Cowboy family,

 

Thank you for the overwhelming support I’ve received from many of you regarding the strategy we released yesterday. This plan represents the distillation of months of intense listening, fact gathering and study by the steering committee and working groups. The strategy is transformative and represents OSU’s fundamental commitments, what’s important to us as a land-grant institution and what we hope to achieve. It’s a set of decisions that have created a carefully designed road map to maximize our impact as a university system.

 

In the coming weeks and months, you will receive additional updates on the strategy in action. Committees are being formed to support the strategy imperatives. Additional support and resources for those areas will be announced along with information on how the strategy will be operationalized for implementation.

 

The strategy’s implementation will be led by faculty fellows appointed to lead working groups under each Priority Area and Imperative. Senior Vice President of System Operations Jerome Loughridge and his team will facilitate the process across the system to achieve our objectives. Updates about the progress may come from me or other OSU leaders.

 

We have also launched an Extension task force. The Task Force will be charged with framing the work to imagine the amplification and elevation of OSU Extension. Members include:

• Regent Jarold Callahan
• Regent Blayne Arthur
• Gail Muncrief
• Ron Justice
• Rodd Moesel
• Dean Tom Coon
• Jerome Loughridge

It’s important to remember that while certain areas of academic focus are highlighted in the strategy, all units within the university system will have important roles. The plan does not eliminate program offerings. Instead, it adds programs aimed at economic development and workforce needs.

 

If you were unable to join the live broadcast, please take 30 minutes and watch the reveal at InsideOSU.com. Oklahoma State is already a remarkable university with a world-class faculty, dedicated staff, bright students and a strong alumni network. With the strategy in place and building on our strong foundation, I believe we are on the precipice of remarkable advancements for our students, for solving society’s most pressing issues and for serving our state and nation.

 

To reach our goals, we must all unite behind this bold vision to be the nation’s preeminent land-grant university. Every member of the Cowboy family is important to this process. In the near future, we will share information on how you can help.

 

Our time is now, Cowboys. I’m honored to be your president and excited about what we can accomplish together.

 

Go Pokes!

 

Dr. Kayse Shrum

President