Since the beginning of Land-grant Week, a map of Oklahoma has stood outside the Classroom Building.

On that map, stickers representing students’ hometowns covered every county of the state. Behind it, the Classroom Building Lawn was abuzz with activity. This week, demonstrations ranging from a rainfall simulator to a drone obstacle course illustrated Oklahoma State University's dedication to giving back to the state’s 77 counties as part of its land-grant mission.

Atlas, a robotic dog, could be seen frolicking with students and doing handstands with Pistol Pete. The Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education took Atlas for a walk as part of an unmanned systems demonstration. OAIRE is a global leader in the aerospace industry and is based at OSU. Its team of students assists with research and engineering outside of class. On Tuesday, passersby could play with Atlas and attempt to fly a drone through an obstacle course.

A rainfall simulator demonstrated the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering’s efforts to care for Oklahoma’s soil. Its research helps create green infrastructure and prevent flooding throughout the state.

Oklahoma Mesonet, a statewide weather network, showcased its extensive system of environmental monitoring stations.

“We really are the best statewide weather network in the nation,” said Aaron Long, an extension state program specialist in the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering.  “As a state, we are at the leading edge of this space, and we provide publicly available weather information to everyone. Oklahoma State University is involved in that process. It's something I'm really proud of.”

The land-grant mission is not limited to the location of the student. OSU Online gives students the education and skills to give back even outside the geographical bounds of Oklahoma.

Throughout the annual weeklong celebration, students had fun in various ways, such as taking their chances on a putting course for prizes and even going on a hot air balloon ride.

Whether their sticker is placed near Stillwater or outside Oklahoma, each student has come to OSU to be a part of something greater – giving back to the state they call home. Land-grant Week demonstrates that through research and outreach, OSU empowers them to do just that.

2026 Land-grant Week

Story By: Adrienne Frye | adrienne.frye@okstate.edu