OSU-OKC welcomes new students at orientation

Thursday, August 14, 2025

Media Contact: Matthew Price | Communications Manager | 405-945-6733 | matthew.l.price@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City welcomed more than 250 incoming students Wednesday during new student orientation in the campus student center.

Dr. Nakia Troutman, associate vice president of student affairs, said the event is designed to help students feel confident and connected as they begin their college journey.

“Orientation is more than just logistics — it’s about building confidence and community,” Troutman said. “We want students to feel supported from the very beginning.”

The event, split into morning and afternoon sessions, marked the official start of the college journey for many first-time and transfer students.

Students learned how to access their email, class schedules and online systems, while also receiving guidance on financial aid, scholarships and student support services. They were introduced to the various clubs and campus programs, encouraging them to get involved early in their college experience.

Tamera Bell, an administrative assistant at the School of Professional Studies, provided students with information and answered their questions during orientation.

Bell said many students are drawn to OSU-OKC because of its affordable tuition and proximity to home.

“If you live in Oklahoma City, but don't want to live on campus, it's a perfect option for that,” Bell said. “We also have tons of two-year programs and a couple of bachelor’s degrees as well.”

In many cases, students were drawn to OSU-OKC by popular OSU Polytech programs, including fire science, surveying and nursing.

Max McDaniel came to OSU-OKC based on the strong reputation of the fire science program.

“I had a couple of friends who have gone here, and I decided that I was going to come here too,” McDaniel said.

Andrew Snider said the job prospects and all-online classes with the surveying program helped him decide.

“I love learning,” Snider said. “I'm so excited to learn all this new stuff on my own time, because it's all online too.”

Other students are excited about the hands-on aspects of their programs. Kaylon Sanders and Jasmine Webb both came to OSU-OKC with an interest in nursing.

“This is a new school for me, and everybody’s been nice,” Sanders said.

Sanders came to OSU-OKC after hearing about it from her mother, aunt, and grandmother, who all attended the school. Her grandmother was particularly influential in her choice. 

“She loved it, so I just took a shot at it,” Sanders said.

Webb came from a family of OSU Cowboy fans, which helped influence her college decision. Her brother is a current student in Stillwater. 

Webb praised the orientation for helping her prepare to start the semester.

“It's been very helpful,” Webb said. “I definitely learned a lot of things that if I didn't come, I probably would have been lost.”  

Christine Jester joined her son, Corbyn, at the orientation. Christine is a returning student, and Corbyn is a new student. Christine Jester said OSU-OKC offers many opportunities for students who are willing to ask.  

“People are here to help,” she said.

The university also hosted a virtual orientation session Wednesday evening for students unable to attend in person.

“Our goal is to make sure every student feels a sense of belonging at OSU-OKC and has access to the resources needed to succeed,” Troutman said.

With the fall semester beginning Aug. 18, OSU-OKC officials say orientation is an important part of the semester's kickoff.

“There are many things that new students have questions about, especially first-generation students, which I'm very sensitive to, so we just give them all the information that we can give them,” Bell said. “Any question that they have, we answer.”

For more information, students can contact the Office of Student Life at https://osuokc.edu/student-life.