Spectrum 1996

Dean'sMessage: he College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) is at the heart of what makes Oklahoma State University a truly comprehensive institution of higher learning. Ranging from microbiology to history to music, the college's 23 departments encompass a broad range of subject areas. Even students majoring in agronomy, civil engineering or hotel and restaurant management spend a considerable amount of time taking courses offered in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Although only one of seven colleges, A&S employs 36 percent of the university's faculty to teach more than 4 2 percent of all credit hours. In fact, a full one-quarter of OSU's student population are A&S majors. Therefore, the launching late last summer of "Bringing Dreams to Life," the OSU comprehensive campaign with a six-year $125 million goal, is of great importance to A&S. With this additional funding the college plans to increase scholarships and fellowships, improve facilities and classroom technology, and establish chairs and professorships to recruit and retain outstanding faculty.

Through the increased support generated by the campaign, A&S will be able to continue its tradition of excellence in public education. We are committed to preparing our students not only for a successful career, but also for a productive and satisfying life by helping students develop critical thinking skills, integrity and a sense of responsibility.

As I traveled this past year, meeting A&S alumni across the state and nation, I have been encouraged by their achievements.

You will meet several of these outstanding alumni in the pages that follow.As you read about your former classmates and reflect on your own experiences at OSU, I think you will agree that you were well-served at Oklahoma State University. Also profiled here are current students whose talent, enthusiasm and dedication will no doubt impress and inspire you.

So, read on and enjoy our first edition of the College of Arts and Sciences magazine - Spectrum - and consider what you can do to help in "Bringing Dreams to Life." r~

T

Dean Smith Holt

9

~

1996A&SDistinguished Alumni Awards

15 Native Americans inBiological Science 19 NMR Center Planned 20 Discovery-based Learning Grant 21 Peer Reviews

2 "Bringing Dreams toLife" Alumnus Dean Stringer leads comprehensive campaign for A&S.

22 Briefs 25 A&SDepartments & Heads

COVERPHOTO:Meredith Beeby,pianist and senior music major, has benefited from severalscholarshipawards while attending OSU. See stmy page 2.

6 Making theMost ofanA&S DegreeDirectorof Development A&S alums relate the value of their broad-based educational backgrounds.

Jeanne Short Editor

Jennifer Wingett ArtDirector

Valerie C. Kisling Assoc.

Editor

Janet Varnum Editorial Assistants

lOThe Visual Arts OSU's Art Department plays an important role in the campus experience of students and the Stillwater community.

12The Best oftheBest A&S highlights just a few of its many outstanding teachers.

Bridgette Loehr and Kelli Palan Photography

Andy Maxey (unless otherwise noted)

Volume 1, 1996 SPECTRUM is a publication of the Oklahoma State University College of Arts and Sciences designed to provide information on college issues and concerns while fostering communication among OSU alumni and friends.

College of Arts and Sciences Oklahoma State University Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078-0555 (405) 744-7274 e-mail: shortj@okway.okstate.edu Oklahoma State University in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil RightsAct of 1964, Executive Order

16The Cutting Edge OSU students have a comprehensive advantage not available at other Oklahoma institutions.

11246 as amended, Title IX of the EducationAmendments ---~ of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, notional origin, sex, age, religion, disability, or status os o veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This includes but is not limited lo admissions, employment, financial aid and educational services. This publication, issued by Oklahoma State University os authorized by the college of • Arts and Sciences, was printed by The Audio Visual Center, University PrintingServices ot no cost to the lox pay- TheCampaign OSU

fa,

ers of Oklahoma. #5933

5/96

©1996 Oklahoma State University

OSU at 105Years-

Generations o Dreams The Beginning Dream the new century was dawning, four pioneer families looked to the future and dreamed of a college on the prairie. These families and their gift of 200 acres, along with primitive facilities and a small, determined faculty core, forecast a tenacity and imagination that would build over the next 100 years.

Now a four-campus system, Oklahoma State University enjoys a legacy of accomplishment far beyond the dreams of those early pioneers. There is, of course, great pride in OSU's agricultural roots. This pride is embellished by the scores of people - the OSU family - who have made their mark as leaders in business, healers of mankind, creators of music and drama teachers and space travelers. Diversifi- ' cation has been built on those humble

COLLEGE OF ARTS &SCIENCES

beginnings. People, both near and far, are living their dreams thanks to opportunities found at Oklahoma State.

A century has passed, but the tradition lives on. Quality education, as always, is the university's primary focus. And people make dreams happen in 1996, just as they did in 1891.

Building on the grit and determination of past years, the university is now celebrating what it has been and all that it will be with "Bringing Dreams to Life," a $125 million campaign, the first in its 105-year history.

"Bringing Dreams to Life" will provide more scholarships for students, as well as endow positions for outstanding faculty. Other goals include expanding library technology, redesigning classrooms, supporting athletic traditions and preparing the university for 21st century leadership.

