
NORMAN – The National Security Education Program awarded the University of Oklahoma’s International Programs Center a $1.3 million grant to expand the Arabic language program on the Norman campus. The award will be used to increase scholarships for OU students majoring in Arabic, hire new faculty and staff, and study the best Arabic language programs in higher education across the United States. Read more about the Arabic Language Grant>>
NORMAN – Private gifts this year to the University of Oklahoma – cash, pledges and bequests – are expected to total over $273 million. The total includes $167 million in endowments, including $61 million contributed by 80 donors in the two month-period beginning May 1 during the closing days of the State Regents Endowment Program one-to-one match for privately endowed faculty positions, OU President David L. Boren said today. Read more about Private Gifts>>
NORMAN – A nationally recognized leader in arts administration with a distinguished career in the University of Oklahoma Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts has been summoned from retirement to accept an interim position as chair and Regents’ Professor of the OU Department of Musical Theatre. Gregory D. Kunesh served on the OU fine arts faculty from 1975 to 2005, when he retired as chairman and professor emeritus of the Weitzenhoffer Department of Musical Theatre. Upon his retirement, the University Regents honored him by renaming the endowed Weitzenhoffer Chair in Musical Theatre to the Gregory D. Kunesh Chair in Musical Theatre. Read more about Gregory Kunesh>>
NORMAN – An international relations scholar and teacher whose expertise ranges from American foreign policy to relations among nations has been appointed associate director of International Programs at the University of Oklahoma following a national search to fill the position. Suzette Grillot, who joined the OU faculty in 1999 and has served in leadership posts for the School of International and Area Studies, also will hold the Max and Heidi Berry International Programs Center Chair. Read more about Suzette Grillot>>
ARDMORE – University Vice President Joe Harroz, who also has served as University of Oklahoma general counsel since spring 1996 – the longest-serving general counsel in the history of the university – is leaving to become president of a publicly traded health care company in Oklahoma City. Read more about OU Legal Counsel>>
ARDMORE – Charles W. Graham, an award-winning educator and architect whose specialties include residential design and construction, has been named dean of the University of Oklahoma College of Architecture. His appointment was approved by the OU Board of Regents at its June meeting. Read more about Charles Graham>>
ARDMORE – Thousands of new scholarships are available to University of Oklahoma students due to the success of the Campaign for Scholarships, OU President David Boren announced at the June meeting of the OU Board of Regents. Read more about Scholarships>>
NORMAN – Rich Taylor, whose experience in fine arts includes 27 years in leadership posts with the Walt Disney company, is expected to be appointed interim dean of the Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts at the University of Oklahoma, pending approval of the OU Board of Regents at its regular June meeting. The current dean, Eugene “Gene” Enrico, has announced plans to return to teaching and research. Read more about Rich Taylor>>
NORMAN – The University of Oklahoma Libraries has added its 5 millionth volume, continuing a commanding lead as the state’s largest research library and claiming one of the top two spots in size among Big 12 libraries. Read more about the Largest Library>>
The University of Oklahoma is on pace to set an all-time high for private support due in part to the success of the Campaign for Scholarships, OU President David L. Boren announced. “Through May 15, the University has received over $210 million in gifts, fully executed pledges and gifts-in-kind,” Boren said. “The figure is expected to go higher by the June 30 ending date. This will break the previous University all-time record of $190 million set last year.”
Read more about the Private Support >>
The mission of the University of Oklahoma is to provide the best possible educational experience for our students through excellence in teaching, research and creative activity, and service to the state and society.
Public Affairs supports OU’s mission through publicity, promotion and special events designed to encourage public understanding and support of the University and to foster a consistent, positive image of OU across the state and nation.