Kirk Jewell’s impact on Oklahoma State University will be felt for generations — not only in the resources he helped secure, but in the culture he built along the way.

Jewell, who served as the OSU Foundation president from 2003 through 2020, passed away on April 28 surrounded by his family.

He led one of the most transformative periods in the Foundation’s history. Under his leadership, the nonprofit grew from 55 employees to 155 and raised more than $2.6 billion to support students, faculty and programs across OSU. Jewell’s tenure included the landmark $1.2 billion Branding Success campaign, which surpassed its goal and expanded opportunities for thousands of Cowboys.

“Kirk was a good friend and a great leader of the OSU Foundation,” said OSU President Emeritus Burns Hargis, who recalled reaching the campaign fundraising goal two years early. “Kirk’s leadership was indispensable in that success. Together, we elevated the OSU Brand.”

Beyond the numbers, Jewell was known for something more enduring: people.

“Kirk’s impact is immeasurable because he invested not only in this university, but in people. He cared so much about each individual and always made time to lend an ear, listen to a story or provide advice,” said Blaire Atkinson, his successor and current president at the Foundation. “He was a wonderful mentor to me and many others in our organization.”

The OSU Foundation was nationally recognized multiple times as a “best place to work,” including twice by the “Nonprofit Times” as one of the top nonprofits to work for in the U.S. — a reflection of Kirk’s leadership philosophy, ‘We perform like a team and care like a family.’

His legacy also lives on through philanthropy. He and his family supported scholarships, student programs and initiatives that benefit Cowboys across campus. They’ve asked that memorial gifts be made in his honor to the Kirk Jewell Impact Fund at the OSU Foundation.

Photos by: Bryant Group and OSU Foundation

Story by: Amanda Mason | STATE Magazine