Global Magazine 2024

GLOBAL

FROM THE PRAIRIE TO PARIS

First-generation students find global perspective through RISE study abroad program.

Dear alumni, friends and colleagues,

It is a joy to reach out to you through this, our second GLOBAL magazine. We began this effort several years ago to inform you of the incredible impact of OSU on the world and its influence on OSU. We heard so much positive feedback from faculty, staff, students and supporters of OSU about our freshman effort, and so many people told us that they had no idea of all the global activity at Oklahoma State!

This year, we feel like we have finally put the COVID-19 related disruptions to international education behind us, though we are still seeing some lingering impacts of that global crisis. If anything, the crisis demonstrated to everyone just how incredibly interconnected we are, and that despite our best efforts, what happens in one nation quickly spreads around the world. But this year has brought new challenges, including geopolitical instability, global wars, and a continuing economic and technological showdown between the U.S. and China. We monitor these issues constantly, because they do truly impact how we engage with the world.

There is more about this effort elsewhere in the magazine, but I am very excited about our efforts with the OSU Alumni Association and the OSU Foundation to reengage with the over 10,000 alumni who came to OSU as international students. This group includes some of our most notable

alumni, such as two former prime ministers, ambassadors, legislators and others who have made major contributions to their societies, governments and businesses. So, please let us know of folks we might be missing, as we really hope to reengage all our international alumni, whether they live in the U.S. or overseas.

We are also launching the first “Global OSU” reunion in Bali, Indonesia, in June 2024. Our goal is to bring together alumni from all over the world, many of whom have been out of touch for many years, together to truly invigorate the OSU spirit. More details about that event are available on our website: global. okstate.edu. If you aren’t able to come this year, don’t worry. We intend for this to be a regular event, moving to different regions of the world each time, so that everyone has a chance to participate, no matter where they live.

Thanks to all of you for your advice, tips and questions about OSU. It is indeed a privilege to represent this great institution, which has contributed so much to the world.

Go Pokes!

Respectfully,

Dr. Randy Kluver Associate Provost and Dean, OSU Global

GLOBAL

On the cover: A silhouette of OSU student Jordan Blair stands out against the backdrop of one of the iconic clock faces at Musée d’Orsay in Paris. (Photo by Mack Burke)

ASSOCIATE PROVOST AND DEAN, OSU GLOBAL

Dr. Randy Kluver

ASSOCIATE DEAN OF ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Dr. Jami Fullerton

ASSISTANT DEAN AND DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS

Dr. Jeff Simpson

EDITOR

Jordan Bishop

ART DIRECTOR

Dave Malec

DESIGN

Cody Giles

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Mack Burke, Marcus Conrad, Gary Lawson, Phil Shockley, Shutterstock, Brij Thapa and Bruce Waterfield

WRITERS

Jordan Bishop, Mack Burke, Alex Christy, Austin Hayes, Kelli Norton, Andrew Ranson, Jeff Simpson, Sydney Trainor, Terry Tush and Bailey White

OSU GLOBAL UNIT HEADS

Dr. Emily Boersma, English Language and Intercultural Center

Dr. Jami Fullerton, School of Global Studies

Tina Newton, Interim, Office of International Studies and Scholars

Andrew Ranson, Center for International Trade

Sam Ball, Interim, Center for Global Learning

OSU OPENS OFFICE TO STRENGTHEN TIES WITH MEXICO

BIENVENIDO A LA FAMILIA

More than 1,300 miles south of Stillwater, Oklahoma State University has expanded the Cowboy family to include America’s southern neighbor.

In late April 2023, a delegation of faculty and administrators from the institution traveled to Puebla, Mexico, to deepen opportunities for OSU students and staff by opening an OSU-Mexico office, the university’s only international office. Puebla sits southeast of Mexico City and with 1.6 million inhabitants, is the fourth largest municipality in the country.

Located on the Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla (UPAEP) campus, it will serve as a hub for students, faculty and staff to engage

in exchange programs, student recruitment, study abroad programming and partnership development.

Thirty years ago, OSU and UPAEP formed a partnership to provide international learning experiences to their students. Since 2006, the two universities have collaborated on several innovative educational efforts, including dual graduate degrees, study abroad programs and activities designed to increase the recruitment of students from Mexico to OSU.

“Oklahoma State’s presence on the UPAEP campus is an important part of deepening our ties in respect to our missions of teaching, research, collaboration and service,” OSU President Kayse Shrum said in a video prepared

for the occasion. “The new office will be a catalyst for student and faculty participation in these programs. I have no doubt it will become a critical hub for student recruitment, study abroad programming and partnership development.

“We are proud to be a top partner with UPAEP for more than 30 years, as both institutions share a commitment to extending university education to all our citizens and serving the greater social good.”

The office is intended to support and reinforce OSU’s strategic plan to become the nation’s preeminent land-grant institution by creating opportunities for OSU students to develop critical intercultural and international perspectives so they can better serve their communities and bring research and expertise to meet society’s most pressing issues.

“The opportunities that this office will create for OSU students to better understand Mexico, our nearest neighbor, are unprecedented,” said Dr. Randy Kluver, associate provost and dean of OSU Global. “We have a goal to dramatically expand the number

“The opportunities that this office will create for OSU students to better understand Mexico, our nearest neighbor, are unprecedented.”

DR. RANDY KLUVER ASSOCIATE PROVOST AND DEAN OF OSU GLOBAL

of OSU students with experience in Mexico, which will not only make them better international leaders, but also leaders within their communities in the U.S.”

The main celebration of the office and the university partnership was held in the public esplanade at UPAEP, where students heard about the importance of education in international ties from Roberto Quiroz II, cultural affairs officer for the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City. Quiroz noted that the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar, has set a goal of 200,000 students traveling to each other’s countries per year. Currently, the number of students is 10% of that.

“OSU’s efforts to deepen its ties in Mexico are absolutely vital to U.S./ Mexican relations,” Quiroz said. “We at the embassy will do everything we can to support this partnership.”

The partnership also strengthens the relationship between the U.S. and Mexico, which not only share borders but also important geopolitical ties. By creating avenues for American and Mexican students, a deeper understanding of who each other are as people, neighbors and friends will emerge and a new chapter of understanding each other will begin.

The planning for the office started in the summer of 2022 when a group of OSU administrators visited UPAEP

The OSU delegation (including deans Jon Pedersen and Randy Kluver with former dean Ken Eastman) and UPAEP board members cut the ribbon to open the OSU-Mexico office.

to explore the feasibility of an office in Mexico and to determine the impact of such an office. The visit came after an invitation from OSU alumnus Dr. José Pablo Nuño De la Parra, vice president of international affairs at UPAEP.

UPAEP has long maintained an office on the OSU campus in Stillwater, which assists OSU faculty in developing programming in Mexico and supports UPAEP students who have come to study at OSU.

The OSU office in Puebla is managed by Mónica Ramos, executive director of OSU-Mexico. Ramos has a long history of involvement in international education, as she was involved in starting UPAEP’s study abroad office. Ramos is excited to help students find their place in Stillwater and Puebla.

“Having the opportunity to welcome the OSU community to experience the warmth, creativity, effort and brightness of Mexican talent will be a game-changing factor for our institutions and our nations,” Ramos said. “I am honored to be part of such an innovative and forward-looking institution.”

Members of the OSU delegation — led by Kluver; Dr. Jon Pedersen, dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences; and Dr. Ken Eastman, then dean of the Spears School of Business — met with Dr. Emilio José Baños Ardavín, UPAEP rector/president, for an introductory meeting to discuss future programs, how to increase enrollment through dual degree programs and ways to enhance alumni relations in Mexico.

“The daylong celebration was a testament to the strength of the partnership between OSU and UPAEP,” said Dr. Jeff Simpson, OSU Global assistant dean. “Seeing folks from across the UPAEP campus sporting orange gear was energizing and confirmation of how deep this relationship runs.

“The future is bright for OSU in Mexico!”

OSU-MEXICO PARTNERSHIP

OSU has had a relationship with UPAEP since 1992 .

Dual master’s degree offerings

• Global Studies

• Business Administration (MBA)

• Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM)

• International Agriculture (MIAP)

• Engineering and Technology

Dr. Randy Kluver, associate provost and dean of OSU Global, receives a gift from Dr. Emilio José Baños Ardavin, UPAEP rector/president.

Continuous Contribution

New

NAFSA

data reveals international student economic contributions continue to rebound

Arecent study shows for every three international students, one U.S. job is created or supported.

At Oklahoma State University, 467 jobs were generated by the $48.2 million caused by international students attending OSU and living in Stillwater.

“Jobs are created in these communities because of the needs for housing, living and extracurricular activities, particularly when many of the graduate students come with spouses or families,” said Tina Newton, Office of International Students and Scholars interim director. “Many of the graduate students also work on campus in graduate assistantships, bringing their skills and knowledge to the university departments enabling OSU to excel in research.”