Facingthe Reality Making dreams a reality calls for leadership. OSU's campaign leadership comes from a team of outstanding former students whose mission is to ensure world-class education and opportunities for OSU students in an age when state appropriations cannot fullysupport those needs. Realizing that continued excellence depends on both public and private financial sources, they are convinced that investments in students, faculty and programs are investments in the future.

Accepting the leadership reins for the College of Arts & Sciences is distinguished alumnus LE. "Dean" Stringer.

A partner with Oklahoma City's Crowe & Dunlevy law firm, Stringer has made a life commitment of giving to OSU. His position as volunteer campaign chairman for A&S comes on the heels of eight years serving as a member of the Board of Regents for the Oklahoma State University and A&M Colleges.

Preceding this, he shared his leadership abilities with the OSU Alumni Association and the OSU Foundation.

Stringer's dedication to OSU and its students is no secret - and neither is his reason for choosing to lead the college in this quest. As an OSU graduate ('58, political science), a community leader and a man concerned about students and their destinies, Stringer understands the multi-faceted challenges of this college made up of 23 departments. "Generally, the College of Arts and Sciences is well-defined, but not fully understood. At the same time, it is somewhat 'undefined' to allow for creativity,"Stringer says. "And, by

nature, that's its strength," he continues while running his finger down a departmental list that includes such diverse disciplines as art, chemistry, psychology, statistics and zoology.

What dreams does Stringer envision coming to life for A&.57"Officially, the 'S' in OSU stands for State - unofficially to me it represents students. They are the emphasis of this campaign," Stringer says as he sets the stage for his team's goal. "Arts & Sciences MUST expand the number of scholarships available; MUST continue to improve quality instruction through endowed professorships; MUST have the equipment and facilities to compete in a world where only the best is good enough. We are dedicated to seeing that students have the best resources and widest opportunities - we can do nothing less."

As a long-time OSU volunteer, he knows that administering a state institution while addressing the needs of students is not an easy task. From his tenure as OSU Student Government Association president to his work as an officer of the Alumni Association and the OSU Foundation, Stringer has demonstrated leadership and dedication to students. His insight and concern was rewarded by the SGA upon his retirement from being a regent - "LE. 'Dean' Stringer Day" was proclaimed March 23, 1994 - an honor Stringer considers the personal high-point of his volunteer career in higher education.

Now, with continued dedication to his alma mater, he is helping bring dreams to life for students in the College of Arts & Sciences.

OKLAHOMA STATEUNIVERSITY

OSU distinguishedalumnus Dean Stringer is serving as chairmanfor the A&S "BringingDreams to Life" campaign committee.

"Officially, the 'S' in OSU stands for State - unofficially to me it represents students. They are the emphasis of this campaign."

Dreams Come True "Music Makes the World go 'Round" could be the theme song of OSU senior

MeredithBeeby(see cover). "Everyone needs music - it touches every part of our lives," Meredith says.

Growing up in Fairview, Okla., in a family of teachers, music wasn't always her career focus. Although she had studied piano since she was 5 years old, she made plans to be a physical therapist. Soon after entering OSU as a freshman, Meredith knew she had to follow her heart: she

missed music. Following in her band director father's footsteps, she changed her

CraigLawler

major to music education.

Meredith's dreams are now coming true because of her talents and a series of scholarships. As an entering

. Meredith Beeby

freshman she received an undergraduate

fee waiver

based on her high school GPA and ACT score, a benefit she has been able to retain throughout her college years. After deciding to major in music, she auditioned for and received a music department scholarship. In addition, her talent and personality paid off with additional scholarship awards when she was named Miss Enid in 1994 and Miss OSU in 1995. Meredith says her participation

in pageants provided good

interview experience, which will be beneficial as she approaches her career goal as a music director somewhere close to home.

"My dream is to make a difference with kids through music," Meredith says. "Music is not as big a force in public schools as it should be - children with music in their lives are more well-rounded."

At Home at OSU "Home" for Craig Lawler i.s Oklahoma State University. Stillwater born and bred, Craig lets no grass grow under his feet. Through testing, he received credit for 30 college hours, advancing his status to junior while only in his second year at OSU. Craig, his manner thoughtful and determined, indicates that deciding to come to OSU was the best of several offers. "As high school valedictorian, I automatically received an OSU scholarship," Craig says. He also received a President's Distinguished Scholarship and Lew Wentz Scholarship.

"While the scholarships are important, it was OSU's endless opportunities that brought me here. Not only am I able to major in both political science and economics, I am participating in honors programs, specialty classes and, best of all, I'm helping a professor wi.th his research," he says. Craig is working wi.th Dr. Larkin Warner in researching and co-authoring an article about the economic impact of inter-state trucking.

COLLEGE OF AIUS &SCIENCES

Craig jokes that he wi.11be "published" before his mother, a recent OSU doctoral graduate.

All work and no play is not Craig's credo. While supporting a 4.0 GPA,he completes his campus life by being an SGA senator, a member of the Econ Club and the Student Council representative for the College of Arts & Sciences. And home life presents some interesting challenges. The oldest of four siblings, he just grins when asked what it's like to have three sisters ages 17 and 16 (twi.ns). To add to the household bedlam, his father is an OSU professor and his mother teaches at OU's Health Sciences Center.

