Dr. Jim Hess assumed office as the 20th president of Oklahoma State University one year ago, bringing with him more than four decades of experience in higher education and a student-focused vision for the future.

Over the past year, Hess has worked alongside university leaders to prioritize the needs of students and initiatives that position OSU as a leader in key areas, all supporting the university’s land-grant mission of serving our communities, the state and the world.

The university has also marked important institutional milestones during President Hess’ first year. While Dr. Hess said he's proud of the university's progress, he said the credit belongs to everyone in the Cowboy family.

“This is about our students, faculty, staff and the people that we serve in this great state of Oklahoma,” Hess said. “Students are why we’re here, and I’ll never forget that.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the faculty and staff who show up every day with a servant’s heart, pouring into our students and advancing the work of this university. I’m thankful for our alumni and donors who believe so deeply in this place and invest in its future. And I’m proud of our students, who inspire us with their drive, their resilience and their commitment to something bigger than themselves.

“Together, as the Cowboy family, we’re carrying forward a land-grant mission that changes lives — not just here on campus, but in communities across all 77 counties and far beyond our state. And I truly believe the best is still ahead of us, because we’re going to do this together.”

Historic $2 billion branding and fundraising campaign launch 

OSU has set its sights on an ambitious future through the launch of its $2 billion comprehensive fundraising and branding campaign, “The Code Calls.”

Unveiled in November, the campaign represents one of the most significant initiatives in university history. It aligns philanthropy with storytelling and brand identity while focusing on expanding access, strengthening academic and athletic excellence and advancing research and innovation.

The campaign has already generated nearly $900 million during its silent phase, signaling strong support from alumni and donors who believe in OSU’s mission.

For students like Lizzie Cowan, the impact is immediate and personal. Cowan earned one of the first scholarships funded by the campaign.

“This is really going to change my life. It’s perfect timing and a blessing, honestly,” Cowan said. “Without scholarships, I really didn’t know what was going to happen down the line. But this has given me so much encouragement to keep going. I’m just so excited about how this will open so many doors for me.”

The launch of the comprehensive Code Calls campaign helps position OSU to compete nationally while staying grounded in its land-grant mission.

Historic $250 million state appropriation for new veterinary teaching hospital 

A defining hallmark of Hess’ first year has been a commitment to bold, transformational investment in OSU’s future. Few initiatives capture that vision more clearly than the historic $250 million investment to build a new, world-class veterinary teaching hospital.

Secured through a collaborative effort with state leaders, this transformational funding represents the largest state appropriation in university history and a major step forward for OSU’s land-grant mission. From the beginning of his presidency, Hess has worked alongside his leadership team to prioritize strengthening programs that directly serve Oklahoma’s economy and communities. The new facility will replace the hospital built in 1981 and expand OSU’s ability to train veterinarians, support public health and meet the growing demands of the state’s agricultural industry.

“We celebrate this significant progress as a win for Oklahoma State University, its veterinary students, and the agricultural community. The facility will serve the state for at least the next 40 years and equip our graduates to meet the evolving needs of Oklahoma’s vital animal industries,” said former Oklahoma A&M Board Chairman Jimmy Harrel. “Our mission is to be No. 1 in the nation, and this will be the launching pad to achieve our shared vision, advancing the university’s top-tier status as a land grant institution."

The investment in a new veterinary teaching hospital positions OSU to lead nationally in veterinary medicine while reinforcing its responsibility to serve all 77 Oklahoma counties.

Record student enrollment across the OSU System 

That same forward momentum is reflected in the people choosing OSU. In fall 2025, the university reached a new milestone with record-breaking enrollment across the system.

The OSU System enrolled 36,934 students, making it the largest higher education system in Oklahoma and surpassing a record that had stood for more than a decade. The Stillwater campus recorded its second consecutive year of record enrollment and welcomed its largest freshman class in history.

This growth signals more than rising numbers. It reflects increasing confidence in the value of an OSU education. Continued expansion in undergraduate, graduate, professional and online programs demonstrates the university’s ability to meet students where they are while preparing them for a rapidly changing workforce.

Enrollment gains align with a broader focus on access, excellence and student success. Growth in these areas reinforces OSU’s role as a driver of opportunity and economic development across the state.

Park Like a President 

While large-scale milestones define institutional progress, Hess’s first year has also included creative, student-centered initiatives that enhance everyday campus life. Park Like a President is one example of how OSU is recognizing excellence in meaningful ways.

The program rewards academic achievement with a reserved parking spot in the heart of campus. Undergraduate students on the President’s Honor Roll and graduate students who earn a 4.0 GPA are automatically entered into a monthly drawing. One student is selected each month to receive VIP parking access.

The initiative turns academic success into a visible and practical reward while reinforcing a culture of excellence across campus. It also reflects a broader emphasis on celebrating student accomplishments and creating an engaging, supportive university experience.

By rotating the opportunity each month, the program encourages continued achievement and builds excitement among students striving for success.

Expanding access at OSU-Tulsa 

The commitment to access extends beyond Stillwater. OSU-Tulsa now welcomes first- and second-year students, allowing more Oklahomans to complete a full four-year degree in Tulsa.

