Stoecker appointed Thoma Chair at OSU
Friday, September 17, 2010
The Marilynn Thoma Chair was established by OSU alumni and philanthropists Carl and
Marilynn Thoma to support those faculty who have brought distinction to the College
and the university through their enterprising research, commitment to student learning
and leadership in their field of endeavor.
Since she came to OSU in 1987, Stoecker’s work has exemplified passion for education,
research and scholarship. Throughout her career, she has made great advances in nutritional
sciences that have gained her the respect of students, colleagues and researchers
around the world.
Stoecker completed her bachelor’s degree at Kansas State University and earned her
doctorate in nutrition at Iowa State University. Her extensive experience with international
nutrition issues began when she spent four years working in Thailand with a nutrition
research institute and continues at OSU.
Over the years, Stoecker has researched the role of micronutrients in child health
in Thailand, China, Jordan, Iraq and Ethiopia. Most of her international work is in
Ethiopia where she has taught, developed curriculum and helped numerous Ethiopian
graduate students secure funding to attend OSU. In 2007, the Hawassa University launched
Ethiopia’s first graduate program in applied human nutrition thanks to Stoecker’s
instrumental work.
Stoecker has been widely recognized for her efforts. She recently received the 2010
Michael P. Malone International Leadership Award sponsored by the Association of Public
and Land-grant Universities (APLU). The annual award recognizes individuals who have
made significant contributions to international education at public and land-grant
institutions. Also a Fulbright scholar, Stoecker has received OSU’s Eminent Faculty
Award, recognizing the highest level of scholarly achievement, and the International
Faculty Excellence Award, acknowledging faculty distinction in international teaching,
research or outreach programs and activities.
As the Marilynn Thoma Chair in Human Environmental Sciences, Stoecker will continue
her outstanding work in the field of nutrition, researching the role of micronutrients
and chronic disease. She will also help establish and sustain graduate nutrition programs
in the five African universities that are partnering with OSU.
Marilynn Benbrook Thoma, originally from Woodward, Okla., earned her bachelor’s degree
from CHES in 1971, and Carl, originally from Boise City, Okla., received his agricultural
economics degree in 1970. Since then, the couple has volunteered countless hours and
made financial contributions to the organizations nearest to their hearts. In 1986,
they established the Carl and Marilynn Thoma Foundation which has given nearly $10
million in support of art and the humanities, medical care/rehabilitation, museums
and education. The Thomas reside in Chicago, Ill.
Through the Carl and Marilynn Thoma Foundation, the couple also provided the lead
gift to establish the Ranchers Club in the Atherton Hotel at OSU and the seed funds
to create the Oklahoma Wine Forum.