Dean Knaub stepping down from OSU

Monday, September 25, 2006

After 17 years as dean of the College of Human Environmental Sciences, Dr. Patricia K. Knaub has announced her intention to step down from her post at Oklahoma State University effective June 30, 2007. In a recent letter to OSU Senior Vice President and Provost Dr. Marlene Strathe, Knaub confirmed that decision.

“Because the college is well positioned for the future, this seems like a good time for me to focus on new opportunities,” said Knaub, who has overseen sweeping changes at the institution. “With long-range plans for a new addition to our building in the university’s 5-Year Plan, I am looking forward to continuing my efforts on behalf of OSU by working on development priorities. I also hope to do some writing related to leadership.”

OSU System CEO and President David Schmidly said, “Pat has been an extremely gifted leader and ambassador for Oklahoma State University and HES. We appreciate all she has done to elevate her college, making HES a national leader. We wish her the very best and know she will continue to make valuable contributions to OSU.”

Under Knaub’s direction, the college experienced a 98% increase in undergraduate enrollment and a 50% increase in graduate students over the last 12 years. She successfully headed the reorganization of administrative and recruiting functions, as well as established mentoring programs and comprehensive career services for students. Two departments, hotel and restaurant administration and interior design, are ranked among the top 10 in the nation by industry sources. The college has a student retention rate of 83% and a graduation rate of 68%, among the highest at OSU. Recent graduates of HES reported high satisfaction with their collegiate experiences, and 80% were employed in an occupation they were prepared for. Others were in graduate or professional school.  Scholarly productivity has dramatically increased, with 74% of the current faculty receiving extramural funding.

Private giving has increased an average of 38% a year for $13 million for professorships and chairs to enhance faculty positions, scholarships for students and facility enhancements. New laboratories have increased research and learning opportunities, as well as revenue for the college. Revenue in these labs has risen to $2.2 million in 2006 from $426,000 in 1999.

“As a result of her leadership skills and ability to work effectively with others, Dean Knaub has substantially increased the stature of the college. During her 17 years as dean, the college has experienced tremendous growth in all programs and activities that touch the lives of our faculty, students and staff,” Strathe said. “This has been a truly monumental achievement that should serve to inspire all of us.”

A nationwide search will begin immediately. The goal is to have a successor identified and on campus by July 1, 2007.

Knaub gives much of the credit for the college’s achievements to faculty and staff.

“They are remarkably professional and dedicated people who have made the dream of reframing and growing the college, and its individual programs, a reality,” said Knaub, who also pointed to alumni and donors for the college’s success. “We are also fortunate to have two very active alumni and donor advisory boards who advocate for us and share their time and treasure with us.”

Before coming to OSU in 1989, Knaub served as associate dean for graduate studies and professor of human development and the family at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In 1988, she was identified as one of the most prolific authors of family research articles. A nationally recognized leader in her profession, she has served as president of the National Council on Family Relations and was on the Board of the National Council on Family Relations from 1991-94. 

She also served as Chair of the Board on Human Sciences for the National Association for State Universities and Land Grant Colleges. Knaub also received a Distinguished Alumni award from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Knaub and her husband, Bob, live in Stillwater. They have one daughter and three grandchildren.