NAFSA: Association of International Educators announced new data in 2023 that show that the over one million international students

at U.S. colleges and universities contributed more than $40 billion to the U.S. economy during the 2022-23 academic year.

“At Oklahoma State University, we have 1,574 international students,” Newton said. “In the graduate student population, approximately 27% of grad students are international. This percentage is higher in the STEM fields, with leading fields in computer information systems, engineering and agricultural economics.”

Working in those fields speaks to OSU’s land-grant mission as they are priority areas to the university. Newton said whether a graduate goes back to their home country or stays in the U.S. on a work permit, they are helping fill vital industries.

The price point is high, as Newton said undergraduate international students need to have $50,000 for one year for tuition and fees, books and supplies, living expenses and health insurance. Graduate students

who aren’t on assistantships need to have $45,932 and grad students on assistantships — which pays for tuition — still need $23,126 per year.

Although the numbers are higher for international students, College Factual listed OSU as the 46th best value out of 1,204 universities in 2021 and despite international enrollment declining during COVID-19, it has bounced back to pre-pandemic numbers, Newton said.

Although the influx to the local economy that comes from having international students attend OSU is helpful, Newton said their educational and cultural contributions are much more important.

“International students are a vibrant part of the OSU and Stillwater communities bringing not only monetary infusion directly into university through higher tuition rates, housing and other needs for services, but also a cultural diversity that adds value to our Cowboy culture for all students,” Newton said.

International students contributed more than $40 billion to the U.S. economy in the 2022-23 academic year.

Reuniting International Alumni

OSU to host first Global Cowboy Gathering in Indonesia

When His Excellency Rosan Perkasa Roeslani came to Stillwater in 2022, it was the first time he had been back on Oklahoma State University’s campus since he graduated 30 years before.

The OSU Alumni Association sponsors more than 110 chapters nationwide, who have events throughout the year, but for international alumni like Roeslani, those reunions haven’t come to fruition yet.

OSU is hoping to change that. Roeslani — former ambassador for Indonesia and most recently campaign

chief for president-elect Prabowo Subianto — is one of thousands of international alumni who OSU is hoping to reach with its new initiative: a global reunion every few years with regional reunions annually.

The first Global Cowboy Gathering is set for June 27-29 in Bali, Indonesia.

“It just evolved into this conversation of, ‘Well, let’s do something in that part of the world because we have so many alumni in countries around Indonesia, but don’t focus on just one country. Instead, focus on a region and see how many alumni we can get to come and

just build that relationship and that connectivity back with OSU,” said Dr. Ann Caine, OSU Alumni Association president.

Dr. Randy Kluver, associate provost and OSU Global dean, has arranged international reunions before in countries like Mexico, but this is the first effort to get something planned for a regular schedule.

“OSU international alumni have had remarkable success in their careers generally, and yet few of them know any of their fellow Cowboys from around the world,” Kluver said. “Bringing these

‘global’ Cowboys together on an annual basis would help to forge a new and powerful network for Cowboys that would bring numerous benefits to the institution, to the Alumni Association, and to the alumni themselves.”

Caine said it is not only a way for international alumni to reconnect with old classmates, but also for the university to regain its relationship with its former students.

“This is an area that has really been difficult for us,” Caine said. “Because once an international student leaves and they go back home, we may not be able to keep their current contact information. We know that international students, they’re not focused on how we are doing in football. Or, how the campus back here looks. They really want to stay connected through networking and how that helps them in their profession. So, anything that we can do from the Alumni Association to help build that connectivity, and build those relationships back with OSU and Oklahoma, we’re happy to do that.”

For Kluver, having support from Caine, OSU President Kayse Shrum and OSU Foundation President Blaire Atkinson is paramount, he said. The first event in Indonesia would not only allow Caine to speak on the Alumni Association’s aspects, but Shrum could visit universities in the region OSU is working to collaborate with and Atkinson can speak to international alumni about donor opportunities.

“We are in active discussions with the Universitas Pelita Harapan, University of Indonesia, and the Higher Education Partnership Initiative, a USAID funded project run by Arizona State University, about collaborations,” Kluver said. “Holding the event in Bali would enable university personnel who visit, including President Shrum, to also visit these institutions on behalf of the university and advance our partnership goals.”

Dr. Shrum noted the importance for OSU to work with its fellow Big 12 Conference universities and other institutions in the United States as

well as forming partnerships with international institutions of higher education.

“Oklahoma State University’s landgrant mission is to serve the state, nation and the world,” Shrum said. “Through international partnerships, we can fulfill our global responsibility of creating servant leaders who take the knowledge they learn at OSU and give back to their communities.”

Atkinson said she is pleased with the progress and emphasis on international engagement. She said OSU’s desire as a land-grant university is to make a global impact and the ability to build and sustain relationships with a global audience is of the utmost importance.

“As someone who is passionate about our land-grant mission, I am eager to see what our alumni and friends around the world are also passionate about,” Atkinson said. “Their vision for the future and global perspective could be a pathway to stronger partnerships that expand our impact as a university.”

OSU alumnus Rosan Perkasa Roeslani meets with President Kayse Shrum in 2022.

A NEW PERSPECTIVE

OSU veterinary students put skills to the test in India

Last summer, Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine students got out of the classroom — and out of the country — by about 9,000 miles.

They journeyed to Chennai, India, for four weeks at the Tamil Nadu University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences as part of an exchange program.

CVM professors Dr. Lionel Dawson and Dr. Ashish Ranjan are TANUVAS graduates who helped initiate the relationship and offered connections for beginning the partnership. A visit from

the Tamil Nadu minister for animal husbandry, a faculty member and the minister’s assistant helped move the idea forward with the government for India’s 10th largest state.

Dawson and Ranjan involved CVM Dean Carlos Risco and senior associate dean for research and graduate education Dr. Jerry Malayer in the push to begin the partnership and in 2018, a five-year agreement was signed. The partnership included faculty and student exchanges for educational and research purposes. Last year, the initial agreement ended, but Dr. Risco

and Malayer traveled to India to sign a renewal for another five years.

In June, fourth-year OSU veterinary students traveled to Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu and home to 12 million people. On the trip, they learned a mixture of hands-on experiences and observation of veterinary techniques.

“The exchange made me appreciate the resources that allow us to practice the standard of medicine we can in the U.S.,” said Alli Garcia, fourth-year veterinary student.

There are many differences between how veterinarians practice medicine

Fourth-year veterinary student Alli Garcia was one of the students who learned about Indian veterinary medicine on the trip.

“By getting to see the different ways people do things to get similar positive outcomes in their education or with patients broadens everyone’s horizons.”

DR. JERRY MALAYER, SENIOR ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR RESEARCH AND GRADUATE EDUCATION

in the U.S. compared to those in India. This provided a great learning opportunity for OSU veterinary students.

“The most challenging part was transitioning from how we practice medicine here in the U.S., to how they practice medicine there,” said Braden Steidley, fourth-year veterinary student. “It is very different; especially in a teaching setting.”

One of the biggest benefits students may gain from the exchange is being exposed to a different culture, agricultural systems and different veterinary practice situations, Malayer said.

“By getting to see the different ways people do things to get similar positive outcomes in their education or with patients broadens everyone’s horizons,” Malayer said.

The TANUVAS exchange places students in an environment where they can tour facilities, see clinics, assist with cases and meet faculty in India.

“We had the opportunity to visit an elephant sanctuary, which is not something I would have ever experienced here,” said Brie Shillingford, fourth-year veterinary student.

The students spent time at the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary where they saw various animals, some of which they also saw in the wild.

“We went on a safari in the jungle and saw wild elephants along with other wild animals,” Steidley said.

The educational aspect of the TANUVAS exchange was an important part of the students’ time in India.

“I learned that medications are not readily available to everyone in the world like they are here,” Shillingford said. “India doesn’t get pain or opioid medications like we do.”

The students shared some of their biggest takeaways were learning the clinical signs of distemper, the difference between theriogenology in cattle and water buffalos, animal diseases not in the U.S., the different techniques to anesthetize and capture elephants in the wild, and the cultural differences.

“I hope people can recognize how this sort of activity is an important part of education,” Malayer said. “It’s not just books and lectures, it’s experiences.”

Not only was the trip a learning experience, but it was also a chance to make lifelong memories.

“My most memorable experience in India was getting to palpate a water buffalo on our trip up the mountain to the sheep research center,” Garcia said. “The drive itself was also beautiful and terrifying at the same time!”

From elephants to sheep, the students spent considerable time with animals in India. The exchange provided students with unique veterinary experiences that enhanced their knowledge of medicine.

