’s response to COVID-19.
“Jack has proven himself to be a quality leader and deeply understands health needs on a college campus,” said Dr. Doug Hallenbeck, OSU vice president for student affairs. “He has led the department through challenging times with distinction and grace, and I believe very strongly that Jack is the right person to lead University Health Services.”
With more than 30 years of experience with OSU UHS, Henneha has served the department in multiple capacities, including assistant director, associate director and most recently as the interim director.
“I’m extraordinarily grateful to be selected as the new director of University Health Services, and also very humbled,” Henneha said. “After 30 years in health care, to have earned the title in the eyes of our university’s leadership is an honor.”
OSU music industry program named a top music business school by Billboard Magazine
The Oklahoma State University Greenwood School of Music’s music industry program was recognized as a top music business school by Billboard magazine in its October 2022 issue.
OSU was listed alongside just 37 other schools, including Berklee College of Music, Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts and Middle Tennessee State University - College of Media and Entertainment. Billboard chose its top music business schools based on the criteria of industry recommendations, alumni information and details requested from each school.
“So many great musicians come from Oklahoma, and I am pleased that a prominent trade publication such as Billboard recognized our growing program in Stillwater,” said Dr. Mark Perry, director of OSU’s music industry program. “I look forward to continued success and following the careers of our graduates.”
OSU’s Bachelor of Science in music industry was specifically highlighted for housing its own student-run music company, Poke U, which connects students to professionals in the industry. Students are given a variety of opportunities and learning experiences throughout their time in the program.
Most recently, OSU alumnus and country musician Garth Brooks held a speaker series for Greenwood School of Music students. In November, country music producer and OSU alumnus Scott Hendricks came to speak to students.
“I think our music industry program stood out to Billboard because it prepares students for the multifaceted job requirements needed in the entertainment industry, both soft and hard skills,” Perry said. “I also believe that Billboard recognized the great support we have received from OSU, alumni and our generous patrons.”
OSU’s New Product Development Center celebrates 20 years of innovation and design
The 2022 summer interns for Oklahoma State University’s New Product Development Center, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
Oklahoma State University’s New Product Development Center is celebrating 20 years of research, product development and engineering services in Oklahoma.
“NPDC started in 2002 as a program committed to strengthening rural economies through job creation focusing on Oklahomans in small, rural communities,” said Dr. Robert Taylor, current NPDC Director.
The NPDC pilot year showed that product development assistance could have a significant positive impact on the state of Oklahoma and began making plans to assist more small to medium-sized manufacturers in the coming years. By focusing on rural communities, NPDC was able to help manufacturers commercialize their innovative ideas through research, development and implementation.
A primary driver for the NPDC success is the support and guidance from the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST).
“The OCAST effort led to the development of the Oklahoma Innovation Model linking OCAST, NPDC, I2E, Tom Love Innovation Hub and Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance as an innovation team for the state, significantly increasing the effectiveness of all members,” Taylor said.
Today, the program has grown into a self-sustaining unit through various grant awards, industry funding companies, the Inventors Assistance Service program and an assortment of work with small to medium-sized manufacturers around the state.
In the years after its inception, NPDC expanded its capabilities and reach by adding engineering and marketing interns, which seemingly changed the way NPDC operated. The students brought a new level of expertise and many new ideas to the table for the companies and NPDC staff and have continued to do so for the last 20 years.
The NPDC team is excited about the future impacts of the work they are doing right now with interns, clients and inventors and knows that the next 20 years will be just as valuable to the state.
Miss OSU 2022 crowned, receives $1,000 scholarship
Tatum Shelton — a sports media sophomore from Little, Oklahoma — was crowned the 2022-2023 Miss OSU.
Tatum Shelton couldn’t stop beaming as she was crowned the new Miss Oklahoma State University under the spotlights of the Student Union Theater.
The sophomore from Little, Oklahoma, had seen her big dream come true.
Shelton competed alongside 16 other candidates at the Miss OSU scholarship competition on Oct. 6. The candidates were judged in four categories: the private interview and talent portion are both 35% of the final score, and the onstage questioning and red carpet walk both make up 15% of the final score.