'Tm convinced an education at OSU is just as good as any Ivy League institution - that's why I chose it over other such opportunities. The College of Arts & Sciences offers not only a variety of programs, but quality courses. It would be hard to ask for or expect more from an educational opportunity," Craig says.

"My dream is here at home - at OSU."

Big-cityDreams Tara Thomas, a senior and news

reporter for KOSU, is definitely a woman with a plan. Growing up in the small town of Watonga, Okla., Tara longed for big-city lights. A seventh grade field trip to Oklahoma City, including tours of The Daily Oklahoman and a TV station, piqued her curiosity about journalism. It was no surprise to her family when she announced her intention to major in broadcast journalism at OSU. There were dream-makers ahead for Tara - the scholarship opportunities she found at OSU have allowed her to expand her world and her experiences.

The honored and sought-after President's Distinguished Scholarship anchored additional awards for her, such as the Freshman Award for Excellence and journalism scholarships from Alpha Epsilon Rho and American Women in Radio & Television. "These scholarships have meant everything to me by allowing me to have a college career while also pursuing other

campus life opportunities," Tara says.

The high point of her dreams came in the form of a fellowship from the International Radio & TV Society. This internship allowed Tara to see, firsthand, city lights of the greatest magnitude - those of New York City, where she worked as a summer intern for Time/Warner. "New York is exciting, stimulating and fun," Tara says. "The experience gained from that summer will serve me well in my future career efforts - and I intend to make this once-in-a-lifetime experience happen again," she says with conviction. "I want to go back."

As for Tara's long-term plans, the atmosphere of higher education has made a permanent impression. "I would like to practice my public relations skills somewhere in higher education," she says. "I want to 'give back' to higher education - to help make others' dreams for tomorrow come true." r~ BYBARBARA SWIGGART

TaraThomas

OKLAHOMA STATEUNIVERSITY

A&S Campaign Committee Dean Stringer,Chairman, Oklahoma City Robert Kamm, Honorary Chairman, Stillwater Tom and Sue Bennett, Tulsa George Berry, Stillwater Jay M. Daniel, Encino,Calif.

Donna Spence,Waco, Texas Clyde Wheeler, Laverne Joe and Barbara Williams, Bartlesville Amy Logan, Student Representative

'Degreeof Difference' rts and sciences.

Two very different worlds. And yet, in higher education the two are often uttered in the same breath.

Linking these two has never been more important for college graduates than it is today. With rapidly changing job markets and a constant stream of technological advances, the value of receiving a broad education, one that gives the graduate flexibility, is obvious. The goal is a curriculum that teaches students how to think and analyze critically, not what to think.

And there is no better college at Oklahoma State University for students to receive this comprehensive background than the College of Arts and Sciences.

"There are so many disciplines in which students are taught to memorize information rather than the thought processes that are used within the discipline. When our graduates walk out the door they need to be prepared for a journey of life-long learning. I think that's what an A&S degree allows them to do," says Smith Holt, dean of A&S. Holt says that today's A&S faculty have a greater appreciation for how important courses in other disciplines are to their students. The result has been the addition of several changes in the required curriculum, which have helped broaden the A&S degree. "For example," Holt says, "we have added an overall foreign language requirement as well as a requirement for courses defined as encompassing an international dimension."

All this sounds ,;onderful, but how do we know it's working' Perhaps the best way to measure the value of A&S degrees is to examine the careers of graduates. The College of Arts and Sciences has a large pool of alumni from which to draw examples - some are working directly in a field with close ties to their major, while others used their degree as a springboard into other fields. What they have in common is the basic education they received within OSU's College of Arts and Sciences. The following brief sketches provide introductions to four A&S alumni: Stuart Reeves, Kathy Lippert, Gene Nichol and Cynthia Round. On the pages that follow see how each has put their own spin on an OSU A&S degree.

Stuart Reeves

Stuart Reeves Current position: senior vice pre~ident and member of the board of directors, Electronic Data Systems (EDS), Plano, Texas Hometown: Guthrie, Okla.

OSU degrees: bachelor's '61, master's '65, mathematics

The year Guthrie native Stuart Reeves began classes at OSU was the year the name changed from Oklahoma A&M to OSU. His classmates included basketball team members Eddie Sutton and Pitt McGehee, and Wes Watkins was president of the student body.

Reeves is now in his 30th year of a productive career with Electronic Data Systems (EDS) where he currently serves as senior vice president and member of the EDS board of directors. During his tenure he has been instrumental in recruitment and personnel development and has seen the company expand from 90 employees to 90,000, with revenues in excess of $12 billion. EDS combines systems integration, systems development and system management expertise to manage information for a wide range of organizations in all parts of the world.

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCI ENC ES

Reeves and his wife Jennie (Miller), '62 elementary education, make their home in Dallas, Texas. They have two grown children, Eric, who practices law in Raleigh, N.C., and Lucy, an actress and comedienne living in Los Angeles.

