President’s Letter

Remaining Loyal and True

It is with mixed emotions that I write this message. This is the last issue of STATE magazine during my time as Oklahoma State University president.

For First Cowgirl Ann and me, these have been the most rewarding times of our careers. It is difficult to step away. But we also look forward to the exciting next chapter in our lives.

The success Oklahoma State has enjoyed the past 13 years was made possible by the support, generosity and passion of the entire Cowboy family. Students, employees, alumni and donors united in record numbers to transform our university. It’s hard to wrap my head around all that has happened and all we have accomplished together, and yet the years have flown by quickly.

Ann and I will miss the boundless energy on our beautiful campus. We will miss selfies with students, visits with alumni across the globe, hearing donors explain the passion behind their incredible donations, the joy and energy of a sunny day on library lawn.

We will miss the innovative and life-changing research and teaching of our talented and dedicated faculty, the commitment and hard work of staff, and the creativity, talent and exuberance of students. The list goes on and on.

As we retire at the end of June, you can be assured we will remain as loyal and true as ever. Thank you for your support. We encourage you to stay connected and continue to do your part to write the OSU story. I know the university is poised for continued success.

Ann and I have been overwhelmed by your response and your love during our time at OSU. Words cannot express the depth of our gratitude. You have made the last 13 years a period we will cherish with the fondest of memories.

In closing, thank you! Best wishes and Go Pokes!!

Vaden Burns Hargis wasn’t born in Oklahoma, but he got here as fast as he could. Sort of.

He was born Oct. 29, 1945, in Victoria, Texas. His father was a geophysicist, moving his family (including Burns’ younger brother, Dick) across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Canada for his work in the oil patch.

“Nobody’s sure the exact count, but we think I moved about 21 times, and my parents moved about 52 times,” Hargis recalled. “So, we never lived anywhere very long at all. Most of the moves were when I was very young. San Antonio was the longest we lived anywhere.”

From an early age, Vaden was called Burns, which was his mother’s maiden name. Vaden was his grandmother’s maiden name (dad’s side).

“When you’re red-headed and named Burns, that’s a hard way to grow up,” he said. “You can pretty well count on getting into a fight at each new school, and I learned it’s best to just go ahead and let the guy win because if you beat him, somebody tougher is coming along.”

His dad’s work brought the family to Oklahoma City during Burns’ sophomore year of high school. He attended John Marshall High School where he played football, baseball and golf. When it came time for college, his family moved again, to Bartlesville and later to Houston.

“All my family is from Texas, and everybody went to the University of Texas. My great-grandfather was in the first graduating law class at the University of Texas in 1885. His name was J.C. Burns. He practiced law for 70-some-odd years and was a judge in south Texas,” Hargis said.

“My father was the first in his family to go to college, and he went to the University of Texas and was a diehard Longhorn fan.”

When it was time for Burns’ college decision, he felt comfortable in Oklahoma and had friends going to Oklahoma State.

“It was always assumed I would attend UT,” Hargis said. “But I’d moved so many times. I liked living in Oklahoma, and I didn’t want to start over again.”

When he visited the OSU campus, he found much of the same thing prospective students find today.

“I loved the campus and the friendliness of the people. So, I’d like to say I came to Oklahoma State for some academic reason, but I really didn’t. I knew I wanted to go to law school and I needed a bachelor’s degree first. I enrolled in legendary Department Head Wilton T. Anderson’s basic introduction to accounting,” Hargis said. “To my shock, I really loved it because he was such a great teacher. He just had a way of bringing the whole subject to life. Before I knew it, I was an accounting major.”

Hargis arrived as a freshman at OSU in the fall of 1963, just months before the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas. He joined Sigma Nu Fraternity, and it wasn’t long before a meeting set him on a course that helped define his entire career.

Fraternity leaders told him they selected him to run for freshman class officer — and he didn’t really have a choice. “I had never done anything like that, but I did it,” he remembered. “Thanks to my pledge brothers and fate, I was elected freshmen class vice president. I continued to be active in student government and served as president of the Interfraternity Council.

“I always talk to our students about finding their passion. If you find your passion, you’re going to be happy, and you’re going to be rich. Sometimes it is with money, sometimes just with job satisfaction, but you will be enriched. The goal is to make your vocation your avocation. The passion I found was service.”

With that political victory under his belt, Hargis became extremely active on campus for all four years, “which was far longer than I’d lived anywhere,” he said. “This was my first real community.”

Above, from left: Burns Hargis with Henry Bellmon; on the set of Flashpoint, Hargis (third from left) with with Mike Turpen and Kelly Ogle (center); Hargis during his unsuccessful run for Oklahoma governor in 1990. Below: Hargis served in both the Air Force ROTC and the Army ROTC at OSU.

Hargis was involved in many campus activities, including the Blue Key honor society. “There was always something, and that’s the great thing about a college campus,” he said. “There are tons of things to do, and you meet so many people doing them, and unknowingly, you’re learning how to collaborate and be a team member.”

Another activity that kept him busy at OSU was Air Force ROTC, mandatory at the time. He switched to Army ROTC his senior year, going into military intelligence. “It just sounded good to me. The first James Bond movie was out then.”

After graduation, Hargis enrolled in law school at the University of Oklahoma instead of the University of Texas.

“I went to OU Law School because I loved Oklahoma, and I didn’t want to leave. I was very involved in that community.”

In law school, he worked one summer in Houston (where his parents lived) and met Ann Whiting through an OSU friend.

“Ann went to the University of Texas, so that made my dad happy,” Hargis said. “She graduated with degrees in math and Latin and was working for IBM as a systems engineer in Houston.”

Ann and Burns became engaged Christmas 1968 and married in June 1969. Son Matt was born in 1971, and daughter Kate joined the family in 1974. Ann and Burns have three grandchildren, Peighton, Preston and Oliver.

After graduating from law school while completing his military obligation, Hargis settled into Oklahoma City and began a 28-year legal career. He was a litigator and handled many bankruptcy reorganizations. He represented the FDIC in the high-profile closure of Penn Square Bank.

“The goal is to make your vocation your avocation. The passion I found was service.”

It wasn’t long after his return to Oklahoma City that Hargis jumped into politics and community service. He worked on Henry Bellmon’s successful campaigns for re-election to the U.S. Senate and governor of Oklahoma. He was chairman of the Department of Human Services during Bellmon’s administration. Hargis ran for governor in 1990 to succeed Bellmon but lost in the Republican primary.

In 1992, he teamed with Mike Turpen, a Democrat and former Oklahoma attorney general, to debate the presidential campaign between Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush on KFOR-TV. The Hargis-Turpen pairing was so popular that KFOR launched Flashpoint in 1993. Hargis teamed with Turpen for 15 years before he left the weekly news and politics program when he became OSU president in 2008.

“We had enough common sense to make it informational, but enough nonsense to be entertaining,” Hargis said. The pair also took their political perspective and wit on the road, entertaining crowds across Oklahoma.

As if he didn’t have enough to do, Hargis became more active in community service.