Students and faculty who were part of the trip to India brought a wealth of experience back to Stillwater.

Be Our Guest

School of Hospitality and Tourism Management ranks among world’s best

Oklahoma State University knows how to make one feel at home.

OSU’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management continued to be recognized among the world’s best in the 2023 edition of the ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.

HTM, housed in the Spears School of Business, is ranked 11th in the United States (up from No. 13 a year ago) and comes in at 22nd in the world (up from No. 25 last year).

“The program is strongly committed to the tradition of excellence and continues to be one of the premier academic units in the world,” said Dr. Brij Thapa, professor and Carl and Marilynn Thoma Distinguished Chair who serves as the head of the school. “Integrating highquality publications and/or compelling practical insights, faculty are focused

on identifying solutions to persistent challenges and expanding the knowledge base for industry, governments, communities and academia.

“The school intends to prioritize the land-grant mission to foster public impact research and become a key voice advocating for positive change within and beyond the state.”

HTM is the highest-ranked program at OSU in the global rankings. Other bestranked subjects are sociology, which placed in the top 150, and business administration and management, both ranked in the top 200. Additionally, veterinary sciences, political sciences, communication and psychology placed in the top 300 globally.

The Chinese-based organization has been publishing the list since 2009, along with an academic ranking of the world’s universities. Its initial purpose was to see

how Chinese universities ranked against the world’s best, but the list has become a measuring stick for many universities and programs around the globe.

The 2023 GRAS contains rankings of universities in 55 subjects across natural sciences, engineering, life sciences, medical sciences and social sciences. More than 1,900 out of 5,000 universities across 104 countries and regions are listed in the rankings.

The GRAS uses a range of objective academic indicators and third-party data to measure the performance of world universities in respective subjects, including research output, research influence, international collaboration, research quality and international academic awards.

Intercontinental Champions

International student-athletes vital to success of OSU athletic teams

Throughout Oklahoma State University history, international students have made an impact.

However, not all of them are remembered for what they did in the classroom, but instead on the playing field as they represented the Cowboys and Cowgirls.

A long line of student-athletes not from the United States have left a legacy in Stillwater, such as Yojiro UetakeObata, a wrestler who never lost a match as a Cowboy and went on to win gold medals in two Olympic Games.

There was also Australian pitcher Melanie Roche, who was a two-time All-American as a Cowgirl and went on

to play in four Olympics. More recently, former Cowboy Viktor Hovland, a Norwegian, has become one of the best golfers in the world, ranking in the top 5.

“Oklahoma State Athletics has a long history of attracting the very best athletes from not only the United States, but around the world,” said Chad Weiberg, OSU director of athletics. “Throughout our history, we’ve had athletes from nearly every continent competing and excelling in every sport we offer including football, wrestling, basketball, track, soccer, tennis, golf, equestrian, softball and baseball.

“These athletes leave their home and their families to come to this great university on the plains of Oklahoma,

get a college education, compete for championships and, in the process, broaden the perspectives of their teammates and contribute their experiences to the Cowboy culture.”

For the Cowgirl golf program, international student-athletes litter the team’s record books. With Swedish All-Americans like Eva Dahllof, Maria Bodén, Karin Sjödin, Pernilla Lindberg, Caroline Hedwall and Maja Stark to the team’s most recent All-American, Australian Maddison Hinson-Tolchard, Karsten Creek Golf Club has become world-renowned.

“Golf is global sport, and to be competitive at the collegiate level, we must find the best players from around

Brian Musau, an freshman from Machakos, Kenya, runs on a cross country course. The men’s and women’s cross country and track and field teams have the most international student-athletes at Oklahoma State University. The Cowboy cross country team won the university’s 53rd and most recent national championship in 2023.

the world,” Cowgirl golf coach Greg Robertson said. “Many times, we will see international players when they compete in the U.S., and sometimes we will travel overseas to watch them play. When we travel internationally to the bigger tournaments, it’s common to see 30-40 other coaches there.

“When we bring an international player on the team, they provide more than just great golf scores. They perform well in the classroom, and they have been great representatives of the university in the community. I think it’s a great experience for the team to be around others with different cultures, backgrounds and languages, and have to come together as one to succeed.”

Whether it is on the men’s or women’s tennis teams, OSU recruits internationally to help fill its rosters every year. Because of this, the tennis teams are mostly international, which helps because tennis is such a global sport.

Chris Young, OSU’s director of tennis and coach of the Cowgirl program, has had immense success with international student-athletes such as Viktoriya Lushkova, Katarina Adamovic, Vladica Babic, Sofia Blanco, Katarina Stresnakova, Lisa Marie Rioux, Ayumi Miyamoto and Bunyawi Thamchaiwat.

“We are so fortunate at Oklahoma State to have players in our tennis programs representing countries from around the globe,” Young said. “The diversity that these students bring to our campus is so important and the impact they can have at Oklahoma State is invaluable to the educational experience of our students. By having these students from around the globe, we are truly making a difference around the world through our campus and our tennis program.”

OSU graduate student Ayumi Miyamoto, a native of Chiba, Japan, prepares to return a tennis ball. Miyamoto, who is an All-American, and the Cowgirls won the 2024 ITA Indoors National Championship.

Evan O’Toole (Canada)

Heidi Demeo (Australia)

Hamish Hart (Australia)

Denis Kipngetich (Kenya)

Jinane Mahi (France)

Stephanie Moss (England)

WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY FOOTBALL

Alexander Hale (Australia)

Hudson Kaak (Australia)

MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY

Kian Davis (England)

Adisu Goade (Israel)

Laban Kipkemboi (Kenya)

Brian Musau (Kenya)

Victor Shitsama (Kenya)

Alexander Stitt (Australia)

MEN’S GOLF

Jonas Baumgartner (Germany)

Bo Jin (China)

Rayhan Thomas (India)

Alessio Basile (Belgium)

Isaac Becroft (New Zealand)

Alejandro Garcia (Spain)

Derek Pham (Australia)

Francisco Pini (Argentina)

Carl Roothman (South Africa)

Erik Schiessl (Germany)

Goran Zgola (Poland)

MEN’S TENNIS SOFTBALL

Tia Warsop (England)

TRACK & FIELD

Sivan Auerbach (Israel)

Winny Bii (Kenya)

Loann Brelivet (France)

Katie Chapman (England)

Jacob Deacon (England)

Gabija Galvydyte (Lithuania)

Saara Hakanen (Finland)

Billah Jepkirui (Kenya)

Victoria Lagat (Kenya)

El Hafez Mahadi (Qatar)

Fouad Messaoudi (Morocco)

Mandeep Sangha (Canada)

Jordon Smith (Jamaica)

Caio Teixeira (Brazil)

Olivija Vaitaityte (Lithuania)

Tamara Woodley (St Vincent and the Grenadines)

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Anna Gret Asi (Estonia)

Praise Egharevba (Germany)

Mia Galbraith (Australia)

Lior Garzon (Israel)

WOMEN’S EQUESTRIAN

Dalia Lehmann (Poland)

WOMEN’S GOLF

Maddison Hinson-Tolchard (Australia)

Clemence Martin (France)

Sifat Sagoo (India)

Thitaporn Saithip (Thailand)

Marta Silchenko (Latvia)

WOMEN’S SOCCER

Chloe Joseph (Canada)

WOMEN’S TENNIS

Raquel Gonzalez Vilar (Spain)

Ange Kajuru (Japan)

Anastasiya Komar (Belarus)

Ayumi Miyamoto (Japan)

Kristina Novak (Slovenia)

Lucia Peyre (Argentina) BASEBALL

PARIS TO PRAIRIE FROM THE

STORY AND PHOTOS MACK BURKE

FIRST-GENERATION OSU STUDENTS GAIN GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE THROUGH STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM

Chenoa Turtle wiped a tear from the corner of her eye as she looked out over the Seine, the night lights of Paris sparkling in the dark waters dancing in the trailing wake of the tour boat.

“It just hit me, ya’ll,” said the Tahlequah, Olahoma native. “We’re in Paris.”

To her left, Tulsa native Tania Castillo also started to wipe away a fresh tear.

“Now you’ve got me going,” she said.

It was a bittersweet moment for Turtle and her travel companions. A dozen Oklahoma State University students had just spent the last two weeks immersed in French culture and were now basking in the surreal atmosphere on one of their final nights in France.

In its second year, the 2023 edition of the Retention Initiative for

Student Excellence Program’s (RISE) study abroad course brought a group of predominantly first-generation college students halfway across the world to learn how culture influences and interacts with industry.

The students left with a keen understanding of that relationship and so much more.

Although they learned an ample amount about history and tradition, they also gained something intangible that can’t be memorized, duplicated or AI generated — experience, confidence and joy.

Months before departure, Drs. Clyde Wilson and Jeff Simpson led students through coursework.