Kathy (Menke) Lippert Current position: hydro-geologist, vice president and co-owner, Applied Geoscience Environmental Services Inc., Edmond, Okla.

Hometown: Oklahoma City, Okla.

OSU degrees: bachelor's '84, master's '86, geology

KathyLippert

"Part of what has made EDS so successful in recruiting excellent employees is our policy of hi.ring people based on their record of achievement rather than the specific major field they studied in college," Reeves says. "We believe universities should teach problem-solving and thinking. If graduates have a strong base in the fundamentals, we can train them to fill a variety of positions."

"When I was at OSU, the secret to the success of the math department was Wayne Johnson, who was chairman at that time,"Reeves says. "He was an extraordinary manager. When 1was a teaching assi.~tant, he would keep tabs on the quality of teaching by appearing in class unannounced. I don't think that happens at universities very often anymore."

Reeves' favorite instructor, however, was not in the mathematics department. "The best teacher I ever encountered was Samuel Woods. 1 had him for both basic English and a course in criticism," Reeves says.

While Reeves' two children attended other universities, two of his nieces and a nephew are now enrolled at OSU. "I have a tremendous amount of enthusiasm for the first-rate bargain education that OSU offers," Reeves says. "It's amazing that OSU can do such an outstanding job charging as little as they do. You just can't put a price on education."

Kathy Lippert worked 10 years in oil and gas exploration after graduating from OSU with a master's degree in geology.

Now, as vice president and co-owner of Applied Geoscience Environmental Services Inc. (AGES) in Edmond, she's getting lots of on-the-job training. "My job now involves a lot of things I didn't learn about in courses - such as managing people, scheduling projects and designing systems."

Lippert credits her OSU degree with giving her the ability to handle her new responsibilities. "OSU gave me the ability to analyze," she says. "When I decided to study geology, I asked several acquaintances in the geologic profession for advice about what school they would recommend. One person suggested that OU trains technologists, OSU trains scientists," Lippert says, "and it's the scientist in me that helps me with everyday problem-solving."

Since joining AGES in 1994, Lippert has seen a rapid increase in the company's work as well as a growth in staff from five to 11. Lippert currently manages more than 80 projects, the majority dealing with the cleanup of petroleum leaks from underground storage tanks. The company also conducts ground water studies and site assessments.

"My job requires that I be up-to-date on state and federal regulations, so 1 spend a considerable amount of my time reading regulations and journals," Lippert says. But she also spends a lot of ti.me in the field. "About half my time is spent on field work, working outdoors in boots and hard-hat."

Although Lippert graduated in 1986, she remains in close contact with the geology department. "Dr. Zuhair Al-Shaieb was my thesis adviser - and he's still my adviser. I chat with him frequently," Lippert says. "Dr. Gary Stewart has also helped me considerably. He encouraged me to go to graduate school and helped me land my first job."

Today Lippert and her company make use of ongoing research conducted at OSU. "A lot of good research is going on at OSU and I tap into it frequently," Lippert says.

Lippert lives in Oklahoma City with her husband John, a general contractor in commercial construction and an OSU alumnus. They have two children, James, 8, and Jeffrey 3.

OKLAHOMA STATEUNIVERSITY

Gene Nichol Current position: Democratic primary candidate for U.S. Senate in Colorado Hometown: Mesquite, Texas OSU degree: bachelor's '73, philosophy

Former OSU quarterback Gene Nichol is no longer interested in passing footballs. He'd rather be passing legislation.

Nichol used a basic bachelor of arts degree as a foundation for a law career that may lead him to Washington, D.C. He is a primary candidate for a U.S. Senate seat from Colorado in this year's election.

Coming to OSU on a football scholarship, eventually his priorities changed. Nichol says a liberal arts education exposed him to scholastic areas he'd never considered. "It really excited me and opened up new avenues in the humanities," he says.

"It was an unusual existence being a football player and a philosophy major," Nichol says. "I had to get beyond the view of the world from a football standpoint - Plato, Aristotle and a few favorite professors helped me do just that." He specifically remembers the one-on-one relationships he developed with professors Ed Lawry (philosophy) and Bertil Hanson (political science) at OSU. Nichol's interests shifted to political philosophy, and by his senior year he decided to pursue a law career. Knee injuries also played a role in his decisions. "I wasn't much of a football player anyway," Nichol says. He is, on the other hand, a very successful law professional.

Nichol graduated in 1973 with highest honors in philosophy. In 1976 he received a law degree from the University of Texas School of Law. He has held several academic positions, including dean of the Colorado Law School, and has written numerous articles and essays published in various law reviews.Three years ago Nichol received the A&S Distinguished Alumni Award.

"The basic bachelor of arts degree was very good for me.

To my surprise, I became a good student ... and in the process came to the decision that I wanted to make a difference in the world." For now, Nichol hopes to use his background to make a difference _inWashington, D.C. Currently, Nichol lives in Boulder, Colo., with his wife Glenn George, a law professor at the University of Colorado.

