CAS faculty are living out the land-grant mission in their teaching, research and extension efforts

Thursday, September 12, 2024

Media Contact: Elizabeth Gosney | CAS Marketing and Communications Manager | 405-744-7497 | egosney@okstate.edu

All 24 College of Arts and Sciences departments are working to advance Oklahoma State University’s land-grant mission in their teaching, research and extension efforts.  

Faculty from some of these departments have shared how they are using the land-grant mission in their classrooms, research and community outreach to provide positive educational outcomes for OSU students and Oklahoma communities.    

Dr. Kathryn Weinland

For Weinland, a teaching associate professor in the Department of Psychology, the land-grant mission is central to the work she is doing in the community.  

"The high school tutoring program at the Payne County Detention Center exemplifies Oklahoma State University's land-grant mission by extending the university's commitment to education and service to underserved communities and populations, particularly within the criminal justice system. This program also allows OSU to utilize resources that benefit and serve the broader public by empowering individuals with educational opportunities they might not otherwise have.  

“This program directly aligns with OSU’s land-grant mission by offering educational support to incarcerated individuals, a group often overlooked in society. Through tutoring and mentorship, OSU faculty and graduate students provide inmates with the academic skills and knowledge that can aid in their rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into society. This program not only benefits the inmates but also enriches our community and the educational experience of OSU faculty and graduate students, who gain practical, hands-on experience in applying their knowledge in impactful ways, fostering a deep sense of civic duty and social responsibility. 

“We are honored to lead OSU’s efforts in reaching out to our community members who are incarcerated and are deeply grateful for the support of the university, particularly through the College of Arts and Sciences Community Engagement Grant and the OSU Foundation." 

Dr. Steph Link

Link, an associate professor in the Department of English, is committed to using language to live the land-grant mission. 

"As an applied linguist, I see the land-grant mission at Oklahoma State University as a commitment to using education, research, and outreach to empower diverse communities, bridge linguistic and cultural divides, and provide equitable access to resources and opportunities that enhance societal well-being. In my research, I embrace this mission through my emphasis on the development and critical use of technology that can support and enhance the writing process, enabling researchers and students to communicate complex ideas effectively across disciplines and audiences, while ensuring that technology remains a tool for human-centered learning, thinking, and expression. My teaching under the land-grant mission aims to prepare students for a future driven by digital and information literacies. My courses on language and technology equip them with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world where communicating complex ideas clearly and effectively is essential. I guide students to become both skilled writers and critical thinkers, ready for a world where digital fluency will open doors to opportunity.  

“Beyond OSU, I’m deeply committed to extending the university’s impact by working with diverse communities — such as refugees, international students, and other marginalized groups — using my linguistic expertise to enhance language learning, foster social integration, and improve access to education and opportunities. Through partnerships, community engagement, and initiatives that extend beyond the university, I am devoted to ensuring that linguistic research and education serve the broader public good. For me, living the land-grant mission means driving change that touches our classrooms, our communities, and far beyond — creating ripple effects that truly make a difference." 

Dr. Joe Haley

As a scientist and mentor to students, Haley, an associate professor in the Department of Physics, is using the land-grant mission to advance the student experience.  

"As a faculty member at Oklahoma State University, I am deeply committed to the land-grant mission of advancing knowledge and serving the community. My research at the ATLAS experiment at CERN focuses on searching for new fundamental particles, which has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the universe. This work not only contributes to the global scientific community but also brings cutting-edge research opportunities to OSU students. 

“I am particularly passionate about involving our undergraduate students in this research, especially those from historically underrepresented groups. I have to give a huge shout-out to the amazing McNair and OK-LSAMP programs at OSU for their support. 

“In addition to my research, I am dedicated to education and outreach. I lead the QuarkNet program at OSU, which engages high school teachers and students in particle physics research, fostering the next generation of scientists. Being the advisor for the OSU Society of Physics Students is immensely fulfilling. For example, OSU represented the USA at the International Physicists’ Tournament (IPT) for the past two years. This has been an amazing experience for our undergrad students, providing research opportunities far beyond the classroom. Competing against teams from all over the world offers invaluable cultural exchange and learning experiences. 

“Through these activities, I aim to uphold the land-grant mission by advancing knowledge, promoting inclusivity, and preparing our students to make meaningful contributions to the world." 

Dr. Laura Arata

Arata, an associate professor in the Department of History, is using the land-grant mission to take Stillwater's history to the next level. 

"I view work within the community as a crucial cornerstone of our land grant mission. Our university is an incredible resource and home to a wealth of knowledge. Our community, likewise, is a vibrant place and a repository of countless stories. The most meaningful projects happen when we come together, sharing our strengths and skills.  

“As director of the Public History Program at OSU, I have had the opportunity to see these connections in action. Our combined efforts have helped save the historic Stillwater Washington School, one of very few remaining buildings representing the African American experience in Payne County." 

Dr. Saber Brasher

In the classroom, geography's Brasher is educating students on the climate to understand the impact on the future of our communities.  

"As a climate scientist, I am deeply committed to the land-grant mission through my work. In both my classroom and research program, I emphasize practical applications of science to real-world challenges, engaging with communities and stakeholders to work toward a more resilient future under climate change.  

“My teaching focuses on empowering students with a foundational understanding of climatology, climate change and meteorology, yielding skills to understand the complexities of the climate system. I have found that many students care a lot about climate but are overwhelmed by the amount of information out there. I aim to help them sift through the noise, to leave the classroom confident and eager to get engaged in a way that utilizes their unique skills and interests. 

“In my research, I investigate the interactions between surface cover, climate and water. I collaborate on projects centered on changing precipitation and drought conditions and impacts on agriculture, water resources and ecosystems. I am currently working on two externally funded research grants: the first focuses on building climate resilience in rural communities through collaborative partnerships, while the second integrates remote sensing and climate science to optimize invasive plant management in grasslands. 

“Actionable science that serves students and communities aligns with the core values of the land-grant mission and is at the heart of what I try to do as a faculty member at OSU." 

Story By: Erin Weaver, CAS Communications Coordinator | erin.weaver@okstate.edu