From the practical to the academic, the two instructors, along with RISE program coordinator Maura Loyola and OSU global program coordinator Catie Miller, helped students prepare for the course and what to expect while traveling internationally.

Wilson and Loyola served as leaders and facilitators of the students’ experience in France over the past two years, and the Division of Access and Community Impact, through its RISE program, has played an integral role in this study abroad experience since its inception. Private philanthropic gifts to the division ensured each student received significant financial support for the course.

In the early morning hours of June 26, the students gathered at Stillwater Regional Airport. With necks adorned by travel pillows and with

parents, friends and even a few family pets at their sides, the students made final preparations. Parents, brothers, sisters and other well wishers got in a last hug and said heartfelt goodbyes. They were overwhelmingly proud of their young adults and excited for the transformative journey they were about to take.

Before they left, the students were already making strides toward a deeper understanding of French culture. But there’s a difference between experiencing a new place on the page than in person. Most of these students had never left the country before. Two had never been on a plane at all. None spoke a substantial amount of French when their adventure began and most were green to using bus schedules and decoding a major subway system. Exiting Charles de Gaulle Airport, wideeyed and full of excitement, that was all about to change.

When the group arrived in Paris, the excitement of the city would have to wait, however, as the group was bound for a much smaller destination by train and then bus. The choice to start small and work up to the City of Lights was a thoughtful one that allowed students to get acclimated to French culture before having to tackle the culture shock of a giant international city at the same time.

Before they left for France, Simpson told them they may come to appreciate some new things from French culture (fresh food without preservatives, public transit, walkable cities) but the course might also give them a greater appreciation for their own culture and life in the United States (accessibility, air conditioning, convenience).

Traveling westward to the town of Brive-la-Gaillarde, sociology major Jordan Blair couldn’t help but notice how similar the French countryside

was to that of Oklahoma, with endless fields dotted by cows, farm equipment and windmills.

After a full day’s travel, the group arrived in Brive with enough time to get settled into the Ibis Hotel on the bank of the River Corrèze before making the short walk to the city center for some late night fare and people watching.

OFF AND RUNNING

The following day, students came downstairs to see that even a modest hotel in France does breakfast on another level.

Fresh bread, bacon and ham, a smorgasbord of jams, boiled eggs, juice and strong coffee. One student, architecture major Bryson Head, had been looking forward to getting a baguette from the moment he stepped off the plane. Before he had left the hotel that morning, he had made quick work of one about the size of his arm.

A bus soon arrived and the group was off to its first educational tour. Accompanied by program facilitator and translator Léa Mandaliti — a recent University of Limoges graduate with an English degree — the tour arrived at the SOTHYS Group facility in Brive. There, they were greeted by a familiar site — the American flag flying high in anticipation of their visit.

Students were impressed with the welcome and the tour that followed. Weaving throughout the high-end cosmetic manufacturing facility with the plant’s technical manager, they learned about not just the process of production but how every facet of the facility works to cut down on energy consumption.

Journalism major Rhema Coleman said it was interesting to see how different cultural attitudes can influence everything, even the design and functionality of an industrial space.

“There’s a central idea that we all take care of ourselves [in the United States],” she said. “[In France], you really see that there’s more of a collectivist mindset … except when it comes to having to pay for public bathrooms.”

The group dove deeper into traditional French culture with a visit

to Accordeons Maugein. In France, the accordion is not merely tolerated, but celebrated. The students got a crash course in how accordions produce sound, the artistry of the instruments and the many customization options.

While recapping the day’s events, the students engaged in thoughtful conversation about their cultural observations before exploring the small town of Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne.

Although exploring independently, the group managed to find its way to Au Beau Lieu Breton, where the travelers enjoyed crepes of all kinds and responsibly sampled French wines while dining in the summer evening air. Later that night, they enjoyed listening to live music in the town center.

The familiar sights of Paris were still to come, but for many — this quiet, highly walkable town, with wildflowers in full bloom all around and picturesque scenes in every direction — was a memorable highlight.

The group stayed at the Logis Hôtel Restaurant Le Beaulieu. What it lacked in the way of air conditioning — a recurring culture shock in the hot summer — it more than made up for in the way of ambience and charm. The restful spot helped energize the students for the following day, one that would see them delve into Gouffre de Padirac — one of the largest chasms on the continent.

LESSONS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF LIMOGES

After a thrilling excursion into the awe-inspiring depths and cathedralesque ceilings (338 feet) of Gouffre de Padirac, the group stopped in Brive for a delicious lunch that included roast duck, pommes frites (French fries) and finished with a dessert of fromage blanc.

Then, they made their way to the city of Limoges, which is synonymous with porcelain artistry in France.

A welcoming orientation led by University of Limoges staff coordinator Emeline Fumey awaited them upon arrival at the University

of Limoges, where the students would spend the rest of their trip before two days of free exploration in Paris. The students also received a warm welcome at Limoges city hall, where they engaged with city leaders and head of international activities Laurent Bourdier, offering cultural exchanges and gifts while enjoying hors d’oeuvres, coffee and wine.

The University of Limoges campus was quiet but lively and had a distinct charm — from the glittering porcelain pieces in the sidewalks to the colorful wildflowers dotting its green spaces. The campus was bustling with students from around the world, and the halls echoed with the sounds of many languages.

The residence halls were a familiar setting for the group, though there were some fun differences, notably beds that

raised and lowered with hydraulics to maximize working space during the day.

The Limoges stretch of the course included near daily excursions to learn more about industry and culture. The students captured the beauty of the Limoges Cathedral, capitalizing on the beautiful setting of its gardens to bolster their Instagram feeds. They toured a porcelain shop to learn more about the city’s traditional identity, how porcelain is made and the intricate artistry at work. They then visited the J.M. Weston shoe factory, a high-end shoemaker that relies on extremely skilled workers to create luxury and customized footwear from top-tier leather and more exotic materials — stingray, crocodile and even elephant.

At the Agnelle glove shop, they watched a master craftsman stretch and cut lambskin leather to craft

fashionable gloves. Agnelle has been handmaking gloves since 1937. The high-end boutique’s clients include Beyonce, Daniel Craig’s James Bond and former First Lady Melania Trump. Discussion delved into the challenges the shop faces moving forward, specifically how hard it is to find workers with the specific skills needed to carry on making gloves by hand.

Shifting from traditional artistry to modern infrastructure, the students toured the Legrand company, which specializes in global electrical and digital building infrastructures. It began as a porcelain company, like so many in Limoges, but became increasingly focused on the manufacture of electronic components. According to a company spokesperson, the company now accounts for roughly 20% of all electrical switches

The 2023 RISE study abroad cohort for the industry and culture program in France included six STEM majors, four social sciences majors, one business and one communications major.

worldwide. The students also toured the University of Limoges’ Institute of Research for Ceramics (IRCER), where they saw fascinating new applications for ceramics.

“We look at the intersection between culture and industry,” said Simpson, assistant dean and director of global partnerships for OSU Global. “So, why are these industries here? Why is Legrand in Limoges? Why is there a lot of leather industry here? These sorts of things. That’s the academic focus of the course, and then a big part of it is to introduce students to a world outside of Oklahoma where we come from.”

The coursework proved to be especially relevant to the U.N. Sustainability Goals, and seeing the ingenuity and energy conscious efforts of companies like Legrand spawned some interesting conversations about potential innovations back home. OSU is Oklahoma’s leader and top 10 in the nation for its contributions to addressing the goals, and the students left with a new perspective on how they might be able to contribute to a sustainable future.

Students spent the next few days learning to speak French. Instead of focusing extensively on grammar, the classes emphasized more practical lessons that the students could use right away. From the La Friche des Ponts food truck festival — where students enjoyed the lively but relaxed atmosphere amid a selection of international flavors — to outdoor cafes and their educational

GLOBAL IMPACT

Learn more about how OSU is working to address the U.N. Sustainability Goals at okla.st/UNgoals.

“Everyone we met, from our tour guides, to our waiters, to strangers, showed understanding towards our lack of cultural knowledge and tried their best to accommodate us even though we were the guests.”

ADRIAHNA BLACKBURN MICROBIOLOGY MAJOR

Among J.M. Weston’s many notable customers are NBA All-Star Rudy Gobert and the top pick in the 2023 NBA draft, fellow Frenchman Victor Wembanyama. Students were amazed to see and hold the gargantuan shoe lasts (a mechanical form shaped like a human foot) that were used in the process. To learn more about the RISE program or how you can support RISE study abroad programming, email community@okstate.edu .

tours, the students found their voices in a new tongue.

They suddenly found themselves adeptly navigating the city center, making plans and grocery shopping, furthering their education in both French culture and traveling adaptability as they went.

