Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City hosted a campus launch event Oct. 30 for Oklahoma State University's five-year strategic plan outlining priorities for the OSU System through 2031.

OSU President Jim Hess joined OSU-OKC faculty and staff for a discussion about the plan's goals, its impact across the five-institution system and the role each campus will play in shaping OSU's future. Also in attendance were OSU Provost Dr. Ronna Vanderslice, Dr. Melanie Morgan, dean of the OSU Graduate College, and OSU/A&M Board of Regents member Jennifer Callahan.

The event also marked the beginning of a new systemwide award recognition with the presentation of the inaugural Living the Cowboy Code Award. Melissa Herren, senior director of HR Services at OSU-OKC, received the award in recognition of her dedication to supporting faculty and staff and exemplifying the values of the Cowboy Code.

"Throughout my career, I have always believed that this work is about serving others, building relationships, showing compassion, and treating people the way I would want my own family to be treated," Herren said. "If I can make someone's day a little better, help someone feel heard, or make a positive difference in someone's journey, then I know I have done something meaningful."

Herren said receiving the inaugural award makes the recognition even more special. 

"I am truly grateful to my colleagues for this honor," Herren said. "It is a reminder of why I have loved being part of this campus and why, after all these years, I still consider it a privilege to serve OSU-OKC and the community we are a part of."

Herren has been part of OSU-OKC for more than 26 years.

The award recognizes faculty and staff members who make a meaningful difference through their leadership, service and treatment of others. Herren was nominated by her colleagues, who praised her commitment to ensuring operations run smoothly and her willingness to put the needs of OSU-OKC first.

Her nominators highlighted the long hours she dedicates to supporting employees and her willingness to help whenever needed, describing her as a leader who consistently puts the needs of others before her own.

During a question-and-answer session moderated by Vanderslice, Hess discussed the importance of developing a new strategic plan following the completion of the university's previous We Are Land-Grant plan.

"Our previous strategic plan served us well, and we saw it to completion," Hess said. "There are many successes to be proud of, like record enrollment and increased workforce development programs."

However, Hess said the rapidly evolving higher education landscape presented an opportunity for OSU to build on that progress and prepare for emerging challenges.

"Answering the Call builds on that foundation while giving us a clear vision for where OSU is headed over the next five years," Hess said.

A key distinction of the new plan is its emphasis on measurable outcomes. The plan establishes objectives and key performance indicators to help guide decisions, monitor progress and demonstrate the university's impact across Oklahoma.

As the OSU System moves forward with implementation, each institution will develop strategic initiatives that align with the broader systemwide vision while reflecting its individual mission and culture.

"Each one of our campuses is unique and has its own culture," Hess said. "The purpose of the Answering the Call plan is to provide some broad strokes about the ultimate movement of the OSU System to a different level."

Several of the plan's goals have direct connections to OSU-OKC's mission, particularly expanding access to higher education, strengthening workforce development and improving the student experience.

Hess discussed how OSU-OKC's work to establish articulation agreements with other institutions supports the plan's first goal of enhancing academic excellence and life-changing opportunities. These agreements create clearer pathways for students who want to continue their education after earning an associate degree.

The agreements also help students save time and money by outlining which courses will transfer toward a bachelor's degree.

"These structured pathways make it easy for the advisors to communicate options to students who might not have considered continuing their education," Hess said.

The systemwide plan also emphasizes collaboration among OSU's five institutions, with a goal of improving operational efficiency and strengthening the university's ability to serve Oklahoma. Hess said aligning resources with strategic priorities will help create a more sustainable system while allowing individual campuses to thrive.

"Our greatest strength has always been the people," Hess said. "We are building a stronger, more unified, more expansive system built for Oklahoma and built to last."

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