“My real passion is service,” he said. “I enjoyed law and banking, and the other things I’ve been involved in kind of supported my passion for service and trying to make things better.”

One of his proudest community service accomplishments was helping establish the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, where he served as founding chairman. He was chairman of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce and he supported the first MAPS (Metropolitan Area Projects) initiative.

“MAPS was a creative idea with value,” Hargis said. “Creative ideas that have value can result in positive outcomes that no one ever envisions or anticipates.” His passion for creativity, imagination and collaboration was also on display when he became the founding chair of the Oklahoma Creativity Project.

In 1993, Hargis joined the board of the Bank of Oklahoma and in 1997, he went to work for the bank as vice chairman. Hargis continues to serve on the bank’s board. He was appointed to the OSU/A&M Board of Regents in 2002 and left the board in 2007 when the opportunity to become president of OSU presented itself.

But that’s another story.

Here, we offer a deeper look into seven notable areas where the president’s impact shines bright.

Academics and Research

Throughout his OSU presidency, Burns Hargis strove to advance academics and research. The primary focus of fundraising was to boost Oklahoma State’s academic standing through student scholarships, endowed faculty chairs and professorships, academic and research facilities and other initiatives. He also pushed to improve OSU’s U.S. News and World Report rankings.

But the most prominent gain, for Hargis, was the addition of a Phi Beta Kappa chapter, the nation’s oldest and most distinguished academic honor society.

OSU had solid gains in scholar development under Hargis’ presidency. The OSU Honors College is rated among the best in the nation and has enjoyed steady growth. Through the Henry Bellmon Office of Scholar Development, OSU students continue to win the nation’s most prestigious awards, including the university’s 18th Truman Scholar in 2020.

Hargis had a bold vision of a modern land-grant university that cuts across disciplines. Beyond the traditional academic experience, Hargis emphasized service and leadership, creativity and innovation, undergraduate research, entrepreneurship, team building and international exposure. He wanted to provide OSU graduates a well-rounded education that gave them an edge as they pursued their careers in a global economy.

“President Hargis was always quick to state that he was not an academic by background and would say that he didn’t really understand the world of research,” said Kenneth Sewell, OSU vice president of research. “But in reality, he was a champion of the research enterprise at OSU. He knew the value of how our faculty create new knowledge through their research, share it with the world to benefit society and prepare our students to do likewise.”

THROUGH THE YEARS

2007

DECEMBER The Oklahoma State University/A&M Board of Regents names Burns Hargis as the 18th president of Oklahoma State University.

2008

MARCH 10 Burns Hargis becomes only the second OSU graduate to lead the university, after Oliver S. Willham. MAY 21 Alumnus T. Boone Pickens announces a $100 million academic gift to endow faculty chairs and professorships. JULY 1 OSU’s Stillwater campus bans tobacco use. AUG. 18 The Monroe Street Parking Garage opens with 1,100 new parking spaces. OCT. 27 Boone Pickens contributes an additional $63 million to complete OSU’s football stadium that bears his name and its West End Zone.

DEC. 12 Nancy Randolph Davis, the first Black student to enroll at OSU, is honored with the Oklahoma Human Rights Award at the State Capitol.

2009

JAN. 12 The North Classroom Building opens. SEPT. 5 OSU celebrates the opening of the expanded and updated Boone Pickens Stadium with a 24-10 victory over the University of Georgia. OCT. 17 The OSU Alumni Association inducts Garth Brooks, Barry Sanders and Robin Ventura into the OSU Hall of Fame.

NOV. 12 Burns Hargis is in the 82nd class inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, receiving his medal from presenter Boone Pickens.

2010

FEB. 23 OSU and Southwest Jiaotong University in China agree on a reciprocal exchange student program. FEB. 26 Burns Hargis unveils the seven-year, $1 billion Branding Success: The Campaign for Oklahoma State University to fund scholarships, faculty positions, research and more. APRIL 8 A remarkable four Morris K. Udall Foundation Scholarships are awarded to OSU students Jeremy Bennett, Alesia Hallmark, Brooke Hill and Lauren White.

APRIL 16 The renovated Donald W. Reynolds School of Architecture Building is dedicated during the school’s 100th anniversary celebration. OCT. 19 Boone Pickens extends and enhances his $100 million challenge gift to the Branding Success campaign. NOV. 27 Alumni Ross and Billie McKnight commit $15 million to Branding Success for an endowment.

2011

APRIL 21 OSU’s Clean Energy compressed natural gas fueling station is dedicated.

MAY 4 OSU unveils a 7-foot-tall Cowboy boot topiary at the southwest corner of Theta Pond.

SEPT. 9 Oklahoma State University dedicates the Henry Bellmon Research Center for interdisciplinary research.

NOV. 17 Former Cowgirl basketball coach Kurt Budke, assistant coach Miranda Serna and OSU supporters Olin and Paula Branstetter die in a plane crash in northern Arkansas while on a recruiting trip. A memorial to honor the four is dedicated in 2018.

DEC. 2 OG&E and OSU announce a 20-year agreement to provide wind power to the Stillwater campus.

The Arts

Soon after he became OSU president, Burns Hargis learned of another item for his to-do list.

When he asked a faithful OSU alumna why she had given a beautiful art collection to the University of Oklahoma, she said, “Well, you don’t have an art museum. There’s nowhere to put the art.”

She was right. And Hargis set out to change that.

He knew OSU had outstanding visual arts and performing arts programs with extremely talented faculty and students. And while the Seretean Center had served the university well, Oklahoma State desperately needed new facilities.

What followed was the OSU Museum of Art in Stillwater’s former Postal Plaza; the enhanced Doel Reed Center in Taos, New Mexico; The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts; Greenwood School of Music; public art across campus and more.

Oklahoma State announced ambitious plans for a worldclass performing arts center in 2014. Thanks to Billie and Ross McKnight and more donors, The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts opened its doors on Oct. 11, 2019, with the New York Philharmonic.

“I think this will transform how we think of ourselves and the experience our students, faculty and community are going to have,” Hargis said at the opening. “To be around the greatest musicians on the planet is an amazing opportunity for any college student, but for a center like this to be at your own home — it’s just incredible.”

Thanks to lead donors Anne and Michael Greenwood and others, the Greenwood School of Music building opens this year. The state-of-the-art facility will connect to The McKnight Center and create an environment to teach, learn and perform that is second to none.

Hargis and his wife, Ann, led an impassioned mission for the arts. Along the way, the two received the George Nigh Public Service in the Arts Award for their outstanding support of the arts.

Family members of late civil rights pioneer Nancy Randolph Davis gather to celebrate the dedication of her statue in 2019.

Diversity and Inclusion

To understand why Oklahoma State University has made significant progress in diversity over the past decade, Dr. Jason F. Kirksey says look no further than Burns Hargis.

Kirksey should know — as the vice president for institutional diversity and the chief diversity officer, he has been the head of OSU’s diversity office since 2009.

