OSU tackles 2020 challenges with grace and compassion

Thursday, September 3, 2020

OSU shines in response to historic and tumultuous events of 2020

We are excited to have students back on our Oklahoma State    University campuses for the new academic year. We have numerous practices and guidelines in place to make our campuses as safe and healthy as possible in the battle against COVID-19.

I must say I have never been prouder of the way the entire Oklahoma State University family responded to the global pandemic. This issue of STATE recognizes our leadership and outstanding efforts in many areas.

Despite historic challenges and changes, we delivered on our land-grant mission. Our faculty and staff made sure students learned and graduated. Our researchers, with the enthusiastic support of volunteers, made OSU the state leader in processing COVID-19 tests. Extension services continued to provide Oklahomans with resources related to health, food safety, finances and more.

Dr. Kayse Shrum, the president of OSU Center for Health Sciences and Oklahoma’s former secretary of science and innovation, was front and center in the state’s response as a member of Gov. (and OSU grad) Kevin Stitt’s COVID-19 task force.

OSU’s Center for Health Sciences responded to the crisis with patient care, mobile testing, expanded telehealth services, video clinics, modeling, contact tracing and more. Numerous departments and groups collected and distributed protective gear. Engineering faculty and students used 3D printing at our world-class ENDEAVOR facility to create face shields for health care workers.

We launched the Cowboy Family initiative to support students during the uncertainty brought by the pandemic and thank the many donors who stepped up to help.

OSU is committed to helping find solutions to the systemic racial injustice and inequality that has been the focus of protests across our nation. In this issue, Dr. Jason F. Kirksey, head of diversity at OSU, offers his thoughts on Oklahoma State’s ongoing work to create inclusive campus environments centered around justice, equality and respect for each other (page 4).

Our cover story spotlights Eddie Sutton (page 20). In April, the Cowboy Nation was delighted with his long-overdue selection to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, then saddened in May by his death at age 84. Eddie brought basketball thrills and glory back to his beloved alma mater. John Helsley, from our School of Media and Strategic Communications, offers a loving tribute to an OSU legend.

The First Cowgirl, Ann, and I wish you all the best. Stay safe and healthy.

Go Pokes!

Burns Hargis

OSU President