They have three daughters: Jesse, 8,Jennifer, 6 and Soren, 2.

Editors note: Nichol's campaign is gaining momentum and, as of April 21, he had 81 percent of the delegatesneeded to have his name placed on the ballotfor the August primary.

Cynthia Round Current position: senior partner and executive group director, Ogilvy & Mather advertising agency, New York City Hometown: Ponca City, Okla.

OSU degree: bachelor's '75 speech communications consultancy

Gene Nichol

In the movie business, an executive producer brings the elements of a film together while ideally staying on time and on budget. Cynthia Round, whose success story could be made into a movie, has a similar ex~cutive position in the advertising business. She is a senior partner and executive group director at the New York City headquarters of Ogilvy & Mather, the fifth largest advertising agency worldwide.

"I'm not in the creative or media departments at the agency," Round says. "I'm an account manager who translates what the client wants and forms a marketing strategy into a communications strategy."

Round currently manages accounts for Chesebrough Ponds, Lever Brothers and U.S. Satellite Broadcasting. When Round worked for Procter and Gamble, 1975 to 1982, she launched Pampers into the Italian market.

Round attributes her success to her strong OSU liberal arts background. "My liberal arts education, which allowed me to study topics from chemistry to philosophy, prepared me for this global marketplace."

Round also credits her 16 course hours of Spanish. "While I was working in Italy, it was easier to learn the language because it was similar to Spanish."

Inspired by fond memories of the OSU speech department

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCI ENC ES

1996 A&S Distinguished Alumni An innovative professor and a senior vice president of a major U.S. company were recently named as 1996 Distinguished Alumni by OSU's College of Arts and Sciences. Brooks Mitchell, Laramie, Wyo., and Helen L.Newman, Arlington, Va., were recognized at the college's spring banquet.

Mitchell is a professor of man• agement at the University of Wyoming and also the president of Aspen Tree Software Inc. His education includes a bachelor's degree in English from OSU awarded in 1966.

Mitchell implemented the concept of computerizing job interviewing as a way to reduce employee turnover and theft. The popular process is being used by companies such as Marriott Hotels, Exxon and Neiman Marcus to name just a few.

He has written many articles Cynthia Round

concerning employee motivation

including guidance from speech professors Jim Huey, Arlee Johnson and Paul Harper, Round has found time to return to the college campus atmosphere. She is a mentor i.n several advanced education organizations. "I like having the opportunity to help develop careers and stay in touch with students," she says.

Round also commits ti.me to nonprofit organizations, including the OSU Foundation. 'Tm glad I have the chance to apply what I know about marketing and communications to benefit others."

When Round reflects on her degree choice, she says, "After graduating I realized my degree either qualified me for nothing or everything." Based on her recent acceptance of the OSU College of Arts and Sciences Distinguished Alumni. award and her many career successes, her qualification status is an obvious "everything."

Round and her husband, Chas Carner, live in Manhattan.

Carner is a freelance writer and documentary film maker.

Their daughter, Carner Round, is 14 months old. r~

and selection and the book "Bet on Cowboys, Not Horses."

Newman, a native of

,r

McAlester, is the senior vice president for government operations with Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. She graduated with honors from OSU in 1965, receiving Hele

L. Newman

a bachelor's degree in history.

Newman was on the staff of the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C., for 11 years where she was the first female legislative assistant to the Speaker of the House. In 1981 she went to work for Gulfstream, setting up the company's Washington office and serving as director of Washington operations. Currently she is responsibile for global military marketing and sales. During her tenure with Gulfstream, Newman has played an important role in the in°troductionof Gulfstream aircraft into the U.S. Army inventory and the U.S. Air Force. r~ BYCAROLYN GONZALES

BYJENNIFER WINGETT WITH CONTRIBUTIONS FROM EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS BRIGETTE LOEHR AND KELLI PALAN, BOTH PUBLIC REIATIONS MAJORS GRADUATING INMAY'96.

OKLAHOMA ST

E UNIVERSITY

Above: top left - silverpendant with found objectsand semi-preciousstones

by Martha Avrett, Domino Baby #2; top right - copperand wood with etched .surfaces by Tim Tiger;below - cedar carving by Todd Cloe.

•----here's no way around it - we live department has 155 majors specializing in an increasingly visual society. in one of three areas: the traditional - With such efficient, rapid-fire studio arts (50 majors), art history (15) delivery systems as television and com- and graphic design (90). puters, the competition for our attenIn addition to courses for art majors, tion is constant. And while we might the department provides service not think of TV or magazine ads as courses to nonmajors through all levels "art," the basis for everything visually of art history classes to fulfill the pleasing has its roots in some form of humanities general education requireartistic expression. ments. Students in majors such as inteThe value art adds to all our lives rior design, landscape architecture and cannot be measured merely in terms of journalism and broadcasting, find supsuccessful sales resulting from attenportive coursework in the department. tion-getting advertising. Art expression Advantages for Majors has always been an integral part of "There are several unique advanwhat it means to be human and today, tages, in additic;mto an excellent facinterest in the visual arts is growing as ulty, that OSU's art department can reflected in the increase in the size and offer students that are not available number of local art shows. from other art programs in the state," OSU's art department is neither the Wilkinson says. "They include our largest nor the smallest department scholarship program and our unrivaled within the College of Arts and Sciences, internship opportunities." but it has an affect on many members The art department has two scholarof the university community as well as ship programs - one is the Presidential the residents of Stillwater and surExcellence Scholarship Program which rounding towns. Nancy Wilkinson has provides five $1,000 scholarships for been head of the art department since entering freshmen or transfer students.