Amidst all the revelry and excitement, the group also toured Oradour-sur-Glane, the site of a tragic massacre perpetrated by the Nazis during WWII. The solemn exercise added a new layer of depth to the experience that was well summed up by French teacher Marie Larnaudie.

“The backpack of history is heavy here,” she said. “And we all carry it.”

A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

Each day, Simpson, Wilson and Loyola hosted debriefing sessions where students explored their observations together.

Wilson frequently talked to the students about embracing new experiences, new foods, new ideas.

“You’re not going to like everything you try, but that, in itself, is part of the experience,” Wilson said. “We want you to broaden your horizons, and you have to open up to do that. You have to

be willing to engage and be willing to experience something different.”

From open to outdoor seating, and the much welcomed culture shock of dessert being offered with every meal, there was a lot to take in. And the students were happy to try it all — from escargot, salmon and shrimp to the more familiar pommes frites.

Loyola observed that the students were quick to take to the French custom of being present during meals, taking time to enjoy the food, the company, and (frequently) dining outdoors.

Mandaliti, who aspires to continue her studies and career in the United States, said it was fascinating to hear cultural observations from the American perspective.

“I’m used to all of these things, but it’s very interesting to hear your observations,” she said.

Wilson noted that the mutual exchange of ideas and perspectives was a core piece of the course and the opportunity to broaden students’ perspectives. For her part, Loyola expressed pride in the students for embracing the unknown.

“In their first full day in France, after all that traveling and all the challenges, the students were asking

great questions, making great observations and trying new foods. It was wonderful to see,” she said.

LESSONS FROM PARIS, LESSONS FOR LIFE

When they arrived in Paris for the second time, the students were bus savvy travelers equipped with enough French language practice to have the courage to speak it.

The course included a variety of activities and sites for students to see — from the Louvre Museum and Musée d’Orsay to boat rides on the Seine and a panoramic view of Paris from the Montparnasse Tower.

“The generosity and understanding of the people we encountered in France surprised me the most,” said microbiology major Adriahna Blackburn. “There is a stereotype that exists that French people are rude, and on top of that, I believed Americans did not have a good reputation in other countries. But everyone we met, from our tour guides, to our waiters, to strangers, showed understanding towards our lack of cultural knowledge and tried their best to accommodate us even though we were the guests.

“My favorite part of the course was when a group of us took a nightly

OSU students tour the Sothy’s plant in Ussac, France. The plant produces 400 tons of cosmetics annually, and through its efforts to meet U.N. Sustainability Goals, the facility has achieved a 40% reduction in energy usage going back to 2014.

River. It was nice to see the city lit up and relaxing to escape the regular Paris bustle. The weather was very nice and a nice breeze from the river complemented that. But this moment holds in my memory because I felt connected to my peers and it gave me time to really take in everything and live in the moment.”

The students were engaged in the academic coursework, but it was the practical skills, the traveling acumen and confidence they acquired in just a few short weeks that they will undoubtedly carry forever.

OSU Provost Jeanette Mendez, who studied abroad in Russia while pursuing an undergraduate degree, said the experience expanded her horizons and inspired her to continue her education in graduate school.

“In some ways, study abroad programs are as much about learning about yourself as they are about the course material,” Dr. Mendez said. “As a first-generation graduate myself, I know the kind of transformative impact these experiences can have

exciting possibilities OSU study abroad programs offer. Learning about other cultures, new ideas and different ways of thinking can spur the imagination to innovation and enrich the lives of students in ways they may have never thought possible.”

Simpson said the goal of the course is to invite students to think about the world differently, to make new connections and imagine new possibilities and opportunities. For the university, he said, these kinds of opportunities reflect not just the mission of the RISE program, but the broader mission of OSU.

“Courses that engage more OSU students, especially in areas of campus where students may not consider study abroad a viable option for their academic careers, are critical in meeting university goals for creating ideal graduates capable of becoming the global leaders of tomorrow,” he said. “I know these students will go forth into careers that make a real difference to their families, communities and our world.”

that transformation take place is among the most rewarding experiences in his professional career.

“To sit beside a student who never imagined traveling outside the United States as the bus turns the corner for their first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower, when their energy and excitement cannot be contained, you realize how fortunate you are to live this experience with them,” he said.

“More importantly, I get to witness firsthand and help guide those moments when students have the initial inkling that their future is full of possibilities beyond what they imagined before challenging themselves to study abroad.”

Scan to watch an Inside OSU feature to learn about OSU’s study abroad programs.

Partnering for Preservation

Gropius Project sparks campuswide collaboration for OSU students

Inside the more than 170 U.S. embassies scattered worldwide lies extensive collections of art dedicated to fostering cultural diplomacy.

Yet, behind walls and high security clearances, these collections remain elusive to all but personnel. Despite being owned by U.S. citizens, the restricted access ensures that few ever view the pieces without advanced planning and background checks.

In 1961, the U.S. opened an embassy building in Athens, Greece, designed by architect Walter Gropius. Currently, the embassy is being relocated to a new building offering an opportunity for students to participate in the creative repurposing of the historic structure.

The U.S. Department of State plans to renovate the Gropius building, preserving its significant external architecture while gutting and repurposing the interior for exhibits and events.

Dr. Brian Hosmer, OSU Department of History head, was approached by a former student — Joseph Angemi, senior curator for the state department’s Office of Cultural Heritage — about collaborating on this project. Angemi is involved with curating, protecting and displaying artwork that belongs to U.S. embassies all over the world.

As a result, The Gropius Project was launched, using a transdisciplinary approach that involves OSU faculty

and students from the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology and the College of Arts and Sciences. During the winter intersession, students embarked on the first phase, traveling to Athens to visit the embassy and engage with embassy personnel.

Upon their return from studying abroad, around 30 history and architecture students enrolled in a historic preservation or adaptive reuse course as part of the program’s next phase. Collaborating in groups — each comprising one architect, one or two history students, and one study abroad participant — they address assigned topics for the second part of the Gropius project.

OSU students and faculty along with State Department representatives, tour the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. From left: Dr. Laura Arata, Jessi Simmons, Izzy Elliott, Victoria Hughes, Jerret Carpenter, Sydney Galante, Sarah Ra and Andrew Fackler.

“The idea was that our students would assess the art that’s there and then — over the course of the spring semester — design an exhibit, and the architecture students would also do a project about the interior space,” Hosmer said. “It’s this wonderful combination of history and museum studies and public history and architecture. We love that because we’re working not only across departments but across colleges.”

The course emphasizes hands-on workforce development, enabling students to finish a project that enhances their academic and career pursuits. Through practical application, students gain skills in appraising and organizing art materials, public programming, public relations, and project development and management. Students also establish contacts with potential employers at the state

department who can help advance their careers.

“My students at the end of this will have learned about interdisciplinary work, but they’ve also learned a lot about the importance of researching a building’s history before moving,” said Sarah Ra, assistant professor of architecture. “We talked about first do no harm when you’re working with existing buildings, it’s like an architect’s Hippocratic Oath.

“Usually, we design new things from the ground up. This is our first course at the School of Architecture that’s focused on specifically working on existing buildings. These students are learning the process of doing their historical research. And that’s why this has been strong with history.”

The project focuses on one question “What is America’s role internationally today?” The students are evaluating

“It’s this wonderful combination of history and museum studies and public history and architecture. We love that because we’re working not only across departments but across colleges.”

OSU DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY HEAD DR. BRIAN HOSMER

how the U.S. conveys its presence through embassies around the world.

“One of the cool things about this opportunity is that our students were given access, we got to go inside the building, and just ask some questions about it,” said Dr. Laura Arata, director of OSU public history. “Now we’re working on asking questions related to this building and what it represents. It was built at an interesting time in American-Greek foreign relations, when the U.S. was trying to exhibit democracy and present itself as this open democratic country and welcome other countries into that fold of democracy, which is kind of special in Greece, because Greece is widely considered the birthplace of democracy.”

Looking to the future, the state department has invited OSU to collaborate on similar programs and is set to come to campus to see the final project results.

“There’s a lot to be said to have OSU students serve as representation of the public voice of United States,” Arata said. “We’re in the middle of the country, a land-grant university, and our students come from all different backgrounds and walks of life. There is an opportunity to get some fresh voices asking some of these questions.”

The U.S government is renovating the historic U.S. Embassy “Chancery” building in Athens, designed by Walter Gropius, and inaugurated on July 4, 1961.

RESPECTED RELATIONSHIP

OSU GLOBAL HOSTS SECOND COHORT OF ETHIOPIAN HIGHER EDUCATION LEADERS

Oklahoma State University continued to embrace one of its oldest international partnerships in 2023.

In October, OSU welcomed to campus the second cohort of higher education administrators from Ethiopia as part of a U.S. State Department Leadership, Management, and Governance grant program in collaboration with Texas Tech University and Ohio State University.

