Cindy Mitas

Mother of: Will Mitas, Letters, 2010
Hometown: Oklahoma City, OK

Q: What sets OU apart from other universities?
A: It is a very friendly, collegial, and intellectual environment. The combination of those attributes creates an outstanding experience. President Boren does a great job in his annual letters to parents. I read them and tell my son how proud I am that he is a part of such a wonderful place! It confirms that he is getting a great education, and that my money is well spent.

Q: As a parent, what do you like best about OU?
A: The quality of every aspect of the student’s experience. The University College is an excellent resource designed for student success. I've put two sons through college, one in Virginia, and the other at OU. OU has been head and shoulders above the other college in its approach with parents, with its approach to the students' first year, and with its support throughout the freshman year.

Q: What OU traditions or activities have you participated in since your student has been at OU?
A: My son & I attended President Boren’s address at Convocation in 2006, and it was so wonderful to hear his comments with my son, and to launch my son’s first year of college at that event. I knew at that moment my son was at one of our country’s great universities. We have participated in Parent’s Weekends in the fall and spring, and in a few athletic events. Because I live nearby, I come to town occasionally with “excuses” to see my son and take him to the Mont. One of my favorite activities was to participate with my son in the OU Academic Programs Summer in Santa Fe program in the summer of 2007. He studied the history and culture of the region, earning 3 geography credit hours working with a marvelous professor, Robert Rundstrom. At the same time, I had the opportunity to create art in the Land of O’Keefe, visit galleries, paint El Pedernal and experience New Mexico with an outstanding former OU Professor, Carol Beeson. My son & I went our separate ways a lot that week, but we had a very nice time together.

Q: What advice would you give other parents during the college search process or when sending a student to college?
A: It was helpful for my sons (both my older son who went to college out of state, and my son at OU) to visit a diverse array of colleges both in and out of state before they made their decisions. They needed to have a clear picture of their options and of the “personality” of the different colleges. It was very important for my son to feel that he chose his college, and to feel committed to the institution. In my case, being a single parent, I wanted a stable 4 years, and did not want my student thinking the pastures were greener elsewhere.