Spears Business Dean Eastman honored with scholarship fund to be matched up to $250,000
Tuesday, January 24, 2023
Media Contact: Terry Tush | Director, Marketing and Communication | 405-744-2703 | terry.tush@okstate.edu
In honor of his impending retirement as Spears School of Business dean, Dr. Ken Eastman has been recognized in a special way.
Spears alumni Michael and Anne Greenwood have established the Ken and Laurie Eastman Spears School of Business Endowed Opportunity Scholarship Fund, which will award needs-based scholarships to students throughout Spears. The Greenwoods will match up to $250,000 in fund donations received through July 30, 2023, which marks the end of Dean Eastman’s tenure at Oklahoma State University.
Donations can be made at OSUgiving.com/EastmanScholarship.
Eastman is scheduled to retire following this semester after more than 30 years at Spears. He began his career at the college as an assistant professor in 1989 and served as dean for the past 10 years.
“As a first-gen college student, I am excited that future students with needs will have the opportunity to attend Spears Business,” Eastman said. “Working with students has been one of the most rewarding parts of being dean, and we are honored by this scholarship.”
Spears has undergone a whirlwind of change during Eastman’s tenure.
His crowning achievement was the grand opening of a new, state-of-the-art Business Building. The $72-million, 147,450-square-foot facility opened in 2018, a groundbreaking milestone for Spears Business.
Finding ways to enhance the student experience was always a priority for Eastman. He was at the forefront of multiple changes that better prepare Spears Business students for long-term success. This includes revising undergraduate core curriculum, integrating the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management into Spears, and creating multiple centers focusing on leadership and career-readiness.
Under Eastman’s leadership, faculty and staff were always encouraged to innovate. Multiple initiatives that have been submitted by faculty to Spears leadership are currently in action. A new track system for faculty was also established, allowing them to align their research capabilities and teaching responsibilities more effectively.
“Ken Eastman has completely changed the landscape for the Spears School of Business during his time as dean,” OSU President Kayse Shrum said. “We are incredibly thankful for his dedication to making the college a better place for students and faculty alike.”
The Greenwoods have worked with the Eastmans for many years, serving Spears as donors, advisory committee members, student mentors and lecturers. They wanted to find a way to thank them for their tireless work in increasing the prominence of the Spears School of Business over the past decade.
“During his tenure, Dean Ken Eastman revolutionized the Spears curriculum and programs that have now made our graduates more competitive and relevant in today’s business world,” the Greenwoods said. “With this endowed scholarship, we not only honor Ken and Laurie but enable their legacy to continue to fill the halls of the Spears School of Business forever.”
For more information on making a gift to the Ken and Laurie Eastman School of Business Opportunity Scholarship Fund, contact Tyler Hewitt at thewitt@osugiving.com or 405-385-3414. Donations can also be made at OSUgiving.com/EastmanScholarship.