Osteen to lead Human Development and Family Science

Monday, August 15, 2016

Sissy Osteen, Ph.D., has been named department head for the human development and family science department in the College of Human Sciences. Osteen is an associate professor and has been the state resource management specialist for Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service.

Her professional interests are centered on how individuals and families make decisions that impact their resources and how education can influence making appropriate choices. Homebuyer education, credit reporting and scoring, money management and financial literacy are Osteen’s areas of expertise.

Since arriving at Oklahoma State University, Osteen has presented at more than 90 state, regional and national conferences. She has produced publications for national refereed journals. Using research-based findings Osteen has developed educational materials and curriculum focused on protecting and maximizing assets for Oklahoma families.

Osteen received the Oklahoma Homebuyer Education Association’s Award for Excellence in Homebuyer Education; Outstanding Professors Academy, 2005‐2006; Oklahoma Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Outstanding Extension Professional; Oklahoma Association of Community Action Agencies ‐ Outstanding Individual of the Year, 2004; Dean Don Felker Money Management Team Award and the Oklahoma Council on Family Relations Outstanding New Professional Award.

Osteen earned a B.S. in home economics education and an M.S. in clothing and textiles from the University of Arkansas. She received an Ed.S. in counselor education from the University of South Carolina and a Ph.D. from the College of Human Sciences at OSU. She is also a certified financial planner.