July 30, 2026
As part of the summer Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), SLIS Faculty, Dr. Laura Phillips is co-teaching a course entitled Rethinking Museums through Indigenous Perspectives with Deji Duggar (Cherokee), a retired history teacher who taught in Moore and Norman for many years. Both Phillips and Duggar are volunteer docents at First Americans Museum and wanted to bring conversations about Indigenous belongings in museums to participants in the lifelong learning program.
Mabel Sigala Hernandez is graduating this month, signaling the completion of a purposeful journey shaped by her diligence and adaptability. Mabel discovered the PACS program while researching online degree options after completing her previous associates. She describes her experience as well-supported and smoothly structured, highlighting her appreciation and value of academic advising, particularly the guidance she received from an advisor.
Congratulations to Lisa Angelotti on earning her Lean Six Sigma Black Belt in August 2026. For her “Show Me the Money” project, Lisa led an effort to improve the payment process for non-credit adjunct instructors. The project addressed delays and inconsistencies in the approval and payment workflow. Lisa helped establish a more transparent and standardized process, including clearer tracking, improved communication, and documented procedures.
Mabel Sigala Hernandez is graduating this month, signaling the completion of a purposeful journey shaped by her diligence and adaptability. Mabel discovered the PACS program while researching online degree options after completing her previous associates. She describes her experience as well-supported and smoothly structured, highlighting her appreciation and value of academic advising, particularly the guidance she received from an advisor.
More Oklahoma families than ever will have a clear and affordable path to a University of Oklahoma education with the launch of OU Onward, a new scholarship that will help cover tuition and average fees at OU for qualifying Oklahoma students whose families earn between $60,000 and $75,000 annually.
In August, Coleman Patterson, Associate Dean of the University of Oklahoma College of Professional and Continuing Studies (PACS), traveled to the University of Florida as part of a professional exchange focused on online education leadership and student success.
Congratulations to Lisa Angelotti on earning her Lean Six Sigma Black Belt in August 2026. For her “Show Me the Money” project, Lisa led an effort to improve the payment process for non-credit adjunct instructors. The project addressed delays and inconsistencies in the approval and payment workflow. Lisa helped establish a more transparent and standardized process, including clearer tracking, improved communication, and documented procedures.
For Chris Dearman, the pursuit of higher education has been a huge milestone, and a turning point in his life. Born and raised in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Chris is a proud member of the Cherokee Nation, a husband of 34 years, and a father of three. Before returning to school, he spent years working in the call center collections industry, where he successfully built his career without a college degree. However, after being laid off, he had realized how important a degree was in today’s job market.
This December, Jamie Reed will graduate from the University of Oklahoma’s College of Professional and Continuing Studies (PACS) with a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership, a milestone that reflects years of determination, growth, and grit.
A mother of four, commission officer, private investigator and a part-time writer, Jessica Wade wears many hats. This December, she will add another accomplishment to the list when she graduates from the College of Professional and Continuing Studies (PACS) with a degree in Criminal Justice Leadership.
Historic demand for a University of Oklahoma education continues to drive record enrollment growth, expanding OU’s reach across the state and fueling generational impact for Oklahoma. At the center of that momentum is the largest freshman class in state and university history, with a record 6,437 students joining the Class of 2030 this fall.
For nearly two decades, Amber Rowe has built a successful career at Teleflora, where she currently manages two divisions, the International Division and the Flower Buyer Division. With her work weeks usually encompassing from 45 to 60 hours, and family responsibilities, Amber knew that PACS was one of the only ways she could go back to school.
For many students, the path to a degree isn’t linear—and for Jenae Thompson, that journey came full circle in the most meaningful way. Jenae first attended the University of Oklahoma in the late 2000s as a sociology major. But as a young mother balancing full-time work, school, and a newborn, the demands became overwhelming. Like many adult learners, Jenae stepped away to focus on her growing responsibilities. Over time, she built a career, launched businesses, and gained valuable professional experience. Still, one challenge remained: finishing her degree.