“A significant aspect of President Hargis’ legacy is the university’s unwavering commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion,” Kirksey said. “His efforts unquestionably have broadened and deepened OSU’s comprehensive efforts to sustain and enrich our culture of inclusion. He was the right person, at the right time to lead the university through this important, enduring and meaningful cultural transformation.”

Under Hargis, OSU has worked hard to grow minority enrollment, increase minority faculty members and address inequality. During his presidency, OSU saw a 139 percent increase in minority freshman enrollment. Along the way, the university has won numerous awards for its leadership in diversity and inclusion.

None were more prestigious than the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award presented by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. OSU is one of seven institutions across the country and the only one in Oklahoma to earn the award for nine consecutive years. The magazine also has named OSU as one its few elite Diversity Champions for being a national leader and role model.

As America confronted horrendous incidents of racial injustice this past year, OSU strengthened its commitment to advancing social justice and equity and creating a campus that welcomes, respects and values all members.

In the past year alone, OSU has taken many positive steps, including the un-naming of Murray Hall and North Murray Hall and the creation of a Diversity Equity and Inclusion Council. In 2020, 25 percent of Outstanding Seniors were students of color and two buildings on the Stillwater campus were renamed to honor civil rights pioneer Nancy Randolph Davis, the first African American student to attend OSU.

INSIDE OSU

Watch the last episode of “Inside OSU with Burns Hargis” at okla.st/inside.

2012

JAN. 2 Mike Gundy’s No. 3 Cowboys capped OSU’s first Big 12 Championship season with a 41-38 overtime victory over No. 4 Stanford in the Fiesta Bowl in Arizona.

SEPT. 14 The Student Union celebrates its grand reopening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony after a $63 million renovation.

SEPT. 25 Oklahoma State University launches OStateTV for OSU video.

NOV. 1 Alumni, faculty members, students and friends share ideas worth spreading during the first TEDxOStateU, themed “IGNITE.”

NOV. 13 Oklahoma State University receives the first annual Higher Education Excellence in Diversity award. As of fall 2020, the university has won the award every year since 2012.

2013

JAN. 17 President Hargis and other campus leaders participate in the inaugural installation ceremony for the OSU chapter of Phi Beta Kappa (Gamma of Oklahoma Chapter) in the historic Old Central Assembly Hall. The Phi Beta Kappa Society is the oldest and most distinguished academic honorary society in America. APRIL 23 Burns Hargis joins a ribbon-cutting celebration for OSU’s new state-of-the-art Mathematics Learning Success Center.

APRIL 24 OSU surpasses its Branding Success goal of $1 billion nearly two years ahead of schedule. SEPT. 20 Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb, Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett and Burns Hargis headline a “flip the switch” ceremony to mark the beginning of live broadcasts from the new KOSU studio in downtown Oklahoma City’s historic Film Row.

Facilities and Grounds

If you’ve seen Burns Hargis walk across the OSU campus, you might have seen something unusual for a university president: He picks up trash.

Hargis, after all, treats the OSU campus like it’s his own yard.

“President Hargis knew that the grounds were the first impression of campus,” said Steve Dobbs, director of landscape services.

OSU graduates who have not been to Stillwater in recent years are amazed at the new and updated buildings and the beauty of the grounds.

From day one, Hargis knew OSU had to upgrade and modernize its facilities to attract students and faculty, and to remain competitive in academics, research and athletics.

The construction list is mind-boggling. Here are just a few highlights (see map on page 36 for a more complete picture):  The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts and adjoining Greenwood School of Music.  The new Business Building.  An updated and expanded Student Union.  The Henry Bellmon Research Center.  The ENDEAVOR research building.  The new wing of the Nancy Randolph Davis building (formerly Human Sciences).  A refurbished Old Central.  The expanded Donald W. Reynolds Architecture Building.  The new Central Plant.  The West End Zone of Boone Pickens Stadium.  The Greenwood Tennis Center.  O’Brate Stadium for baseball.

To further revamp the campus, Burns and Ann Hargis had a vision for campus landscaping, improving streets and walkways, adding parking garages and offering plenty of trash cans.

“Burns and Ann are truly the reason for the beautiful campus transformation that has evolved at OSU,” Dobbs said. “They were passionate advocates for the outdoors and sustainability. They frequently gave donor tours of our many unique gardens and were our biggest cheerleaders.”

Dobbs said the single most important Hargis initiative for landscaping was installing an irrigation system.

“That changed the entire look of campus and recruitment,” he said. “Without having to hand water, our team had more time to devote to landscaping, creative seasonal color displays and maintenance.”

HARGIS’ IMPACT

Take a look at the impact President Burns Hargis has had on OSU at okla.st/impact.

2014

JAN. 10 The OSU Museum of Art unveils the first formal exhibition at the Postal Plaza Gallery, located in the historic former Stillwater post office. FEB. 4 OSU announces a $1.45 million grant from the National Math and Science Initiative to replicate UTeach, which is addressing the nation’s science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education crisis by producing qualified math and science teachers across the country. SEPT. 17 OSU launches Pete’s Pet Posse, the nation’s most comprehensive, full-time, universitywide pet therapy program with 13 lovable, highly trained dogs — including Scruff, owned by Burns and Ann Hargis. NOV. 15 The Michael and Anne Greenwood Tennis Center is dedicated.

NOV. 19 OSU is recognized as a leader for its use of green power practices and technology with a Green Power Leadership Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. DEC. 5 The OSU/A&M Board of Regents approves the creation of the University College at Oklahoma State University, which coordinates university-level services that support undergraduate-level student success.

2015

JAN. 8 OSU receives a 2015 Community Engagement Classification from the Carnegie Foundation. MARCH 24 Branding Success is celebrated after raising more than $1.2 billion for OSU.

MAY 15 OSU recognizes 282 donors who have each given $1 million or more cumulatively to OSU at the inaugural Proud and Immortal Society ceremony. Boone Pickens is the group’s first member. AUG. 21 Chickasaw and Choctaw nation leaders officially launch the OSU Center for Sovereign Nation Engagement and Partnerships. OCT. 23 OSU holds a grand opening and ribbon-cutting for the University Commons, a residential life facility. OCT. 24 Four people are killed and dozens injured when a woman crashes her car into OSU’s annual Sea of Orange Homecoming Parade. A Stillwater Strong memorial is dedicated at the corner of Hall of Fame and Main just over three years later. DEC. 4 OSU creates the Unmanned Systems Research Institute.

2016

FEB. 5 The City of Stillwater, American Airlines and Oklahoma State University announce nonstop American Airlines jet service to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport from Stillwater.

FEB. 17 The Charles and Linda Cline Equine Teaching Center opens. MARCH 4 OSU earns the Institutional Excellence Award for 2016 from the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, which calls OSU “one of higher education’s exemplary models.” MARCH 30 Alumni Ross and Billie McKnight donate $25 million for a programming endowment for The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts. AUG. 9 The new North Wing of the Human Sciences building (now part of the Nancy Randolph Davis Building) is dedicated.

