From student to industry leader: IT graduate continues to give back to OSU-OKC

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Media Contact: Page Mindedahl | Communications Coordinator | 405-945-6733 | page.mindedahl@okstate.edu

Twenty years after graduating from OSU-OKC with an associate degree in information technology, Allan Abrams remains closely connected to the college that helped launch his career.

Today, Abrams serves as chief information security officer for Kipu Health, where he oversees cybersecurity efforts for electronic medical records, customer resource management and revenue cycle management software. He also chairs the OSU-OKC Information Technology Curriculum Committee and previously served as an adjunct instructor.

Abrams said OSU-OKC was the right fit because it accommodated working adults like himself.

"The majority of the student body here is working adults, and I was a working adult at the time as well," Abrams said. "I always knew that technology was going to be where my career landed based on the way I grew up and my interests. I was working downtown at the time, so OSU-OKC was on the path home, and I felt really good about the curriculum. It was the perfect place for me."

One of the most impactful experiences during his time as a student was access to the college's virtual lab environment.

"Having access to that virtual lab effectively created a playground where mistakes were allowed," Abrams said. "That was the most important aspect because it gave me hands-on experience without the fear of being in a production environment where bringing something down causes havoc. I was able to do everything I wanted in a sandbox and learned an incredible amount during my tenure."

Several faculty members played a key role in Abrams' success, including Pat Reeves and Kemit Grafton.

"Pat Reeves was the one who, for me especially, put up with my hijinks," Abrams said. "He gave me the room I needed and the platform to learn and become an effective operator in my current capacity."

Abrams also credits Grafton for helping shape his career and leadership development.

"Kemit Grafton was a huge inspiration to me," Abrams said. "He helped me grow and excel in the board capacity that I chair today. He also gave me the opportunity to become an adjunct here."

After gaining professional experience, Abrams returned to the classroom as an adjunct instructor, teaching more than 500 students.

"I was able to teach well over 500 students during my tenure," Abrams said. "Many of them I maintain relationships with today, and many of them are excelling and growing in their fields as well."

As a first-generation college student, Abrams said higher education was unfamiliar territory.

"When I was growing up, going to college wasn't a priority in my household. It wasn't even something we really discussed," Abrams said. "OSU-OKC was the place that gave me the information I needed so I could start my collegiate journey. They helped me through every step of the process."

The support continued long after graduation.

"I leaned on them heavily as I was migrating from practitioner into leadership," Abrams said. "They were always cheering me on and coaching me. I wouldn't be where I am without it."

Today, Abrams helps ensure the IT program remains aligned with workforce needs through his role on the curriculum committee.

"We reach out to local technology leaders in the Oklahoma City area and solicit feedback on the skill sets they're looking for," Abrams said. "We want to make sure we're training our students so they can translate that directly into the working world."

He believes the college's continued investment in technology is one of its greatest strengths.

"The investment and continued investment in the technology that's made available to the student body is one of the best aspects of the program," Abrams said. "Having that technology available really turns you from a student to a practitioner in a very short amount of time."

For current and future students, Abrams encourages embracing uncertainty and pushing through fear.

"Accept that when things are different, and you need to make a change, there will be fear, and that's okay," Abrams said. "Courage comes from accomplishing goals despite that fear. Don't let it stop you from achieving your dreams because they are possible."