The 25 delegates spent three days attending information sessions, touring academic and athletic facilities, and making connections with Oklahoma State leadership, staff and faculty.

This year’s LMG program participants gathered in August for a two-day workshop in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where they met with the charge d’affaires of the U.S. Embassy and began connecting with other Ethiopian and American university representatives.

The program officially began with the delegation’s arrival in Lubbock, Texas, where they toured TTU before traveling to Stillwater.

OSU Global hosted the delegation, giving them the opportunity to hear from campus leaders on Oklahoma State’s land-grant mission, building academic programs and managing the operations of a higher learning institution. On Oct. 19, Oklahoma State faculty were invited to a reception where the delegates could meet and chat with them on shared educational interests. After receiving tours of the Stillwater campus, athletic facilities and the ENDEAVOR laboratory, the delegates departed for Ohio State on Oct. 22 for the last leg of their tour.

The connection between Oklahoma State and Ethiopia can be traced back nearly 70 years to the early 1950s. Then president of Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College Henry G. Bennett was given leadership over President Harry S. Truman’s Point Four Program, the goal of which was to provide technical and educational support to developing nations. Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie requested Bennett’s help establishing an agricultural college, making Ethiopia the first country to participate in the Four Point Program.

Unfortunately, Bennett was killed in a plane crash before the official agreement between Oklahoma State and Ethiopia was signed, but his efforts and connection with Selassie laid the foundation. Since then, Oklahoma State has maintained a close connection with universities in Ethiopia, particularly Haramaya University and Jimma University, both of which Oklahoma

State faculty helped to establish in the 1950s and ‘60s.

In May 2021, the Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs committed to offering $502,957 from the University Partnership Initiative to Oklahoma State, TTU and Ohio State. Since then, these partners have worked closely with the U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia and the Ethiopian Ministry of Science and Higher Education to create a robust LMG program that identifies and addresses the needs of collegiate administrators.

Associate Provost and Dean of OSU Global Randy Kluver has been integral to the development of this LMG program and strongly believes in its lasting impact.

“This project has really helped to fulfill the promise of OSU’s contribution to Ethiopian higher education that began with the Point Four Program,” Dr. Kluver said. “It has allowed OSU’s current leadership, faculty and students to continue building capacity and meeting the needs of education programs in Ethiopia, a goal first envisioned by President Bennett over seven decades ago.”

The conclusion of this year’s visit marks a historic achievement in the long history between Oklahoma State and Ethiopia — senior leadership representatives from nearly every higher education institution in Ethiopia have visited the Stillwater campus as a part of the LMG program.

ETHIOPIAN PARTNERSHIP

OSU marked the beginning of its engagement in international development and educational outreach with an enduring partnership forged with Ethiopia in 1954. Current dual degrees and active partnerships include:

Hawassa University

• Nutrition Science M.S. degree program

• Psychology Ph.D. program

Addis Ababa University

• Nutrition Science joint Ph.D. degree program

• International Agriculture joint master’s degree

• Rural Community Development Project

Haramaya University

• Agriculture and Natural Resources graduate course programs

• Research and clinical collaborations in Veterinary Medicine

Higher education delegates from Ethiopia gather with OSU Global Dean Randy Kluver (left center) in front of the Wes Watkins Center during their 2023 visit.

A Major Award

OSU earns Senator Paul Simon Award for Excellence in Campus Internationalization

NAFSA: Association of International Educators has awarded the prestigious Senator Paul Simon Spotlight Award to Oklahoma State University for its Afghan Family Project.

Named after the late U.S. Sen. Simon of Illinois, the award celebrates outstanding innovation and accomplishment in campus internationalization. The spotlight award is presented to no more than three institutions each year and highlights innovative

internationalization programs and initiatives.

“We were thankful for the opportunity to partner with other agencies and provide support for Afghan refugees during their time of need, and our institution is both honored and humbled to receive the Senator Paul Simon Award,” OSU President Kayse Shrum said.

“Oklahoma State University follows the Cowboy Code, a foundation that guides us to do what is right and to stand for what we believe in. As Cowboys, we are called to serve, and I am proud of how

Afghans joined a community English class at Oklahoma State University’s English Language and Intercultural Center.

the Cowboy family responded to this opportunity, putting a service mindset into action.”

In 2021, 1,800 Afghan refugees displaced from Afghanistan were resettled in Oklahoma, 72 of which arrived in Stillwater. Working in collaboration with Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma, OSU promptly provided the refugees with 17 apartments and extended aid such as transportation, internet access and access to campus resources.

Since July 2022, OSU has established a robust organizational infrastructure to accommodate not only the initial group of Afghan refugees, but also collaborate with groups nationwide to become a hub for university-based refugee resettlement. The university is positioning this service as integral to its landgrant university mission, aiming to support the community, especially the international and marginalized populations within Oklahoma.

“It is a great honor for OSU to receive this award, and the recognition from the selection committee, for the incredible work that OSU staff and

faculty, along with our community members, did in helping to resettle the Afghan families,” said Dr. Randy Kluver, associate provost and OSU Global dean. “Our goal from the beginning was to provide the tools that the Afghans would need to rebuild their lives and to start over with an opportunity to succeed in the U.S.

“Receiving this recognition demonstrates that these efforts exemplify our land-grant mission and values, in serving others, stewarding our resources, and improving the lives of people in Oklahoma, the nation and the world.”

Nearly two years into the project, the majority of the 72 initially settled Afghans remain in Stillwater, with only a few seeking opportunities elsewhere. While efforts were not initially intended to be long-term, the evident need and strong desire for continued support have emerged. OSU has been approached by numerous groups to take a leading role in showcasing how universities can contribute to this and similar projects.

“I am pleased to recognize such a diverse and dynamic group of institutions for integrating

“We

were thankful for the opportunity to partner with other agencies and provide support for Afghan refugees during their time of need, and our institution is both honored and humbled to receive the Senator Paul Simon Award.”

DR KAYSE SHRUM OSU PRESIDENT

international education into their teaching, partnerships, systems, culture and student success models,” said Fanta Aw, NAFSA executive director and CEO.

Other 2024 Spotlight Award recipients are:

• Syracuse University (Syracuse, New York)

– Program: International Student Success Model

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Worcester, Massachusetts)

– Program: Global Projects for All initiative

To learn more about NAFSA’s Senator Paul Simon Awards, visit nafsa. org/SimonAward.

Afghan family project caseworker Terri Hollarn facilitates income generating opportunities for stay-at-home Afghan mothers.

Plugging the Drain

CITD’s research aims to reverse trend of well-educated individuals leaving Oklahoma

The primary focus of the Wes Watkins Center for International Trade Development is to stimulate trade and create job opportunities for Oklahomans.

The CITD’s most recent report, “Oklahoma Brain Drain Reversal: What is Happening, and What Can We Learn?” was released in December 2024. It exemplifies the principles upheld by the CITD and showcases the diligent work of its multicultural team.

This report challenges the prevailing narrative of brain drain and identifies a potential reversal in the departure of well-educated individuals from the state. The CITD contends that international trade, particularly through small businesses, is pivotal for faster growth, higher wages and greater economic stability. A key finding in the report underscores Oklahoma’s opportunity to contribute to the evolving Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade corridor.

The report also highlights a comparison with the state of Tennessee, which has experienced a similar dynamic, and leveraged its geographic location and position along the Mississippi River to become a major

logistics hub in the country. With this comparison, the CITD aims to reveal a strategy in which Oklahoma can learn from Tennessee’s success and chart a path to become an international trade hub.

Tennessee and Oklahoma share similarities in terms of population and sustained economic growth, and have some of the most affordable costs of living and lowest levels of unemployment in the U.S. These factors make both states appealing to people to move in.

The team’s central insight is that a strategic set of investments in transportation infrastructure could propel Oklahoma’s role as a hub for continental trade along the I-35 corridor, especially considering the recent trend toward nearshoring.

The CITD aspires through its research and publications to contribute to Oklahoma’s competitiveness by addressing trade challenges and highlighting opportunities for strengthening and diversifying the state’s economy in line with global trends.

“Brain Drain Reversal” emphasizes talent retention and attraction through Oklahoma’s positioning as

an international trade hub; “Trading Up 2.0” delves into Oklahoma’s postpandemic global trade dynamics; The “Human Equation” centers on workforce development and the role of human capital in enhancing productivity and global competitiveness. Other studies have explored topics ranging from the trade implications of Brexit to the systemic nature of COVID-era supply chain disruptions.

Each research initiative, though distinct, converges on the overarching goal of fostering Oklahoma’s growth, adaptability and global competitiveness. The diversity of research topics reflects a comprehensive approach to addressing the complex and interconnected factors influencing the state’s economic well-being.

