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OSU Chief Diversity Officer Receives Diamond Award
by The O'Colly
Michael Clark Staff Reporter
On Jan. 21, Dr. Jason F. Kirksey, chief diversity officer and vice president for Institutional Diversity at Oklahoma State University, received the Diamond Award Excellence in Education, Leadership, Diversity, Equality, Inclusion, Humanitarian and Community Engagement by the Not Alone Foundation and the Academy of the Diamond Awards. Kirksey received the prestigious award at the Diamond Awards Charity Gala in Atlanta. The Diamond Awards program gives credit to people who work in various industries for their exceptional contributions to society.
“Oklahoma State University is committed to maintaining a culture where all people are valued.” President Kayse Shrum said. “Dr. Kirksey is a champion of that culture and has devoted his career to making a difference in the lives of all students.”
“Within the Division of Institutional Diversity and the university as a whole, our focus and goals are centered around effectively impacting the lives of our students rather than recognition and awards.” Kirksey said. “It is, however, wonderful to continue to earn national honors like this Diamond Award for the innovative and tireless efforts to serve and support OSU’s commitment to sustaining and enriching our culture of inclusion. Although I feel fortunate to be recognized individuals with this award, it is undoubtedly the result of being surrounded by an amazing team.”
Kirksey has been working at OSU for over 25 years, and has worked on diversity and inclusion efforts for 14 of those years. He has helped raise $20 million in philanthropic funds in advancing OSU’s commitment to cultural inclusion. He has also received over $10 million in funding from the National Science Foundation in hopes of giving a voice to underrepresented students in the STEM fields.
Kirksey currently servers as the principal investigator of the Oklahoma Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation program. He is also in his second term as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Associa