2017

MAY 30 OSU’s College of Education and various partners receive a five-year, $25 million grant from NASA to fund a variety of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities for under-represented K-12 students, as well as higher education, across the country. AUG. 30 INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine names OSU one of 11 Diversity Champions. SEPT. 24 Alumni Michael and Anne Greenwood make a significant gift to name the new home for music education programs at OSU the Michael and Anne Greenwood School of Music.

SEPT. 29 OSU Center for Health Sciences in Tulsa celebrates the grand opening of the A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Medical Academic Building. “Billie and I developed the McKnight Scholars Program to fill a need at OSU pointed out by Burns. The McKnight Center gift was an idea envisioned by Burns that started as a request for building support. These ideas for these programs both came from Burns’ visions of what OSU could be and now is.”

— Ross McKnight

Fundraising

Someone once joked to Burns Hargis that if the university ever did a statue of him as president, he would have his hand out.

During his more than 13 years as president, Hargis did ask often — and OSU was rewarded to the tune of more than $2.2 billion in private support. The donor generosity and the numbers are astounding — 82,000 new donors, doubling OSU’s endowment and raising the number of $1 million-plus OSU donors from 137 to 422.

Jump-starting Oklahoma State’s fundraising success was the late Boone Pickens, who donated an extraordinary $652 million to his alma mater during his lifetime.

“Boone’s incredible generosity inspired others to join in the transformation of Oklahoma State,” Hargis said. “Boone’s impact has gone far beyond his own gifts and is changing OSU forever. His gifts showed us what we could do and changed how we thought about ourselves.”

For former OSU Foundation president Kirk Jewell, it was a blessing and the highlight of his career to serve alongside Hargis during this historic period.

“Burns fully embraced his role as chief fundraiser,” Jewell said. “His vision to make OSU a top land-grant university was always at the forefront of his plans and actions. His passion to make OSU greater inspired not only the donors but the Foundation staff. OSU will be forever changed because Burns and Ann invested themselves at our alma mater.” When Hargis became OSU president, he knew his No. 1 job was to raise much-needed funds for student scholarships, faculty, facilities and programs. The need was huge, and Hargis wanted an audacious goal. OSU reached its seven-year, $1 billion Branding Success goal nearly two years early.

FIRE PUBLICATIONS OFFICES

WILLIS

FIRE PUBLICATIONS WAREHOUSE

FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY TECHNOLOGY LAB

WILLIAMS APARTMENTS

Burns the Builder

McELROY

GRAPHIC ARTS STUDIO 6

EXCELSIOR MCDONALD

WEST CHILLED WATER PLANT

WESTERN Brick by brick, President Burns Hargis has led a revitalization of campus during his 13 years in office. Dozens of buildings have been renovated, expanded and even created to enhance educational and experiential CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENTAL PLANT FACILITY learning opportunities. With state-of-the-art research hubs, purpose-built classrooms and premier athletic facilities, OSU is positioned to be a leader in higher education for decades to come.

PHYSICAL PLANT WAREHOUSES 1-4

PHYSICAL PLANTSERVICES NORTH

PHYSICAL PLANT SERVICES

RIDGE

PPA BUILDING WILLIS

VO-TECH WAREHOUSE

10

LIBRARY AUXILIARY 9

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MCDONALD

NEW CONSTRUCTION SINCE 2008

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

PETERSON-FRIEND HALL

1. 4th Avenue Parking Garage 2. Bert Cooper Engineering Laboratory 3. Central Plant 4. CVM Academic Center 5. ENDEAVOR 6. EXCELSIOR 7. Greenhouse Learning Center 8. Henry Bellmon Research Center 9. Information Technology 10. Library Auxiliary 11. The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts 12. 13. 14. 15. WESTERNMichael and Anne Greenwood School of Music Michael and Anne Greenwood Tennis Center Monroe Street Parking Garage Multimodal Transportation Terminal 16. Neal Patterson Stadium 17. New Frontiers Agricultural Hall (under construction) 18. North Classroom Building 19. North Wing of the Nancy Randolph Davis Building 20. Northern Oklahoma College, Stillwater 21. O’Brate Stadium 22. Roger J. Panciera Education Center 23. Sherman E. Smith Training Facility 24. Spears School of Business Building 25. Track Facility and Storage 26. University Commons Residences/North Dining Hall 27. Welcome Plaza 28. Wentz Lane Parking Garage

MAJOR RENOVATIONS SINCE 2008

29. Boone Pickens Stadium (West End Zone) 30. Colvin Center 31. Donald W. Reynolds Architecture Building 32. Social Sciences and Humanities/Psychology (formerly Murray) 33. National Wrestling Hall of Fame 34. Old Central 35. Student Union

UNIVERSITY

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES FACILITY

FARM ROAD

4

CVM ACADEMIC CENTER

BOREN VETERINARY MEDICINE TEACHING HOSPITAL PATILLO’S COMMUNITY CENTER

OKLAHOMA ANIMAL DISEASE DIAGNOSTIC LAB KAMM HALL

MCFARLAND

22

ROGER J. PANCIERA EDUCATION CENTER

COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE INTRAMURAL FIELDS

USDA STATE OFFICE

AGRI CENTER OFFICES

ADMIRAL

NOT SHOWN ON MAP:

SHERWOOD Aerospace Systems Discovery Lab WEST ARROWHEAD  Allied Health Building, Oklahoma City  A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Medical Academic Building, Tulsa  ARROWHEAD The Botanic Garden at OSU (renovation) RIDGE     WILLIS MCFARLAND Charles and Linda Cline Equine Teaching Center Chesapeake Compressed Natural Gas Training Center, Okmulgee Doel Reed Center, Taos, New Mexico Equine Exercise Physiology Lab  SUNSET Facilities Management Multipurpose Facility  Ferguson Family Dairy Center  KOSU Broadcast Studio, OKC  OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation,

Tahlequah (under construction)  Oklahoma Foundation Seed Stock building    WILLIS KINGOSU Discovery and Parking Garage, OKC Postal Plaza Gallery Ray and Linda Booker OSU Flight Center (under construction)  3RD Venture One, Oklahoma Technology Research Park

WALNUT N WILLHAM GARFIELD

PAYNEELLIS MCPHERSON HALL

MORRISON NEIGHBORHOOD

CARREKER WEST CARREKER EAST LINCOLN MONROE JEFFERSON

McELROY

TYLER

O’BRATE BASEBALL STADIUM

21

TRACK COMPLEX 25

UNIVERSITY LAUNDRY

FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER

COWGIRL SOCCER COMPLEX

DEMAREE APARTMENTS

DAVIS HALL MORSANI-SMITH HALL MONROE

SITLINGTON HALL

GRIFFITH COMMUNITY CENTER YOUNG HALL

BOST HALL 20

CANTWELL

NORTHERN OKLAHOMA COLLEGE

CONNELL

16

NEIL PATTERSON STADIUM

HALL OF FAME

COLVIN RECREATION CENTER 30

COLVIN POOL

CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LAB CLEVELAND

STINCHCOMB BOOKER HALL

ZINK-ALLEN HALL

WEST NORTH

UNIVERSITY COMMONS 26

THE MARKET

SOUTH

BIOSYSTEMS AND AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING LAB NORTH DINING