Importantly, these investigations aim to provide actionable insights and strategies to enhance Oklahoma’s resilience, attract talent and position the state favorably in the global market.

To access all of the CITD’s reports go to:

global.okstate.edu/partnerships/ citd/reports_publications.html

COST OF LIVING

COST OF LIVING

INFRASTRUCTURE NET MIGRATION

For years Oklahoma has faced a public narrative pointing to “brain drain” of young professionals seeking opportunities outside the state However, after the COVID-19 pandemic these numbers have shifted towards a Brain Drain Reversal This theory is based on the following observed trends and a ssee, a state that experienced a similar dynamic:

NET MIGRATION

GDP PER CAPITA EMPLOYMENT INFRASTRUCTURE NET MIGRATION

Both states have growing real economies that can accommodate a relatively good quality of life Oklahoma’s GDP is $191 billion COST OF LIVING Housing Cost of Living Index:

Both states have growing, real economies that can accommodate a relatively good quality of life Oklahoma’s GDP is $191 billion COST OF LIVING Housing of Living Index: OK: 68 TN: 82.9

OKLAHOMA BRAIN DRAIN REVERSAL

OKLAHOMA BRAIN DRAIN REVERSAL

Housing Cost of Living Index: OK: 68 TN: 82.9

WHAT IS HAPPENING, AND WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

WHAT IS HAPPENING, AND WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

Housing Cost of Living Index: OK: 68

Cost of Living Index:

Go check our full report:

TN: 82.9

edu/partnerships/citd/citdbraindrainreversalfinalcopy pdf

Go check our full report: https://global okstate edu/partnerships/citd/citdbraindrainreversalfinalcopy pdf https://linktr.ee/OSUCITD

Oklahoma has the second-lowest per capita Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) in the U S ($42,046) Oklahoma offers more affordable housing and food, while Tennessee has cheaper insurance and healthcare

For years Oklahoma has faced a public narrative pointing to “brain drain” of young professionals seeking opportunities outside the state However, after the COVID-19 pandemic these numbers have shifted towards a Brain Drain Reversal This theory is based on the following observed trends and a comparison with Tennessee, a state that experienced a similar dynamic:

Oklahoma’s GDP is $191 billion

Both states have growing, real economies that can accommodate a relatively good quality of life

COST OF LIVING

Both states have growing, real economies that can accommodate a relatively good quality of life

Oklahoma

Oklahoma

Oklahoma

Access to 20 states

3,850 miles of class I and III rail track

Both states have growing, real economies that can accommodate a relatively good quality of life

Oklahoma’s GDP is $191 billion

Oklahoma’s GDP is $191 billion COST OF LIVING

Oklahoma has the second-lowest per capita Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) in the U S ($42,046) Oklahoma offers more affordable housing and food, while Tennessee has cheaper insurance and healthcare

Oklahoma has the second-lowest per capita Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) in the U S ($42,046) Oklahoma offers more affordable housing and food, while Tennessee has cheaper insurance and healthcare

Inland waterways: Catoosa, Inola and Muskogee Ports

135 airports

135 airports

135 airports

Oklahoma

Oklahoma

Access to 20 states & Gulf of Mexico

Access to 20 states & Gulf of Mexico

Tennessee

For years Oklahoma has faced a public narrative pointing to “brain drain” of young professionals seeking opportunities outside the state However, after the COVID-19 pandemic these numbers have shifted towards a Brain Drain Reversal This theory is based on the following observed trends and a comparison with Tennessee, a state that experienced a similar dynamic:

Go check our full report: /global okstate edu/partnerships/citd/citdbraind

Employment statistics indicate that finding a job in Okla urrently ch is the main contrib mestic m Both states have some o st unem rates in the U S

Both states have growing real economies that can accommodate a relatively good quality of life

Inland waterways: Catoosa, Inola and Muskogee Ports

Oklahoma’s GDP is $191 billion. COST OF LIVING

Inland waterways: Catoosa Inola and Muskogee Ports

3,850 miles of class I and III rail track

3 850 miles of class I and III rail track

I-35 I-40

I-35 I-40

135 airports

135 airports

Tennessee

Tennessee

I-40 I-75

I-40 I-75

950 miles of inland waterways

950 miles of inland waterways

Housing Cost of Living Index: OK: 68 TN: 82.9 GDP PER CAPITA EMPLOYMENT INFRASTRUCTURE NET MIGRATION

Employment statistics indicate that finding a job in Oklahoma is currently easier, which is the main contributor to domestic migration Both states have some of the lowest unemployment rates in the U S

2,000 miles of class I and III rail track

2 000 miles of class I and III rail track

78 airports

airports

Oklahoma and Tennessee’s minimum wages are currently set at $7 25 per hour

While Tennessee’s main advantage is within the Mississippi River ports, Oklahoma’s central location, and its position along the Canada-US-Mexico Trade Corridor, position the state to make meaningful strategic infrastructure moves, especially as the nearshoring trend continues

While Tennessee’s main advantage is within the Mississippi River ports, Oklahoma’s central location, and its position along the Canada-US-Mexico Trade Corridor, position the state to make meaningful strategic infrastructure moves, especially as the nearshoring trend continues

While Tennessee’s main advantage is within the Mississippi River ports, Oklahoma’s central location, and its position along the Canada-US-Mexico Trade Corridor, position the state to make meaningful strategic infrastructure moves, especially as the nearshoring trend continues

While Tennessee’s main advantage Mississippi River ports, central location, and position along the Canada-US-Mexico Trade Corridor, position the state to make meaningful strategic infrastructure moves, especially as the nearshoring trend continues

While Tennessee’s main advantage is within the Mississippi River ports, Oklahoma’s central location, and its position along the Canada-US-Mexico Trade Corridor, position the state to make meaningful strategic infrastructure moves, especially as the nearshoring trend continues

Both states have growing real economies that can accommodate a relatively good quality of life

Oklahoma’s GDP is $191 billion

Due to its location in the

Due to its location in the heart of North America 101 million residents within a 500mile

Due to its location in the heart of North America, 101 million residents within a 500mile radius well-developed transportation arteries such as I-35 and I-40, and a robust transportation network Oklahoma is strategically positioned to function as a pivotal logistical hub for the entire continent This positions the state to capitalize on its role within the Canada-USMexico trade corridor

Employment statistics indicate that finding a job in Oklahoma is currently easier which is the main contributor to domestic migration Both states have some of the lowest unemployment rates in the U S

Employment statistics indicate that finding a job in Oklahoma is currently easier, which is the main contributor to domestic migration Both states have some of the lowest unemployment rates in the U S Oklahoma and Tennessee’s minimum wages are currently set at $7 25 per hour While

Oklahoma and Tennessee’s minimum wages are currently set at $7 25 per hour

18,400

18,400

18,400

During the pandemic Oklahoma saw a net gain of individuals from California Texas Colorado & Arizona Oklahoma City, with a total population of

18,400

18,400

Tennessee’s main advantage is within the Mississippi River ports, Oklahoma’s

Due to its location in the heart of North America 101 million residents within a 500mile radius, well-developed transportation

Due to its location in the heart of North America, 101 million residents within a 500mile radius well-developed transportation

687,725

687,725

687,725

687,725

687,725

Contact us: citd1@okstate edu @OSUCITD COST OF LIVING

became the 20th largest US city This inflow includes people between with college education and diverse professionals

25-52 years old

25-52 years old

arteries such as I-35 and I-40, and a robust transportation network Oklahoma is strategically positioned to function as a pivotal logistical hub for the entire continent This positions the state to capitalize on its role within the Canada-USMexico trade corridor

25-52 years old

25-52 years old

arteries such as I-35 and I-40, and a robust transportation network Oklahoma is strategically positioned to function as a pivotal logistical hub for the entire continent This positions the state to capitalize on its role within the Canada-USMexico trade corridor

25-52 years old

Become the new global connection between people, resources and products

18,400

By receiving new workforce and intellectual capital Oklahoma faces a transformative demographic shift - a Brain Drain Reversal

By receiving new workforce and intellectual capital Oklahoma faces a transformative demographic shift - a Brain Drain Reversal

By receiving new workforce and intellectual capital Oklahoma faces a transformative demographic shift - a Brain Drain Reversal

By receiving new workforce and intellectual capital Oklahoma faces a transformative demographic shift - a Brain Drain Reversal

By receiving new workforce and intellectual capital Oklahoma faces a transformative demographic shift - a Brain Drain Reversal

Contact us: citd1@okstate edu @OSUCITD

687,725

International Induction

President Shrum, deans Lusk and Payne admitted into honor society

As the nation’s preeminent landgrant university, international partnerships at Oklahoma State University play a vital role along with providing access to international scholarships for students to participate in global experiences and research.

