Freeman named interim vice provost and dean of the College of Professional Studies at OSU-Tulsa
Tuesday, August 9, 2022
Media Contact: Aaron Campbell | OSU-Tulsa | 918-594-8046 | aaron.ross.campbell@okstate.edu
Oklahoma State University-Tulsa has named Craig Freeman interim vice provost and dean of the OSU College of Professional Studies.
Freeman currently serves as assistant dean and senior inclusion officer in the College of Arts and Sciences and director of the School of Media and Strategic Communications on the Stillwater campus.
"Craig is a long-time Tulsa resident who knows our campus, students and the needs of our community," said Dr. Johnny Stephens, interim president of OSU-Tulsa and president of OSU Center for Health Sciences. "His innovative approach to aligning academic offerings to the demands of a rapidly changing economy is a perfect fit for OSU-Tulsa and the College of Professional Studies."
As director of the School of Media and Strategic Communications, Freeman created workforce-responsive graduate certificates, an undergraduate certificate in the emerging area of eSports and undergraduate degree options including one in Entertainment Media specifically for OSU-Tulsa. His team significantly improved graduation rates, more than doubled available scholarships and leveraged alumni to support increased internship opportunities for students.
Under Freeman’s leadership, the school’s research output doubled and grant production increased significantly. In his role as assistant dean and senior inclusion officer in the College of Arts and Sciences, he championed efforts to foster inclusion and diversity throughout the college and increase recruitment for students from historically marginalized communities.
"I am thrilled for this opportunity to build on the exciting things happening at OSU-Tulsa," Freeman said. "We bring OSU’s land-grant mission to an urban setting, and central to that mission is providing access to higher education. With the OSU College of Professional Studies located at OSU-Tulsa, there are opportunities for growth and professional development at any career stage, whether through micro-credentials, certificates or flexible degrees. Research shows that when employees receive the education they need to advance in their careers, companies benefit by retaining their workforce. We all benefit by educating our community and keeping Tulsa’s talent in Tulsa."
Freeman earned his bachelor’s degree in English from Johns Hopkins University and his juris doctor from Louisiana State University. He practiced law for several years in Louisiana, then joined the faculty of LSU’s Manship School of Mass Communication before coming to OSU in 2014. His research interests include media education, media literacy, advertising regulation and freedom of expression.
"I look forward to working closely with Professor Freeman as he transitions to this new leadership role and especially as we continue to expand and enrich the educational offerings in the greater Tulsa area," said Dr. Jeanette Mendez, provost and senior vice president of OSU. "This is an exciting time for OSU and for Tulsa."