Get to know 2026 Cobb Speaker Series Speaker C.J. Box

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Media Contact: Jade Dudley | Manager, Library Communication Services | 405-744-7331 | jade.dudley@okstate.edu

Wyoming native C.J. Box is much more than a ranch hand, surveyor, fishing guide, newspaper reporter and editor. He’s also a New York Times bestselling author and an executive producer of two novel-turned-television series, “Big Sky” and “Joe Pickett.”

He has been awarded the Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Novel, as well as the Anthony Award, Prix Calibre 38, Maltese Falcon Award, Macavity Award, Gumshoe Award, two Barry Awards and the 2010 Mountains & Plains Independent Booksellers Association Award in the fiction category.

Box has also been awarded the 2016 Western Heritage Award for Literature by the National Cowboy Museum and the Spur Award for Best Contemporary Novel by Western Writers of America in 2017. More than 20 million copies of his books have been sold in the U.S. and abroad, and his work has been translated into 27 languages.

His latest release, “The Crossroads,” the 26th novel from his critically acclaimed “Joe Pickett” series, was published in February 2026. It debuted No. 1 on the New York Times Bestseller List, No. 1 on the Publishers Weekly Bestseller List and No. 1 on the Apple Books Bestseller List.

Box is bringing his Western perspectives to Oklahoma State University, sharing his philosophy on Western history, literature and more at the H. Louise & H.E. “Ed” Cobb Speaker Series on Oct. 8 at the ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center.

OSU Dean of Libraries Sheila Johnson says the remarkable tradition strengthens the impact of new connections and perspectives.

"The Cobb Speaker Series reflects the very best of Oklahoma State University's commitment to learning, discovery and meaningful dialogue,” Johnson said. “By bringing acclaimed authors and leaders to campus, the series creates opportunities for our attendees to engage with ideas that inspire and broaden their perspectives.”

Established in 1991, the H. Louise & H.E. “Ed” Cobb Speaker Series serves as the primary fundraising event for the Friends of the OSU Library. All proceeds from the event directly benefit OSU Libraries.

Tickets are selling fast. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Friends of the OSU Library page here.