Longtime President Kirk Jewell retires from OSU Foundation

Thursday, May 14, 2020

On May 1, Kirk Jewell retired after completing a nearly 17-year career helping transform Oklahoma State University. As president of the OSU Foundation, he grew and led a team dedicated to supporting the university’s fundraising needs while creating an award-winning culture.

He joined the OSU Foundation in 2003 as chief operating officer and chief financial officer following a 20-year career with The Oklahoma Publishing Co. in Oklahoma City where the certified public accountant served in senior financial and management positions.

He’s been at the helm of many transformational efforts at the OSU Foundation, including the $1.2 billion Branding Success campaign, which exceeded its fundraising goal 15 months ahead of schedule. More than 100,000 individuals and corporate partners participated in the campaign, including nearly 45,000 first-time donors to OSU.

The campaign saw a surge in endowed scholarships and fellowships, endowed chairs and professorships, increased support for facilities such as the new home for Spears Business, and funding for programs like the Learning and Student Success Opportunity Center and the Spears School’s Center for Advanced Global Leadership and Engagement.

“Private support allows OSU to provide more scholarships, strengthen academic and athletic programs, remain competitive when recruiting scholars for faculty positions, and construct better facilities,” Jewell said. “Everyone here is working together to offer the very best educational experience.”

Most recently, he has been part of the launch of the $50 million New Frontiers campaign for the Ferguson College of Agriculture and the $375 million Brighter Orange, Brighter Future campaign, which prioritizes needs- and merit-based scholarships, internships and study abroad support, and funding for programming that supports students’ overall health and well-being.

“Kirk has done a tremendous job leading his team and connecting loyal members of the Cowboy family with our greatest needs,” said OSU President Burns Hargis. “We are truly grateful for the numerous ways he and his wife, Jan, helped propel this university forward.”

Over the years, Kirk and his wife, Jan, have supported OSU in numerous ways. The couple, who met at Oklahoma State and married in 1972, established the Jan Jewell Endowed Scholarship Fund, donated to Pete’s Pet Posse — of which they were a part of the inaugural class with their late schnauzer Bella — and supported the arts, athletics and other areas.