Kim Southworth Leads Environmental Health and Safety at OSU

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Earlier this spring Kim Southworth was named director of environmental health and safety at Oklahoma State University.

Originally from Twining, Michigan, Southworth served in the United States Air Force for 21 years before coming to OSU. While in the Air Force, she planned, directed and oversaw occupational health surveillance for United States Air Force installations.

Her extensive experience in planning and directing a variety of tasks such as laboratory inspections and fire/life safety for large organizations over two decades prepared her for leadership positions. 

“Kim did an exceptional job serving as interim director of EHS,” said Mike Robinson, chief public safety officer at OSU. “I’m confident she will continue to do great work.”

As interim director, she strengthened OSU’s EHS by implementing a new fire safety maintenance program and enhanced relations with Stillwater’s fire department. 

“I’m excited to establish new ideas and programs to keep all personnel on campus safe and out of harm’s way,” Southworth said.

She hopes to develop one of the best EHS programs in the Big 12, by continuing to partner with colleges and departments to establish a culture of safety that touches all OSU members; faculty, staff, and students.  

OSU’s Environmental Health and Safety Department promotes health, safety, and environmental protection by supporting and facilitating OSU's mission to educate through teaching, research, creative activity and service. It also, protects OSU's infrastructure from all hazards through a comprehensive risk-based emergency preparedness program. 

To learn more about the programs and department, visit https://ehs.okstate.edu/.

Story by Claire McKenzie