OG&E

GREENHOUSE LEARNING CENTER

IBA HALL

FARM ROAD 7

POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER

UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTER LINCOLN

4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

ANIMAL SCIENCES

ROBERT M. KERR FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS CENTER MONROE PARKING GARAGE 14

SCOTT

15

PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION SERVICES CENTRAL PLANT

3

HALL OF FAME

NORTH CLASSROOM BUILDING 18

AGRICULTURE NORTH

17

NEW FRONTIERS AGRICULTURAL HALL MICHEAL AND ANNE GREENWOOD TENNIS CENTER 13

OUTDOOR TENNIS COURTS

WASHINGTON

WES WATKINS CENTER SHERMAN E. SMITH TRAINING CENTER

23

PRACTICE FIELDS

29

WEST END ZONE

WASHINGTON

BOONE PICKENS STADIUM

COWBOYS COWBOYS

WALNUT

MELROSE

C

D FIT

THE VILLAGE

B

OLIVER

UNIVERSITY ASSESSMENT AND TESTING PATCHIN-JONES HALL

REDWOOD

PATCHIN-JONES HALL E

F

WENTZ HALL

WENTZ KERR

SCOTT HALL KERR HALL

DRUMMOND HALL

DRUMMOND

NANCY RANDOLPH DAVIS WEST

PARKER HALL

INSTITUTE FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING EXCELLENCE

28

WENTZ LANE PARKING GARAGE AGRICULTURAL HALL 8

19

NANCY RANDOLPH DAVIS

MONROE

PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE

THE PSYCHOLOGY BUILDING HENRY BELLMON RESEARCH CENTER PHYSICAL SCIENCE

ATHLETIC AVE

LIFE SCIENCES WEST LIFE SCIENCES EAST

MATH SCIENCES WHITEHURST HALL

WILLARD HALL

UNIVERSITY

STOUT HALL 32

SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES THETA POND

3RD 2.5 GARFIELDCLEVELAND MILLION SQUARE FEET of new/updated facilities LINCOLN 3.3 MONROE JEFFERSONMILLION BRICKS used for campus projects

NOBLE RESEARCH CENTER

ENGINEERING NORTH

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH CENTER 5

CEAT ENDEAVOR LAB

DONALD W. REYNOLDS SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

31

ATHLETIC AVE

EDMON LOW LIBRARY ENGINEERING SOUTH

CLASSROOM BUILDING HESTER

SPEARS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

GENERAL ACADEMIC BUILDING 24

MORRILL HALL

MORRILL

THATCHER HALL

BARTLETT CENTER FOR THE VISUAL ARTS

35

STUDENT UNION GUNDERSEN HALL

ATHERTON HOTEL WELCOME PLAZA

PAUL MILLER JOURNALISM AND BROADCASTING 27

CONOCO PHILLIPS OSU ALUMNI CENTER

BENNETT CHAPEL 34

OLD CENTRAL

SERETEAN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

FIRE STATION NO. 2 UNIVERSITY

WASHINGTON RAMSEY

MCKNIGHT CENTER

11

2018

JAN. 16 OSU opens the doors to Spears School of Business classes in the new $72 million Business Building. JAN. 25 The university celebrates 10 years of its acclaimed Energy Management Program during a Decade of Excellence ceremony. Systemwide energy savings from the program are approaching $50 million, with nearly $40 million of that on the Stillwater campus. SEPT. 22 ENDEAVOR begins a new era in undergraduate engineering learning with 23 engineering science and project labs, including four that are each the size of a basketball court.

OCT. 23 OSU installs Singing Heart, a sculpture by Allan Houser, in the Mother’s Garden on the west side of the Atherton Hotel. In December, a second Houser sculpture, Abstract Orange, is unveiled north side of the Student Union. OCT. 31 The Cherokee Nation and OSU Center for Health Sciences announce the nation’s first college of medicine to be located at a tribal health facility — the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation.

2019

JAN. 31 A statue of Nancy Randolph Davis, the first African American student to attend Oklahoma A&M, is dedicated.

MARCH 26 Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter and OSU leaders announce a historic settlement with Purdue Pharma, establishing a nearly $200 million endowment at the OSU Center for Wellness and Recovery to address the nation’s addiction epidemic. AUG. 29 The OSU Foundation launches the $375 million Brighter Orange, Brighter Future campaign to ensure students have the resources to attend OSU.

SEPT. 25 Thousands of Cowboy faithful flood Gallagher-Iba Arena to celebrate the life of T. Boone Pickens, who died Sept. 11 at the age of 91. He gave a combined $652 million to the university during his lifetime. OCT. 11 The New York Philharmonic kicks off the inaugural season at The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts.

Leadership

It seems only right that Burns Hargis began to develop his leadership skills as a student at Oklahoma State. After all, he returned to become one of the finest leaders in the history of his alma mater.

“Without a doubt, if not our greatest president, certainly in the top two,” said Doug Burns, an OSU regent throughout Hargis’ presidency. “It’s him and Henry Bennett. Burns has been transformative for the university. Can’t say enough about what a wonderful president he has been and what has been accomplished during his time.”

The transformation touches nearly every inch of the university. Hargis has overseen years of record enrollment, extraordinary fundraising that has totaled more than $2.2 billion, historic construction, iconic new facilities, new highs in levels of donor and alumni engagement, an eye-popping campus makeover and the list goes on.

The transformation went beyond the visible signs of success. “President Hargis was transformative in how OSU thinks of itself and its ability to raise big money to accomplish big goals,” Doug Burns said.

Look at any list of leadership qualities, and Burns Hargis checks all the boxes: vision, communications, courage, humility, cooperation, integrity, enthusiasm and more.

“One of the things I admire most about President Hargis is that he takes his job very seriously, but he doesn’t take himself that seriously,” said Ken Eastman, dean of the Spears School of Business. “His sense of humor and his ability to poke fun at himself have endeared him to thousands, and it has greatly enhanced his leadership ability. He really energized our alumni, and the proof is in our fundraising totals and the passion of our grads.”

The university will continue to draw from Hargis’ leadership insight and skills after his retirement as he will lead OSU’s student-focused Center for Ethical Leadership.

Students

Without question, the one thing Burns and Ann Hargis missed most during the pandemic was interacting with students.

Thanks to record enrollment gains — including the five largest freshmen classes in university history — and improvements in retention and graduation rates, there have been plenty of students during the Hargis years.

“The thing that has been the most rewarding is how invigorating it is to be around our students,” Hargis said. “There’s an energy transfer that is just amazing. Ann and I love engaging with students.”

Kyle Wray, vice president of enrollment and brand management, saw that love and concern for students firsthand.