“Throughout the competition, the candidates are being judged on different characteristics like their composure and their ability to communicate their ideas or simply present themselves,” said Kayla Loper, executive director of the Miss OSU scholarship competition. “It’s never about appearances, it’s about what they present, who they are and how they compose themselves.”
With the title of Miss OSU, Shelton also will receive a $1,000 scholarship and the opportunity to represent OSU in the upcoming Miss Oklahoma pageant. Shelton started competing in pageants last year and has previously won the title of Miss Route 66 and newcomer talent at Miss Oklahoma. She is excited about the prospect of representing OSU at the next Miss Oklahoma pageant.
“I met with my interview coach yesterday and we went over questions and sat down and talked about all the reasons I love OSU and why I continue to choose OSU as my college every single day,” said Shelton, a thirdgeneration OSU student.
Shelton is a sports media major from the aptly named small town in Seminole County. On stage, Shelton talked about her social initiative platform “Be a Bridge” that helps eliminate child hunger. For the talent portion of the competition, Shelton performed a dance to the song “Be Italian” by Fergie.
As the new Miss OSU, Shelton rode in the Homecoming parade and will have a chance to use her title to connect with the OSU community and focus on making a social impact.
“I would love to go to Stillwater Public Schools and talk to the children about never giving up on your dreams,” Shelton said. “It may have taken me multiple tries but I never gave up and that’s why I’m the new Miss OSU.”
The competition was filled with a wide variety of impressive personalities and performances. First runner-up Rachel Davis from Argyle, Texas, will receive a $600 scholarship and second runner-up Emma Place from Alva, Oklahoma, will receive a $400 scholarship.
OSU welcomes the first cohort of the Ethiopian LMG Delegation
Oklahoma State University recently welcomed a delegation of 28 Ethiopian higher education administrators to Stillwater as part of a U.S. Department of State grant to offer a professional development training seminar for higher education administrators in Ethiopia.
The program, entitled the Ethiopian Higher Education Leadership, Management and Governance Program (LMG), is funded by the U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia, and is a collaboration of Oklahoma State University, Ohio State University and Texas Tech University. The collaboration will last three years, during which two separate cohorts of senior leadership of Ethiopian universities will visit each of the three campuses, as well as participate in in-country workshops on university leadership and governance.
The first cohort from the LMG program was comprised of presidents and vice presidents of 23 different Ethiopian universities, as well as senior leadership from the Ethiopian Ministry of Education.
During their time at OSU, the delegation met with several OSU leaders, including President Kayse Shrum; Provost Jeanette Mendez; Chad Weiberg, vice president and athletic director; Dr. Paul Tikalsky, dean of the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology; Oklahoma A&M Regents CEO Jason Ramsey; and others.
The leadership at OSU provided unique insights into how a land-grant university began and continues to fulfill its mission.
Dr. Shrum conveyed the challenges she has faced as a new university president and how to inspire and lead. Dr. Mendez touched on her experience as a woman in an educational leadership position and how to foster an environment of diversity; and Dr. Kenneth Sewell, vice president of research, discussed the relevant research conducted at OSU to carry on the legacy of a land-grant university.
OSU’s relationship with Ethiopia began in 1951, when Oklahoma A&M College (now OSU) President Henry G. Bennett was tapped by President Harry S. Truman to head the Point IV Program, a technical assistance program now known as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). As a part of a contract signed with the Ethiopian government, dozens of OSU faculty and staff moved to Ethiopia to establish two of the nation’s top universities: Haramaya University and Jimma University.
CAS alumna wins Emmy for work on ‘20/20’
OSU-CHS awarded $3.5M grant for Native American student recruitment and training
The National Television Academy recently announced the winners of its News and Documentary Emmy Awards, and Oklahoma State University alumna Maddy Cunningham was on the list.
Cunningham, who graduated with degrees in multimedia journalism and theatre in 2016, was a field producer for the “20/20” episode “The Babies of 9/11: Twenty Years Later.” On Sept. 29, she and her colleagues were awarded the Emmy for Outstanding Soft Feature Story: Long Form.
