OSU receives $2M gift from BOKF Foundation to the Spears School of Business

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Media Contact: Jennifer Kinnard | OSU Foundation | 405-334-1022 | jkinnard@osugiving.com

Oklahoma State University announced a generous $2 million gift from BOKF Foundation to the Spears School of Business at a presentation on Monday. Company officials attended the presentation, which celebrated the gift by renaming the business school’s lobby the BOK Financial Lobby.

“This remarkable gift underscores the enduring relationship between BOK Financial and OSU, highlighting our shared values and mutual dedication to fostering educational excellence, career readiness and engaged citizenship,” Interim President Jim Hess said.

The BOK Financial Lobby is a favorite spot among students and is a prominent feature of the business building, which opened its doors in 2018. The gift will help support the facility’s long-term operations.

“The newly named space will serve as a lasting testament to this partnership and the positive impact it has on the Spears Business community,” said Dr. James Payne, dean of the Spears School of Business. “This gift will undoubtedly enhance the educational experiences and opportunities for Spears Business students, empowering them to achieve their full potential and make meaningful contributions to their fields.”

BOK Financial has been a loyal partner to OSU, consistently supporting the university through various initiatives, including sponsorships of the Women for OSU Symposium and the Hargis Leadership Institute’s LEAD Week. BOKF Foundation has made significant gifts to OSU Athletics, Spears Business, OSU Center for Health Sciences and more. BOK Financial recruits strongly from OSU’s business programs and its executives sit on the Eastin Center advisory board.

“The nearly 500 OSU graduates we’ve hired over the years are quick to sing the praises of their alma mater. They speak highly of the quality education, lasting personal relationships, and valuable connections they made at OSU. I wholeheartedly echo their sentiments," said Stacy Kymes, president and CEO of BOK Financial. "I've seen firsthand the value these graduates bring to our organization and their communities. It's always an honor to support OSU's mission whenever we can.”

Blaire Atkinson, president of the OSU Foundation, commended BOK Financial’s commitment to training future leaders for the state of Oklahoma and beyond.

“We take pride in the fact that BOK Financial and many other organizations seek out our graduates knowing that OSU produces hard-working, intelligent, career-ready professionals,” she said. “We are so honored to partner with them in meaningful ways that truly make a difference in the lives of our students.”

Powered by its motto, “the Power of Personal,” Spears Business began the academic year with 6,458 students, making it the largest college at OSU. In January, U.S. News & World Report ranked Spears No. 8 nationally on its list of Best Online Bachelor's in Business Programs. Not to be outdone, OSU’s online MBA program earned the No. 11 spot in the U.S. News & World Report online MBA rankings. Both positions represent Spears Business’ best placements in the history of the rankings.

For information on how you can give to the Spears School of Business at OSU, contact Tyler Hewitt at thewitt@osugiving.com or 405-385-3414.