“They were mainstays at scholar recruitment programs. Parents and prospective students would form lines to visit with them. Burns and Ann always stayed until the last family had a chance to talk and ask questions. They epitomized what OSU stood for and meant to so many people.”

That rock-star status continued when students came to campus. A selfie with Ann and Burns was a must-have for students.

“I had the privilege of meeting the president and the first lady at a Black alumni award meeting,” said Godwin Ekpek, class of 2013. “They were lovely and down to earth; the speech they gave still motivates me to keep pursuing excellence.”

Erik Williams, class of 2018, said, “Burns and Ann embodied true servant leadership as they listened, cared and acted to improve, promote and build OSU. When I think about the beloved family reputation of OSU, I immediately think of the Hargises.”

Lee Bird, who served as vice president for student affairs for much of Burns Hargis’ presidency, said, “What I appreciated most about President Hargis was his sense of humor and his genuine care and concern for students.”

2020

JAN. 15 Oklahoma State University and alumni Kayleen and Larry Ferguson announce a $50 million gift from the Ferguson Family Foundation that will transform the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources in many ways, including a new name — the Ferguson College of Agriculture. The funds create a $25 million endowment for the college’s operations and $25 million to kick-start the New Frontiers fundraising campaign for a new building. JAN. 24 The OSU/A&M Board of Regents approves the creation of the College of Education and Human Sciences, combining the College of Education, Health and Aviation and the College of Human Sciences at OSU. MARCH 7 Oklahoma State announces a $1 million naming gift from Ray and Linda Booker during a special groundbreaking ceremony for the new flight training center. MARCH 12 OSU begins conducting classes online for the two weeks following spring break. This marks the beginning of historic changes to fight COVID-19. OSU went online for the rest of the spring semester and held virtual commencements in the spring and fall. APRIL 15 NASA recognizes a team of OSU researchers with the University Leadership Initiative Award. OSU is one of five university teams to receive the honor and a lead share of $32.8 million in funding over the next four years to address some of NASA’s strategic research initiatives. JUNE 26 The OSU/A&M Board of Regents unanimously votes to remove the name “Murray” from Murray Hall and North Murray Hall on OSU’s campus. The buildings were formerly named after Oklahoma’s ninth governor, William H. “Alfalfa Bill” Murray, who backed racist policies. JULY 28 Baker Hughes donates its Energy Innovation Center in downtown Oklahoma City to OSU as part of a technology collaboration that will bring industry and academic experts together under one roof, creating experiential learning opportunities for OSU students and supporting Baker Hughes researchers in applying technology-driven solutions for energy and industrial sectors. SEPT. 1 INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine recognizes OSU as a 2020 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award recipient and a 2020 Diversity Champion, the ninth straight year honoring OSU. OCT. 23 OSU President Burns Hargis announces his retirement plans at the regular meeting of the OSU/A&M Board of Regents in Stillwater.

Ann Hargis has been a tireless advocate for health, wellness and everything Oklahoma State during her tenure as First Cowgirl, and we’re going to miss her enthusiasm and excitement as she and husband Burns retire. We asked her to share a bit about her experiences and memories at OSU.

ANN HARGIS

See how First Cowgirl Ann Hargis has had her own impact on OSU at okla.st/ann.

‘An Experience Beyond’ As retirement approaches, First Cowgirl Ann Hargis reflects on her years at OSU

Is there a story that stands out from your first year as the First Cowgirl — something or someone who made you realize the impact you and President Hargis could have in your new roles?

It was a whirlwind. Every event is so different!

Early on, we attended a birthday celebration in Dallas for Boone Pickens. We were up until the wee hours of the morning and in the presence of celebrities such as Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli. Less than 12 hours later, we were back in Stillwater and involved in a major fundraising announcement on the Library Lawn. Boone was announcing a $100 million donation to the university.

As the event was winding down, a woman approached me with tears in her eyes. Kechia Bentley and her son, Dillon, were visiting campus and on a tour. They lived out of state, and she was overwhelmed about leaving her son on campus the following fall. I gave her a hug and assured her we would take great care of Dillon. We exchanged contact information and stayed in touch. That August, I met Dillon and both his parents and helped him move in to his residence hall. It was such a joy to watch Dillon get settled and meet his roommate. I felt like a freshman myself! Today, Dillon is a civil engineer, married and expecting his first child. Kechia and I stay in touch.

It made me realize we can all be overwhelmed in our own little worlds, and there were 25,000 other “Dillons” on campus who could also benefit from a little kindness. I think that experience really set the tone for how I viewed students in future years. How have the last 13 years been different than you expected? How have they been exactly what you expected?

For some reason, I envisioned Friday nights in the basement of the house, inviting students over, throwing down bean bags, popping corn and watching movies. It was none of that but so much more!

Honestly, I am not sure what I expected, but the time we have spent at OSU has been an experience beyond anything I could have ever imagined [with] the relationships we’ve developed, the energy of the students, the creativity that exists on this campus. I felt at home from the moment we arrived, and that is a testament to the character of the Cowboy family. The people who represent this university are incredibly special.

When we talk about the Cowboy Code, just know that it truly exists.

What will you remember most about serving as First Cowgirl?

Reserved Princess Parking!

There’s no such thing as too much orange!

It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to be part of something so incredibly fascinating and profoundly important. It has been more fun than I ever dreamed possible. No one tells you how exhilarating this position is.

As Burns says, “If you ever get the chance to be a university president, take it.” The same is true for my position.

What initiative did you undertake that you are most proud of?

I wanted to identify initiatives that enhanced Burns’ mission as president without taking away from his impact. Since I am not employed by the university, I viewed my role mainly as cheerleader, celebrating all the magical things happening on campus.

Wellness is important to me personally. Being able to share my love of the nutritional, physical, spiritual and emotional components of wellness really completed the circle for me. I believe we are better together and when we try to improve ourselves, we also improve others around us. We are all a work in progress but providing resources and tools to help people live more fulfilled lives is very gratifying.

PETE’S PET POSSE

Take a look at Ann Hargis’ groundbreaking project, Pete’s Pet Posse: okla.st/3ppp. Describe a favorite memory from the last 13 years.

There are so many favorites! Perhaps one of the most recent is The McKnight Center.

Opening Night was magical, but for me, the emotions were a culmination of all the wonderful accomplishments leading up to that moment. Seeing members of the New York Philharmonic mentor OSU students in every facet of performing during the weeks before the performance was incredibly special. The New York Philharmonic had not made an appearance in Oklahoma for more than 30 years, and here they were, in Stillwater, America, providing a world-class education to students from rural Oklahoma. It was so powerful to me to witness this mentorship.

For the Opening Night Gala, I commissioned a talented OSU mom to upcycle a ballgown from my closet. It featured musical notes with orange rhinestones, depicting the score of our alma mater! The playing of the alma mater at the end of the performance, seeing the OSU faithful, many of whom we cheer alongside during sporting events, stand and sing and link arms ... I will never forget it.

Once the event was over and the Philharmonic returned home, we sent each of the key players in the organization a pair of orange running shoes with a note that said, “Hurry back!”