“I was so shocked and overwhelmed and excited that I practically floated through the four-hour ceremony,” said Cunningham, who accepted the award in person along with several others from her team. “It still doesn’t feel totally real. Maybe once the trophy with my name engraved arrives in the mail, I’ll be able to fully digest everything.”
The Emmy-winning “20/20” episode aired Sept. 10, 2021, on ABC. It was the latest in a series of reunions coordinated by “20/20” and host Diane Sawyer over the past two decades, where children born immediately after losing fathers on Sept. 11, 2001, were interviewed along with their mothers.
“With any coverage of 9/11, it can be really difficult to see past the seemingly endless amount of grief and horror. But when we met with these families, all you could see was how resilient they were,” Cunningham said. “Getting to know them and helping tell their stories has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had in my career so far.”
Cunningham’s work in journalism started at OSU while studying at the School of Media and Strategic Communications and producing video content for the OSU Office of Brand Management.
“Maddy’s always been driven to tell compelling stories, and she honed her craft right here at OSU,” said Associate Director of Multimedia Andy Wallace, who worked with Cunningham while she was a student. “This prestigious award speaks to the high caliber work that she produces.”
Cunningham credited OSU faculty and staff with giving her the resources to succeed as a student and young professional.
“I lost count of the amount of times a professor stayed late to review a new resume layout, critique my latest reel, give me notes on an audition piece or work through an editing software bug,” said Cunningham, who was a McKnight Scholar and a 2019 College of Arts and Sciences Rising Star. “The staff at OSU is truly like no other. They constantly pushed me to be the best I could be.”
A $3.5 million grant recently awarded to the OSU Center for Health Sciences will fund new programs and bolster existing ones aimed at recruiting and preparing Native American undergraduate students to enter medical school.
“Less than 0.2 percent of physicians are Native American in the U.S., even less in STEM careers. If students can see someone like themselves in medicine, and a pathway for themselves, they can create a vision for themselves in the future,” said Dr. Kent Smith, associate dean of the Office of American Indians in Medicine and Sciences at OSU-CHS.
The Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) Centers for Excellence awarded the grant to develop a Native American Primary Care Center for Excellence. The renewable grant, which will be distributed over five years, is being administered by Smith and Dr. Denna Wheeler, director of research and evaluation at the OSU Center for Rural Health.
The HRSA grant also provides scholarships and resources for Native medical students, postdoctoral fellows and faculty.
“Ultimately, we want to increase the number of competitive Native American applicants by providing training and resources to those students applying for admissions at the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine,” Smith said.
The grant will also supply funding for the development of a pipeline from undergraduate college to medical school for Native American students called Native Pathways, which utilize new and existing programs like hands-on recruitment events that travel to tribal communities and preadmission workshops specifically for American Indian students.
Smith said the grant will also have a positive impact on the current Native American medical students attending OSU-COM.
Dr. Kent Smith
New Forensic Sciences doctorate degree to help advance those in the field
Those already working in the forensic sciences field now have a new option to earn a doctorate at the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences.
The School of Forensic Sciences now offers a Doctorate in Forensic Sciences degree, or DFS, in addition to its Ph.D. in Forensic Sciences program.
“The Ph.D. program is great for people interested in academia and research,” said Jim Hess, vice provost of Graduate Programs at OSU-CHS. “We have a lot of people in our program who are practitioners in forensic sciences and want a doctoral degree.”
The DFS is a professional doctorate, offered online, with no required research or dissertation component.
“There are federal agents, state agents, local law enforcement and members of the military who were interested in a professional doctorate. It will enhance the skills of practitioners in forensic sciences,” Hess said. “If you want to be a practitioner you need to have knowledge and depth in lots of areas. That’s what the DFS is designed to do.”
The DFS is a 62-hour program and students must have a master’s degree in order to enroll. Those who have earned their master’s degree in the last 10 years can have up to 30 hours automatically put toward their DFS degree.
If it’s been more than 10 years since earning a master’s degree, students can take two refresher courses in Forensic Science Theory and Forensic Science Practice worth three credit hours each, and if passed, can then have the additional 26 hours put toward the DFS degree.
And while a dissertation or research component isn’t required, a Capstone project or experience is required for the DFS and can include an internship experience, formal report or small research project.