The Epsilon Upsilon Chapter of the Phi Beta Delta international honor society inducted OSU President Kayse Shrum as an honorary member in recognition of her achievements in international scholarship and education during a special ceremony on Nov. 17 in the Wes Watkins Center for International Trade Development.

Also inducted were Dr. Jim Payne, Spears School of Business dean, as well as Dr. Jayson Lusk, vice president and

dean of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

“Phi Beta Delta is the first honor society dedicated to promoting international understanding and to recognizing individuals who have demonstrated scholarly achievement in international education and exchange,” said Tina Newton, PBD president and OSU assistant director of the Office of International Students and Scholars. “Our chapter was chartered on Dec. 20, 2003. Its mission is to serve as a means of encouraging interdisciplinary international programming and promote the exchange of ideas and information among a network of faculty, staff and students involved in international endeavors.”

A native of Oklahoma, Dr. Shrum earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1998. While president of the OSU Center for Health Sciences, Shrum was a strong supporter of collaborative partnerships and worked with then Cherokee Nation principal chief Bill John Baker and his administration to establish the nation’s first tribally affiliated medical school — the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation. She also led the development of a global health track for medical students interested in global health topics and international outreach.

Like many, Shrum experienced her first in-depth exposure to a wide

Oklahoma State University President Kayse Shrum (center) poses with fellow OSU dignitaries at the Phi Beta Delta induction ceremony, including fellow inductees Dr. Jayson Lusk (to her left) and Dr. Jim Payne (to her right).

“I know most people are familiar with the fact that OSU is a landgrant university with a mission for teaching, research and Extension with the purpose of making a positive difference in the state, nation and world in which we live. That’s the part I love about our land-grant mission.”

OSU PRESIDENT DR. KAYSE SHRUM

variety of different cultures when she attended college. But for her, the most transformative experience, one that changed her view of the world, was when she and her husband, First Cowboy Darren Shrum, adopted three of their six children from Ethiopia.

“First, let me say thank you, for this honor. And it is a privilege to serve as the president of Oklahoma State University,” Shrum said. “I know most people are familiar with the fact that OSU is a land-grant university with a mission for teaching, research and Extension with the purpose of making a positive difference in the state, nation and world in which we live. That’s the part I love about our land-grant mission.”

Payne assumed the role of dean of Spears Business in August 2023. With a distinguished track record, he has excelled in research, having served as a Fulbright research scholar and as a Fulbright senior specialist at the Institute of Economics in Zagreb, Croatia. His scholarly contributions are evidenced by a prolific publication history including over 280 peerreviewed journal articles. Notably, his work has been acknowledged in the prestigious Stanford-Elsevier global rankings of researchers.

Beyond his individual scholarly pursuits, Payne actively contributes to the academic community by serving on the editorial boards of several esteemed academic journals.

“Thanks to an advisor who saw the potential in me and got me involved in economics, I was able to go to graduate school on a fellowship, which provided an experience of getting a better exposure to different cultures and different students,” Payne said.

Growing up in rural Kentucky in a town of 50 people, Payne said an international education allowed him to broaden his horizons as well as build friendships and bonds with people who have played a significant role in his career success.

“I always found it very fascinating to talk to people from different cultures,” Payne said. “One common theme I always found is that we have a lot of strife in the world now internationally and it’s always interesting when you start talking to people on an individual level, how we’re very similar. Everybody has the same aspirations and goals.”

Lusk has recently rejoined OSU’s Ferguson College of Agriculture from Purdue University. Formerly, he held

positions at OSU as an agricultural economics professor, the Willard Sparks Endowed Chair, and later as a Regents professor. Throughout his tenure at OSU, Lusk actively sought opportunities to mentor international graduate students, conduct short courses and engage in extensive international travel.

“I just want to say thank you to Oklahoma State for providing the opportunity to really expand my cultural horizons,” Lusk said. “I grew up in West Texas in a town of 300 people with 15 people in my graduating class. So, being a faculty member at Oklahoma State really helped broaden my horizons.”

A prominent advocate for agricultural research and innovation throughout his career, Lusk has authored over 270 articles in peerreviewed journals and written five books.

“What we do in Oklahoma and agriculture really matters globally in terms of food security and feeding people that are very hungry,” Lusk said. “When I look at the future of our college, it’s international. … I look forward to engaging with you in the future to help increase our international presence.”

School of Global Studies graduate student Campbell Clark spent summer 2023 in Belgrade, Serbia, interning with the Balkan Security Network.

Expanding Opportunities

Humphreys Travel Grant gifts students international experiences

Oklahoma State University students have more opportunities for global learning because of the Don and Cathey Humphreys Travel Grant.

With this grant, students can pursue long-term internships, research, and study abroad programs that are off the beaten path. Humphreys Grant awardees are not tourists: they buy groceries, peruse local shops, cook meals and build relationships.

The Humphreys gift to OSU established six chairs in international studies which fund these student programs centered on global immersion. In this way, the Humphreys Travel Grant stands firmly in its own lane of transformative experiences, not just at OSU, but also when compared to other universities.

In summer 2023, School of Global Studies graduate student Campbell

Clark spent over two months in Belgrade, Serbia, interning with the Balkan Security Network to conduct media analysis of Russian disinformation.

“What makes the Humphreys program special is its ability to provide you with a genuine cultural experience,” Clark said. “It’s one thing to visit a city abroad, snap a few photos and promptly go back on a plane. However, it is an entirely different experience to live in a foreign place for an extended period, learn the language and be immersed in the culture.”

Grant awardees can immerse themselves in research abroad as well. In fall 2023, Ferguson College of Agriculture graduate student Faidat Ibrahim traveled to Taiwan for three months on a Humphreys Travel Grant to intern for the World Vegetable Center while researching regenerative

agricultural techniques to improve soil health and okra yield.

“I faced lots of challenges during my field work and my bounty harvest made it worthwhile,” she said. “The international experience is a memory of a lifetime. I met and created connections with other amazing international students from India, Australia, Guatemala and Indonesia.”

From networking to learning how to ride a bicycle, Ibrahim found opportunities to grow personally and professionally.

Study abroad offers students transformative experiences with more impact than any textbook can, broadening the global perspectives needed to compete in the interwoven world. With the Humphreys Travel Grant, engagement goes beyond books and borders.

Strengthening relationships

Oklahoma State University entered into over 20 new global partnerships in 2023, with universities and organizations from locations that include Indonesia, Hungary, India, Ghana and New Zealand. These partnerships are an essential element in creating new opportunities for OSU students to participate in study, internships and experiential learning abroad as well as faculty to engage in collaborative research with peers at outstanding institutions abroad.

With a normalization of international travel after the pandemic, OSU hosted more than 10 delegations on campus including over 30 university presidents and senior leaders from Ethiopian universities on campus. Delegations from Japan (pictured above), Mexico, China and other countries spent time in Oklahoma learning about opportunities for student exchange, academic programs and joint research.

OSU-Mexico builds meaningful, sustainable and equitable partnerships

Oklahoma State University’s representation office in Puebla, Mexico, is celebrating its first anniversary this April.

During this first year, OSU Global has accomplished a formal and institutional approach where initiatives such as student mobility, faculty mobility, COIL and virtual activities, as well as partnering with key actors such as the Consul of México in Oklahoma City and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, have set the foundations for a solid presence in Mexico for the future.

OSU-Mexico takes part in the ANUIES (Asociación Nacional de Universidades e Instituciones de Educación Superior) and AMPEI (Asociación Mexicana Para la Educación Internacional) conferences,

OSU Global visits Greece for annual meeting

Utrecht Network’s Annual General Meeting took place in Thessaloniki, Greece, last year between April 26-28.

The AGM is the Utrecht Network’s planning meeting and is hosted by different participating universities each year. OSU Global Dean Randy Kluver and Sam Ball, interim director of the Center for Global Learning, participated as representatives of the Mid America Universities International Consortium that exchanges students with the Utrecht Network. Kluver serves as the MAUI president and Ball serve as the MAUI coordinator.

both important platforms for global initiatives within the Mexican Higher Education Ecosystem.

OSU has also been able to acknowledge the emergence of new actors such as the technic and polytechnic universities in Mexico, a thriving niche of public institutions anchored to the most relevant industry clusters in the neighboring country.

The OSU Honors College will be conducting the second edition of the Place-as-Text program in Puebla, and the College of Education and Human Sciences expects to not only to have OSU’s first Fulbright Specialist in Querétaro this fall, but also the first faculty member in Mexico in the summer.

Dr. John Andrews led the Honors College “Place-as-Text Central Mexico” first program cohort in UPAEP.

A delegation from longtime partner Shinshu University visited Stillwater in January 2024 to explore expanding collaboration.

Representatives from the Utrecht Network and MAUI Consortium meet in Thessaloniki, Greece.