Describe the hardest day in your role from the last 13 years.

There were, of course, challenges along the way; however, I don’t think anything could compare to the loss we shared as an OSU family after the women’s basketball plane crash and the OSU Homecoming

Parade tragedy.

Watching Burns absorb these losses and take them so personally was especially difficult. The support shown to the families and the desire to be with other members of the Cowboy family during those times is a feeling I will never forget. There was so much shock, disbelief and hurt. There were so many heartfelt stories of Cowboys helping Cowboys without caring about receiving recognition. The compassion and love of friends and family gathered at the home of the Budkes the morning of the plane crash. Pistol Pete, Taylor Collins, rushing a young child injured in the parade tragedy to the ER. Tyler Zander, an OSU student who lost his leg in a farming accident, mentoring Leo Schmitz, who lost his leg in the Homecoming Parade tragedy. I hope one day all of these stories can be told.

We had no answers during these times. All we could do was try to comfort. However, in true Cowboy fashion, the OSU faithful came together, and we all lifted each other. It’s a testament to the strength and resiliency of the Cowboy family.

What is your favorite campus tradition / favorite spot / piece of art, etc.?

Graduation, of course! I love to disappear into the general seating at GIA and just randomly join a family and friends. Here is where one enjoys the very best stories of their sacrifices, pride and sheer joy. Taking pictures for them, screaming when their graduate’s name is called. It’s a celebration deluxe.

Tell us something about Ann Hargis that might surprise our readers. And something about President Hargis that would surprise us!

I have driven BOB (Big Orange Bus) and was crowned the ROADeo champion one year! I love big trucks and heavy equipment!

Burns starts every morning with a banana. What does this next chapter look like for you? What will you miss most about being on campus?

It’s our turn to graduate. We have had the most incredible education and experience. Just like our students, I will look forward to being an OSU alumna.

Stillwater and OSU will always feel like home, and I plan to continue giving back to the place that has given so much to me.

I’ll remember little things that have become such a big part of my day, many I have taken for granted: The sound of the library bells, the roar of the crowd at athletic events, the seasonal plantings, the incredible zaniness of skateboards, unicycles and purple hair, students in hammocks, sidewalk chalk, A-frames, Clementine [her personal orange golf cart] carrying students to class, groups of potential students and families touring campus carrying their orange bags, the international influences of food, dance, dress or conversation, campus during class change. … And the short commute that makes Stillwater so wonderful!

What is next for Pete’s Pet Posse? Is there a new champion for it?

I could talk all day about the impact. Students have always championed this program, and we often encounter those who say they chose OSU because of pet therapy. I do think this emotional health program is part of our culture, and I hope its value continues to be embraced and celebrated.

Over 100 teams have been trained, over 250,000 lives touched, and we’ll soon expand to four campuses. Not only do the dogs make a difference by providing a touch of home and unconditional love, but the owners/ handlers also serve as ambassadors for the university by providing resources. The impact has been so positive, and I could not be prouder.

What advice do you have for students who will come to campus in the years ahead?

Enjoy every moment! Take advantage of every opportunity. Never be afraid to ask for help or share your thoughts and ideas. Get plenty of sleep, exercise and eat right! OSU is a wonderful place, filled with wonderful people who want to see you succeed. We are family. And I so want you to enjoy the journey.

@OSUAthletics Nobody supported OSU Athletics more over the last dozen years than @burnshargis, and we can’t thank you enough for your vision and leadership. Good ride, Cowboy.

@OKArtsCouncil Reflecting on the investment in #arts pursued by @burnshargis and @OSUFirstCowgirl during their time @okstate and how it will be a significant part of their legacy. Wishing them the best in their next chapter. @OSUMuseumofArt @McKnightCenter

@stillwaterwill | Mayor Will Joyce As an @okstate alumnus, a Stillwater resident and mayor, I offer my heartfelt gratitude to @burnshargis and @OSUFirstCowgirl for all they have done for OSU and our community. They leave a profound legacy and have positioned us for a bright (Orange!) future ahead. #GoPokes

@thacoachmike | Mike Boynton All the best to @burnshargis and @OSUFirstCowgirl on their pending retirement. Their support of me and my family, and their leadership, have made our experience in Stillwater very special. #CowboysForever #GoPokes

@OU_President | Joseph Harroz, OU President President Hargis has had an exceptional tenure as President of @okstate. His achievements in education are consistent with his contributions in banking, the law, and in public policy.

@SenatorLankford | Sen. James Lankford America’s brightest orange shines because of the work, dedication, and pride @burnshargis and Ann have for the entire @okstate community and will leave a remarkable legacy. On behalf of all Oklahomans--thank you Burns and Ann.

OSU Alum Kerri Seller The best OSU President Ever!! You will be missed is an understatement! You and @OSUFirstCowgirl were the best for OKState! Congratulations on retirement! Best wishes to you both.

Jimmy Chiconas Thanks for all you have done for OSU and making it a great place for my kids to thrive. Good luck in retirement. You have earned it.

A Brighter World Starts at OSU

University bolsters its strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

Dr. Leon McClinton A t a time of deep division throughout the country, Oklahoma State University is looking inward to improve diversity, equity and inclusion for all.

With that goal in mind, the recently formed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force — made up of more than 40 OSU students, faculty, staff and alumni — hosted the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Week in January as its first event.

“Dr. King was the leader in advancing civil rights in America in the 1950s and ’60s,” said Dr. Leon McClinton, director of Housing and Residential Life and co-chair of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force. “He promoted and organized non-violent protests and won a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to fight racial inequality in a non-violent matter.”

Hundreds of students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members wore face masks with King’s “I have a dream” quote on them. King’s 17-minute speech, made in 1963 from the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., echoed off the Edmon Low Library and newly named Nancy Randolph Davis building as marchers wove their way across campus.

“Dr. King gave his life to make this country great for everyone,” McClinton said. “Our students need to understand there is still work to do.”

Caileb Booze, OSU’s first black Interfraternity Council president, certainly realizes this. He is expected to graduate this semester with an applied sociology bachelor’s degree and minor in criminology and criminal justice, with a pre-law option. After law school, Booze plans to pursue a career in advocacy for underrepresented and disadvantaged people.

Booze, now a former Interfraternity Council president, spoke on the steps of The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts.

“I think the celebration of Dr. King in this time is very, very timely,” he told the marchers. “It seems you can’t turn on the TV or listen to a conversation for more than 30 seconds without hearing some sort of division, disruption or disaster. As that rhetoric continues, or if we buy into that, it’s really hard to think that things can change and you end up in the headspace of ‘it is always going to be like this and there’s nothing we can do about it.’ So days like today are very important because Dr. King believed in something different, and in the middle of that, he believed that the best was yet to come.”

Fifty-eight years ago, King penned a letter from a Birmingham, Alabama, jail that Booze quoted.

“He said, ‘I’m convinced that men hate each other because they fear each other. They fear each other because they don’t understand each other. They don’t understand each other because they don’t communicate with each other. They don’t communicate with each other because they are separated from each other.’

