Oklahoma State University names Jason Kirksey to lead diversity efforts

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Dr. Jason F. Kirksey, interim associate vice president for Institutional Diversity at Oklahoma State University since April 2009, has been named OSU Associate Vice President for Institutional Diversity, pending approval at the next regular meeting of the OSU/A&M Board of Regents.

Kirksey, associate professor and Hannah D. Atkins Endowed Chair for Political Science and Government Information at OSU, has continued in his teaching role during the past academic year and also is serving as director of the OSU Center for Africana Studies and Development.

“After an extensive national search, we recognized that the most qualified person for Oklahoma State University was already on board and providing leadership in this vital area,” said OSU President Burns Hargis. “Jason is already focusing on our priorities and supporting our all-important student recruitment efforts. He also is familiar with our faculty, staff, students and programs.”

Kirksey earned B.A. degrees in economics and political science, and his master’s degree in political science, all from OSU, and his Ph.D. in political science from the University of New Orleans. He joined the OSU faculty in 1995. He has served on the editorial board of the “Journal for the Study of Sports and Athletes in Education” since 2006, and was president of the Oklahoma Political Science Association in 2002.

While serving as interim associate vice president, he has implemented a number of innovative programs and made important strides in the university’s diversity efforts.

“For more than a century, Oklahoma State University has placed great value on the differences and varied talents of its people,” Hargis said. “Jason is the right person to help empower all of us at OSU to think and act in ways that will embrace and promote a more inclusive world.”