Beginning in spring 2026, OSU-Tulsa introduced lower-division coursework following legislative changes. This expansion removes long-standing barriers and creates new pathways for students who need flexibility while pursuing a degree.

The impact reaches beyond convenience. By offering full academic pathways in Tulsa, OSU is strengthening workforce development across northeastern Oklahoma and creating seamless transitions into advanced programs, including pre-medicine and health sciences.

“This expansion reflects OSU’s commitment to meeting students where they are and preparing them to serve where they’re needed most,” said OSU-Tulsa and OSU Center for Health Sciences President Johnny Stephens.

The increased access at OSU-Tulsa helps advance initiatives that expand opportunity and strengthen OSU’s statewide presence, ensuring more students can access a high-quality education close to home.

OSU hires new head football coach, Eric Morris

In November, Eric Morris was named OSU football’s 25th head coach.

An elite offensive mind and talent developer, Morris had been the coach at the University of North Texas since 2023. His hire marks the first time since 1969 that OSU hired a sitting head coach, and the first time in school history that OSU has hired a sitting head coach from a school in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

In three seasons at UNT, Morris built the Mean Green from a 5-7 record in his first season to a team that was in line for a conference championship and potential College Football Playoff berth. Those three seasons have produced three of the top four seasons for total offense per game in North Texas history.

"Coach Morris has proven his ability to build and lead winning football programs,” said OSU Athletic Director Chad Weiberg. “He has consistently identified, recruited and developed some of the best players in college football. For many reasons, including the kind of person he is and the lasting relationships he builds with his players, Coach Morris is the perfect fit as the next leader of Cowboy football. The future is bright."

OSU launches system integration process

The OSU System has embarked on an extensive, multi-year process to integrate key service functions across all locations. The goal is to enhance how services are delivered and work more cohesively across the system. Achieving these goals should reduce duplication, improve responsiveness and build systems that make it easier for everyone to carry out their job duties and serve the Cowboy family.

The integration progress is centered on building a stronger, more connected system by honoring the work, supporting growth and ensuring everyone has the tools necessary to face the challenges and opportunities of an evolving landscape in higher education.

“This initiative is an opportunity to formalize our One Brand, One Team philosophy,” said Megan Horton, associate vice president of OSU Brand Management. “Our teams have already taken many great steps in collaborating. This integration will formalize and strengthen this collaboration, while honoring the unique character and needs of each campus, college and unit.”

OSU expands its applied technology programs

OSU continues to develop its robust microcredential and certificate programs. These programs are designed to help working professionals, students and lifelong learners alike learn industry-aligned skills that can make them more valuable as employees or explore new interests.

As a leader in applied technology education, OSU is adapting to the changing demands of our industry partners and is dedicated to producing workforce-ready graduates capable of addressing the growing needs of Oklahoma and beyond.

“As a land-grant institution, we have a mandate to support industry in our state and provide these resources,” said Bart Collins, director of partnerships and programs for OSU Applied Technology. “[Our students] are learning skills that they know can lead to excellent careers in a less ambiguous way than many traditional disciplines might provide.”

Cowboys Care focuses on students’ mental health and well-being

President Hess and First Cowgirl Angela Hess have championed mental health and student support since the moment they arrived on campus. Angela has become a driving force behind the Cowboys Care movement, aimed at fostering an environment that encourages conversations about mental health and increases access to support and resources for the entire Cowboy family.

Mental health is a cause that is close to the Hess family, and they want to use their story to help others not feel alone and know that anyone can and should seek help when they need it.

“As a student, it is so encouraging to have the support of the First Cowgirl,” said Bella Ridener, a psychology junior and student intern in the president’s office who shares Hess’ passion for mental health. “It shows that her acknowledgment of overall mental health and wellness can lead Oklahoma State in a positive direction. Having the support of a leader allows the students to feel cared for — not just as students — but as individuals navigating this time in their lives.”

Developing a new strategic plan

President Hess and university leaders launched a comprehensive strategic planning process to develop a roadmap for the next chapter of OSU’s land-grant mission. The next strategic plan will build on the successes of OSU’s current “We are Land-Grant” plan and position the system for future growth.

The highly collaborative process has engaged faculty, staff and students across the OSU System to develop a strategy built by those closest to the work. The process has highlighted several key focus areas that are foundationally rooted in the university’s identity:

• Advancing the land-grant mission
  • Elevate and support the university’s teaching, research and extension initiatives cementing OSU as a model land-grant institution
  • Strengthen the OSU System through institutional efficiency, fiscal accountability and expanded opportunities
• Elevating the student experience
  • Scholarship support that ensures every qualified student has access to a high-quality education at OSU
  • Academic and career advising that helps students find their path and achieve their goals
  • Curricula that align with industry needs and create workforce-ready graduates
• Embracing the Cowboy Code
  • Support and encourage those that live the Cowboy Code
  • Equip everyone with the tools necessary to make them successful every day

The new plan will position OSU to be a leader in higher education and enhance the Cowboy family culture by focusing on the students who walk OSU’s campuses every day, Oklahomans who depend on Extension services, the communities positively impacted by OSU research and outreach, and the next generation of leaders OSU is developing for the state and nation.