1990. "The art department offers some- The other is the department's scholarthing necessary for everyone's growth, ship endowment enabling the award of well-being and intellectual curiosity," five $1,500 annual scholarships to conWilkinson says. "We have a very good tinuing students. "Many of our top stutraditional art program at OSU which dents receive this scholarship for more includes all the basic courses," she says, than one year," Wilkinson says. "arid we've achieved national recogniIn addition to scholarships, many art tion in the areas of printmaking and majors are able to participate in some jewelry and metals." Currently the 0

Opposite:right - oil on canvasself-portrait by John Matthews, Painting4120; left - illustationfor campus campaign discouragingalcoholabuse by Piper Taylor,Know When to Say When.

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

type of internship during their junior or senior years. "OSU art students have the incredible opportunity to compete forthe Goldston New York Internship," she says. Alumnus and ~aster printer BillGoldston, B.F.A.'66, owns and operates a print studio on Long Island, N.Y.Thanks to Goldston's generosity, three students per year have the opportunity to live in New York and work alongside famous artists in his studio.

Competition for the Goldston internship is intense. "We usually select a junior art student," Wilkinson says, "because then they have time to return to OSU and share what they've experienced with other students."

Art major John Matthews (see selfportrait lower right) completed an internship with Goldston this past fall.

Livingjust a few miles from the studio, he spent weekdays assisting wellknown artists in printing their works while on weekends he visited New York City's galleries and museums. "It was really the capstone of my degree," John says. "I wouldn't have had much chance in Oklahoma to actually work in a professional environment with well-known artists on an everyday basis."

Internships are also available for graphic design and art history majors.

"We'vehad graphic design students working in design firms in Chicago, Houston, California and New York," Wilkinson says. And most art history majors complete an internship in a museum setting.

Wilkinson says the excellence of the scholarship and internship programs helps OSU recruit and keep good students. "One good student who brings a creative approach a:id hard-work ethic to our program can have a positive influence on 15 or 20 other students.

They are the catalyst that make our program as strong as it is," Wilkinson says.

known artists. "Exhibits are selected to showcase a variety of types of art. It helps with our teaching as well as provides an unusual opportunity for the campus community," Wilkinson says.

Frequently the artist being showcased is invited to present a slide lecture about their work and sometimes they conduct a workshop. "We have a thousand students taking classes in this building every semester that are exposed to these exhibits. It's the best opportunity to see contemporary visual art in this region" she says.

National Recognition

Printmaking is one area in which OSU particularly excels, Wilkinson says. Every two years the department sponsors a national show, Cimarron National Works on Paper. Although drawings and paintings are eligible, most of the entries are some form of printing technique. "The show draws 300 to 400 applications from all over the country," Wilkinson says. A noted artist or museum director selects about 80 pieces for the show, then visits campus to choose the awards and usually gives a lecture.

The OSU art department also receives national attention in the areas of jewelry and metals. "Our professor in this area, Chris Ramsay, is well known nationally because of his participation in exhibitions, workshops and lee-

tures," Wilkinson says, "and several students have won national awards for their work in jewelry and metals."

Looking to Expand

The art department is currently in the process of raising funds for expansion of its facilities. "Our sculpture, ceramics and jewelry and metals studios have been located for 20 years in 'temporary' quarters in a World War II Quonset hut and our printmaking studio is under the bleachers of the football stadium," Wilkinson says. The department hopes to expand the Bartlett Center to replace those four studios and add a museum. The museum will provide much needed storage space, the ability to exhibit the department's permanent collection and the university collection, and provide increased space for traveling exhibits.

"The college is committed to this project which is a part of the 'Bringing Dreams to Life' campaign."

The university experience wouldn't be complete without the presence of the visual arts. Art, in all its many forms, is a fundamental part of our lives and, as such, is an important component of what makes a comprehensive university "comprehensive." OSU is fortunate to have such a strong art department, an essential component to providing a :Vell-rounded education for today's students. •~ BY]EHHIFERWINGITT

The Gardiner Art Gallery

Located in the Bartlett Art Center, the Gardiner Art Gallery has six or seven exhibitions each year. The gallery regularly has a faculty exhibition in the fall, a student exhibition in the spring and four or five exhibits selected from traveling shows or featuring well-

photosthisspreodcourtesyOSUArtDeporlmenl

OKLAHOMA STATEUNIVERSITY

11

Teaching Par Excellence

RichardDodder,sociologyprofessor,receivedthe 1995 Oklahoma Foundationfor Excellence Award in recognitionof his teachingstyle - a combination of traditional classroomteaching with community projects,international experiencesand creationof learning environments.