“I was thinking about that quote, and it is so, so good and so timely. Because if we are going to get where we want to go, if we are ever going to progress as people, then we can’t be separated from each other,” Booze said.

Unity is needed, Booze said, and that requires embracing uncomfortable truths.

“Right now, we are living in a world of chaos,” he said. “Unity is something that has to be intentionally sought after in order to be achieved, but the enemy of unity is always going to be comfort. It takes leaning into discomfort to get to the other side. Unity is where we can go. That is what Dr. King strove for. That’s what his vision was. The Civil Rights Act was his mission, but it wasn’t all of his mission. It was just the beginning. The mission of Dr. King was actually to bring people together, to unify them at a heart level, so that we could all flourish. So, I would hate for us to settle and not keep going, not keep pressing, not keep trying to progress and move forward as a people. That is my hope for us as a university that we would be different. That people could see us and see us unified when everything else is going crazy.”

NEW CAMPUS STATEMENT

At Oklahoma State University, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) matter. Providing a wide range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identifying opportunities and creating solutions are core to our mission as a landgrant university. We fulfill our mission and enrich our campus community by maintaining a welcoming and inclusive environment that appreciates, values and fosters a sense of belonging for all.

The definitions of these three key words are important:

■ DIVERSITY means a variety of different and unique identities, characteristics, experiences and perspectives. ■ EQUITY is defined as making available to everyone what they need to succeed by increasing access, resources and opportunities for all — especially for those who are underrepresented and have been historically disadvantaged. ■ INCLUSION is what we do. Inclusion creates a welcoming culture where differences are celebrated and everyone is valued, respected and able to reach their full potential.

We also humbly recognize there are events in the university’s 130-year history that at times have not upheld these values; however, we are continually working toward a future that instills pride for all in our community.

Incidents of social injustice — both historical and recent — unfortunately exist within our society but are not welcome on the OSU campus. While the First Amendment allows considerable latitude with respect to free speech, we denounce acts, behavior, language or symbols representing or reflecting intolerance or discrimination toward any subpopulation affiliated with our university. OSU pledges to support and reinforce diversity, equity and inclusion efforts as they are significant to our campus culture and mission, improving the quality of life for all.

Former Interfraternity Council president Caileb Booze speaks during the “March for Unity” event at OSU.

Maddie Ward, a junior studying applied exercise science with a pre-physical therapy option, marched with her Alpha Chi Omega sorority sisters.

“I wanted to show support and honor Martin Luther King’s life and what he stood for,” she said. “We are all sharing the dream now; it’s not just his dream anymore.”

She is part of a new sorority committee that focuses on diversity, equity and inclusion.

“I think the university is taking the right steps to becoming a more diverse and inclusive school,” Ward said.

For Dr. Udaya DeSilva, that’s good to hear. DeSilva is an associate professor for the Department of Animal and Food Sciences, past faculty council chair, and a member of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force.

“Dr. King is very well known around the world for what he did and what he stood for,” said DeSilva, who grew up in Sri Lanka. “I’ve been a big fan since I was very little.”

While marching south on Monroe Street, DeSilva said, “We are walking in between two of the biggest achievements on this campus.”

The first was a statue of the university’s first African American student, Nancy Randolph Davis, who crossed racial barriers and became a civil rights pioneer when she started her master’s degree in home economics in 1949. The statue was unveiled in 2019 in the courtyard of OSU’s Human Sciences building, which has been renamed the Nancy Randolph Davis building.

The second was the removal of the name “Murray” from Murray Hall — now the Social Sciences and Humanities building — and North Murray Hall — now the Psychology building. The building’s namesake, Oklahoma’s ninth Gov.

LEARN MORE about the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force at okla.st/ deiforce. Send questions, ideas and additional feedback to

deitaskforce@

okstate.edu.

Nancy Randolph Davis statue

COMMITTEES

In addition to the task force, four committees have been meeting since last fall. Four areas of concentration have been identified for enhanced impact on Oklahoma State University’s continued efforts to achieve inclusive excellence. Task force members will provide guidance/feedback on the work of all four committees. The four committees are:

■ Faculty and Staff ■ Student Recruitment and Retention

■ Campus Climate ■ Support for Marginalized

Students William H. “Alfalfa Bill” Murray, had a record of advocacy for racist policies including segregation and the promotion of Jim Crow laws, which in effect stripped many Black Oklahomans of their constitutional right to vote.

“I was on the committee to get the buildings’ names changed,” DeSilva said. “This was huge progress, but we still have a long ways to go.”

TASK FORCE WORK

“The objective of the OSU Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force is to develop and publish a new comprehensive universitywide DEI plan detailing timed, measurable goals and specific initiatives that will be implemented across campus in coming years,” said McClinton, who co-chairs the task force with Dr. Jeanette Mendez, the interim provost. “The ultimate goal is to help foster an environment where OSU students, faculty and staff all have equal opportunities to find success as was outlined by the OK State Stand United organization in its list of urgencies published in the summer of 2020.”

Participants in the March for Unity at OSU listen to speakers outside The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

OSU’s enrollment for undergraduate students of color increased 103 percent from fall 2009 to fall 2020 with the following increases by ethnicity:

African American — 24.4%

Asian American — 53.2% Latino/Hispanic — 289% Native American — 53.4%

Students of color earning bachelor’s degrees increased 107 percent from 2010 to 2020 with the following increases by ethnicity:

African American — 27.9%

Asian American — 61.2% Latino/Hispanic — 357.1% Native American — 48.2%

DIVERSITY AT OSU

STUDENTS

66.74% White

9.51% Multiracial

8.03% Hispanic

5.23% International

4.14% Black

4.06% American Indian/ Alaskan Native

2.07% Asian American

0.12% Unknown

0.10% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander

As of press time, the new plan is expected to be published by the end of the spring semester, McClinton said.

The importance of the task force can’t be understated.

“There are still subpopulations who feel as if their voices are not heard and that there aren’t adequate support systems in place to help them be successful in a predominantly white setting,” McClinton said. “This task force is responsible for developing a plan to address our shortcomings in this area.”

That said, OSU’s continued commitment to creating a culture of inclusion has been recognized with a multitude of national awards.

“We are the single most highly decorated institution in the nation in terms of nationally prestigious diversity and inclusion awards over the past several years,” said Dr. Jason F. Kirksey, OSU vice president and chief diversity officer. “We have plenty of room to grow and work to do, but it is important to recognize and acknowledge the work that we have done.”

SEE MORE

Watch videos from the 2021 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Week at okla.st/mlkplaylist.

FACULTY

70.67% White

10.16% Asian Amerian

9.07% International

3.02% Hispanic

2.75% Multiracial

2.13% Black

2.06% American Indian/ Alaskan Native

0.14% Unknown

STAFF

80.57% White

4.14% Multiracial

4.09% American Indian/ Alaskan Native

3.54% Hispanic

3.46% Black

2.08% Asian American

1.85% International

0.18% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander

0.08% Unknown