In a groundbreaking discovery that university officials say confirms what Cowboys have known for generations, Oklahoma State University researchers announced Wednesday that wearing orange significantly increases friendliness and “gumption” — especially if it has the OSU brand.

The findings come from a yearlong interdisciplinary study examining the behavioral effects of clothing color on students, faculty and staff across campus. Researchers say individuals wearing orange consistently scored higher in peer approachability, class participation and what the report describes as both “having aura” and “general get-er-done energy.”

“OSU is America’s Brightest Orange,” OSU President Jim Hess said. “So, it’s not surprising that it’s linked to qualities that are prevalent in our Cowboy family. Cowboys are always ready to serve with compassion, and we step up even when things are hard.”

The study observed thousands of campus interactions and found that participants wearing orange were more likely to hold doors, offer directions, complete tasks before the deadline and produce groundbreaking discoveries. In classroom settings, orange-wearing students also demonstrated higher participation and increased productivity.

Researchers say the most dramatic findings came during controlled tests. Test subjects wearing orange OSU gear were more likely to exhibit behaviors outlined in the Cowboy Code, such as dreaming as big as the sky, giving it everything they have and doing what’s right. These findings lead researchers to conclude that the color and logo may enhance what they call “observable Cowboy Code behavior.”

“It’s comforting, honestly,” said one squirrel near Library Lawn, who paused briefly before sprinting up a tree. “You see somebody in orange, and you just assume they’re the type of person who does the right thing.”

Researchers say the findings could have implications far beyond campus, with potential applications in workplaces, classrooms and communities everywhere.

Those interested in conducting their own field research can do so by visiting shop.okstate.com and wearing America’s Brightest Orange every day.

NOTE: This article is an April Fools’ Day joke from Oklahoma State University.