12

COLLEGE OF AR.TS& SCIENCES

very student knows the value of a good teacher - the one who can make a subject come alive with his or her own enthusiasm, who interjects examples of personal research into class discussions and whose thoughtprovoking questions last longer than a semester.

"Our higher education system is considered the best in the world," says A&S Dean Smith Holt. "And I happen to think it's because, rather than handing students a book and expecting them to learn, we put our scholars people on the cutting edge of the discipline, who are creating knowledge - in front of the students."

Many A&S faculty bring teaching excellence into their classrooms, labs and offices every day as they interact with students. One such example is associate professor of mathematics Lisa A. Mantini. In 1995, she was named one of the top three college math teachers in the nation by the Mathematics Association of America and also received the American Association of University Women's highest award, the $25,000 Founder's Fellowship.

"I enjoy working with students and making them think, leading them to new discoveries and occasionally making them laugh," says Mantini, who began her career as a teaching assistant at Harvard 18 years ago and has been at OSU since 1985. "To me, it's fun to explain mathematics to people and see the light go on when they understand."

One of Mantini's doctoral students, John Lorch, says it's because she cares about her students and mathematics.

"That comes across in her teaching," he says. "As I was working on my thesis, she gave me advice exactly when I needed it - no more and no less. 1 think that takes a lot of patience."

Another example of teaching at its best is A&S sociology professor Richard Dodder. He received the 1995 Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Award for his teaching style, which combines the traditional classroom role with community projects, international

E

experiences and the creation of learning environments. Instead of keeping the $7,500 award that came with the honor, Dodder donated it to the OSU Foundation as seed money for an achievement award in his department.

"In my classes I encourage students to work in groups, which creates an additional learning experience," says Dodder, whose specialization includes methodology, theory, quality of life, socialproblems and crime and delinquency.One former student describes Dodder as the perfect teacher - "His officeis open; his home is open; and his mind is open."

The best teachers realize their job ex-tendsbeyond the classroom and that they must stay abreast of current issues, studies and discoveries in their field.

And most conduct research projects within their discipline.

"Students learn from the research," Dodder says. "As a university professor, myjob is to know the field and to be involvedin the research in that field."

Good teaching goes hand-in-hand with research, says Richard Rohrs, associate dean of A&S. "Professors who are involvedin research are alive in class, current in their field of expertise and dynamic lecturers. It benefits them as well as their students to have ongoing research projects of their own."

Students in OSU's math department have the opportunity to study with four Sloan Fellows recognized nationally for their potential in the field of mathematics. "The Sloan Fellowship program is now in its 40th year, and undoubtedly the most prestigious award a young scholar can receive 1s to be named a Sloan Fellow," Rohrs says.

David Wright, a Sloan Fellow from 1987-89, has been teaching at OSU since 1985. He used his award money to spend a year at Princeton, gaining even more insight into current mathematical research and activities.

"I love to learn and then incorporate what I learn into my classes," says Wright, who teaches mostly undergraduate students. "There's not always

Math runs in thefamily for David Wright and Lisa Mantini, both OSU mathematicsprofessors.ft would be no surprise if daughtersJulie (left), and Sandy (Alexandra),follow suit.

a lot in my research that I can bring to the basic levels of math. I try to use my experiences to give students a flavor of how math works and teach them to think about the methodology involved."

Another example of devoted teaching is Dr. Gary Ostrander, director of OSU's Environmental Institute and associate dean of the Graduate College.

As associate professor in the departments of zoology, biochemistry and molecular biology, he has taught OKLAHOMA STATEUNIVERSITY

biology, ichthyology and aquaculture and a variety of seminars in toxicology, cancer biology and grantsmanship since coming to OSU in 1990.

Ostrander conducts research in cancer biology related to both humans and the aquatic environment and has been awarded significant research grants since coming to OSU. Each summer he teaches a three-week tropical marine biology field course through University Extension in the Bahamas to students

13

"Themost prestigiousawarda young scholarcan receiveis to be named a Sloan Fellow."- Richard Rohrs, associatedean Each year 100 Alfred P. Sloan Fellowships are awarded to the most promising, young (under 33 years) scientistsand engineers nationwide. Lastyear there were more than 400 young mathematicians nominated and only 20 awards given in ZoologyprofessorGary Ostrander(with snorkel) shows off a marine sea turtle during one of the

three-weektropicalmarine biologyfield courseshe teacheseach summer.

from across the country. "It's one thing to read about biology in a textbook," says Ostrander, "and quite another to see and experience it firsthand. The contrast is really significant."

Teachers who value excellence have a desire to be available and accessible to students, both in and outside the classroom. Office hours not only give students an opportunity to clarify leeture, lab or other course material, Ostrander says, but more importantly, gives them an opportunity to talk to the instructor about other matters related to their education and career objectives.

