Advancing OSU’s National and Global Reputation

GOAL 8

Advance Oklahoma State University's national and global reputation by amplifying awareness of the Cowboy Code, its distinctive strengths and positioning the university as the model land-grant university dedicated to student success, academic excellence and public impact.

Living the Cowboy Way means we keep our word, finish what we start, persevere through difficulties and lift one another up. Through the grit and grace of our people, the Cowboy Code comes to life.

In today’s competitive landscape, now is the time to tell our story boldly and broadly positioning Oklahoma State University as the model land-grant institution. Our audiences must connect with OSU’s mission and understand how an OSU education provides access to not only brighter futures, but true generational impact.

World-class research and teaching are also fundamental stories for the OSU land-grant mission. Both of these key components serve to attract the brightest students, recruit high-caliber faculty and elevate OSU in national rankings and esteem among peer institutions.

With more than 55 national team championships and 205 individual NCAA champions, OSU ranks among the top five Division I institutions in collegiate athletics. This historic record of elite success is one of the most high-profile examples of our institutional brand — OSU Athletics. Through focused efforts, we will compete at the highest levels and position OSU Athletics for continued success in the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics.

OBJECTIVE 1

Develop and execute a coordinated national messaging strategy that tells OSU’s story more boldly and broadly, highlighting our land-grant roots, our commitment to student success, research excellence and the outsized impact we have beyond Oklahoma to elevate our standing among peer institutions and national rankings.

Key Performance Indicators

• Increase the reach of national messaging campaigns across digital and traditional channels
• Increase stakeholder awareness of OSU among key audiences

OBJECTIVE 2

Position OSU Athletics to compete at the highest level of collegiate athletics, recruit and retain top athletes and provide the best fan experience.

Key Performance Indicators

• Number of OSU teams finishing the season ranked in the top 25 nationally and Top 30 in the Learfield Directors’ Cup
• Earned media impressions from national-tier outlets

OBJECTIVE 3

Establish a public-facing impact reporting framework that demonstrates OSU’s measurable contributions to economic growth, workforce development and community well-being across Oklahoma.

Key Performance Indicators

• Annual public impact report published and accessible online
• Number of Oklahomans reached through Extension, research and outreach programs

OBJECTIVE 4

Build a centralized strategic partnerships function that aligns external relationships across the OSU System, creating clear pathways for industry, civic and alumni engagement that generate mutual value.

Key Performance Indicators

• OSU membership and leadership roles in industry organizations
• Number of formal cross-system partnership agreements managed centrally
• External funding and in-kind value generated through coordinated partnerships