OSU-OKC celebrates 2025 Employee Service Awards

Thursday, April 17, 2025

Media Contact: Matthew Price | Director of Marketing & Communications | 405-945-6733 | matthew.l.price@okstate.edu

Prince and Jim Carrey — or reasonable facsimiles — appeared at a star-studded employee service awards ceremony for Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City.

OSU-OKC honored faculty and staff at the 2025 Employee Service Awards ceremony on April 17 at the university’s campus. The event recognized outstanding contributions and years of service, highlighting the commitment and excellence of OSU-OKC employees.

The theme was “A Star Is Born,” and guests could walk the orange carpet and take photos on their way into the lunchtime celebration. Costumed employees stood in for singers Sia and Prince, as well as actors Jeff Daniels and Jim Carrey. 

The ceremony, which took place in the North and South conference rooms of the Student Center, brought together faculty, staff and administrators to celebrate the achievements of their colleagues. Awards were presented in various categories, including teaching excellence, innovation and service.

The L.E. “Dean” Stringer Award for Teaching Excellence was awarded to full-time faculty member Lauren Yost and adjunct faculty member Thomas Roy.

The Staff Excellence Awards were given to Phung Yip and E. Swinney.

The Executive Team Award was presented to the Admissions Team as a whole for its efforts in increasing enrollment at the institution.

Karen Bubb, department head of diagnostic medical imaging, received the Innovator Of the Year Award, given to someone on campus who is approaching their profession in a new and innovative way.

“Recently, we implemented a new software system that has been integrated into the curriculum,” Bubb said in a previous interview. “This software focuses on study strategies and exam preparation, and since its introduction, we've seen significant improvements in both program scores and national board results.”

Jack Damrill, OSU-OKC associate vice president of marketing and communications, emceed the event.