Fire Community Honors Dr. Lee Bird and Dean Paul Tikalsky
Thursday, May 3, 2018
Pictured from left to right: Rob Agnew, Lee Bird, Paul Tikalsky and Carol Jones.
STILLWATER, Okla. – The state of Oklahoma’s fire community came together to honor Dr. Lee Bird and Dean Paul Tikalsky for their contributions to the Fire Protection programs Oklahoma State University offers.
The Fire Protection Society provides students with opportunities in public service, academic and professional development, leadership development, and social interaction with other students in the Fire Protection and Safety Program. The Society also provides students with some much needed down time from the rigorous curriculum of the Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology (FPSET) program. It is not only an organization that helps develop high morals in the members, but it is also there to aid FPSET, OSU Environmental Health and Safety, and Oklahoma State Fire Service Training when called upon.
“These programs would not be as successful as they are if it weren’t for people like Dr. Lee Bird, vice president for Student Affairs, and Dr. Paul Tikalsky, Dean for the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology,” said Ed Kirtley, assistant dean of CEAT.
Bird has a background in emergency response and has a fondness for the fire programs.
“Dr. Bird is one of the most genuine and insightful supporters to walk the halls and campus of OSU,” said Dr. Carol Jones, professor of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering. “She has been a mentor and a friend and has made the difference between our programs flourishing and fading into the past.”
Tikalsky has been instrumental in raising awareness for the various programs, what they have to offer, and what contributions they make to Oklahoma and the nation. He was part of a push for OSU and CEAT’s FPSET program to establish a joint degree between OSU and Southwest Jiaotong University in China, solidifying OSU’s stature and leadership around the world. This has the potential to generate $25 million for Oklahoma over the course of the next decade.
The reception was held to thank Bird and Tikalsky for their continued support. As a token of gratitude, they were both presented with an authentic fire helmet displaying their name.
RELEASE CONTACT: Kristi Wheeler | CEAT Marketing | 405-744-5831 | Kristi.wheeler@okstate.edu
Oklahoma State University is a modern land-grant university that prepares students for success. OSU has more than 35,000 students across its five-campus system and more than 24,000 on its combined Stillwater and Tulsa campuses, with students from all 50 states and around 120 nations. Established in 1890, Oklahoma State has graduated more than 240,000 students who have been serving the state of Oklahoma, the nation and the world.
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