"I would even venture to say that some of the most important things our students learn come during the office hours," Ostrander says, "and what they learn often has little or nothing to do with the course we are teaching."

Mantini says every student should seek help from their professors when they need it, but realizes many students fear the initial visit. One semester she made appointments for each student to visit her office and discuss their first exam. She also sets aside an optional session apart from class time to assist students with homework problems.

14

Dean Holt says excellent teaching, involvement in research and accessibility to students are held in high regard

by A&S administrators and are recognized as beneficial to students, other faculty and the college's reputation.

Excellence is rewarded administratively with the appointment of tenure, he says, and financially with teaching chairs and endowed chairs that offer enhanced salaries and money to develop new coursework, teaching techniques and technology.

"One of the things we are trying to do with the 'Bringing Dreams to Life' campaign is to raise money in support of teaching chairs established to reward those faculty who have shown teaching excellence," Holt says.

But the faculty might say they've already received their reward through daily interaction with inquisitive minds eager to learn. "The best teachers are those who really love what they are doing," Rohrs says. "Students really p_ickup on that enthusiasm." r~ BYJANET VARNUM

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

mathematics.

The Sloan Fellows from the OSU mathematics department are Brian Conrey, 198587; David Wright, 1987-89; and Amit Ghosh, 1990-92.

In addition, Bernard Dwork, OSU's Vaughn Professorof Number Theory, was a Sloan Fellow from 1961-63.

Program Draws Native Americans to Biological Sciences klahoma's heritage and traditions are enhanced by the richness of its Native American population. Home to more Native Americans than any other state, Oklahoma boasts the second largest tribe in the nation. Only the Navajos claim more members than the Cherokees. The 1990 census revealed that 252,420 Native Americans make their home in Oklahoma - 8 percent of the state's population.

It is not surprising, then, that there are Native Americans involved in every facet of activity at OSU, including the College of Arts and Sciences - and their numbers are increasing. For fall semester 1995 there were 1,189 Native American students enrolled campus wide, posting the largest increase among all minorities over the past 10 years - 153 percent. In addition, A&S awarded 127 bachelor's degrees and 11 master's degrees to Native Americans during the 1994-95 academic year.

In the College of Arts and Sciences, the largest project involving Native Americans is NABS - Native Americans in Biological Sciences. A five-year program initiated in 1992, it is funded with $2 million from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. The program works primarily with three Oklahoma school districts with relatively high Native American enrollments - Ponca City, Pawnee and Red Rock - and with the Oklahoma tribes in these communities, the Ponca, Pawnee and Otoe-Missouria.

Myra Alexander, program coordinator and member of the Muskogee Nation, says the overall goal of the program is to graduate significant numbers of Native American students from OSU who are well prepared for entry into medical schools or graduate schools in biological sciences.

To reach this goal there are two primary programs within NABS.

O

A significant portion of NABSis devoted to a science education program for grades three through 12 that is designed to generate an interest in the biological sciences at an early age. In the lower grades students attend special summer programs at local elementary schools. Those in the upper grades are exposed to the OSU campus, faculty and successful Native American undergraduates. Another part of NABS is the undergraduate program, which prepares Native American students for advanced work in biological sciences.

Under each category there are a number of activities.

Programs for grades three through 12 include: • summer science programs held on-site at elementary schools in the cooperating school systems; • a month-long mid-high summer camp, "Exploring Contemporary Biological Dilemmas," held at OSU; • a high school camp held during the summer semester at OSU in which students take an English course and college algebra while working in a biological sciences laboratory; • a variety of on-going activities such as one-day tours of the campus, visits to appropriate science-related sites around the state, and "science nights" at the local schools and tribal communities.

The program for undergraduates in biological sciences includes: • the NABS scholars program which provides a $1,500 stipend for Native American students accepted into the program for work done in a science laboratory under the direction of a faculty member; • additional field trips and seminars. . This spring will mark the completion of four years of the program and the graduation of the initial group of students. "We are excited to be graduat-

OKlAHOMA STATEUNIVERSITY

NABS scholar,Melissa Ford,assistsmicrobiologyprofessorGilbertJohn in setting up his researchlaboratory.

ing our first NABS scholars this spring," says Alexander. "Lauren Brooks, a member of the Chickasaw tribe and senior in zoology, has already been accepted into· the University of Oklahoma Medical School."

The NABS office is planning to apply to the Howard Hughes Medical Institute for renewal of the grant in 1998.

"We hope to expand to include more school systems and tribes under the renewed grant," Alexander says. "Also we are seeking and have received funding from other agencies to help supplement our current program."

With the success of programs like NABS,the College of Arts and Sciences is providing encouragement to Oklahoma's Native Americans to pursue careers in the biological sciences. ~

BYJENNIFERWINGITT

15

The Comprehensive Advantage

Belinda Bashore,senior chemistry major, discussesher researchwith mentor, ProfessorElizabeth Holt. When students have the opportunity to work with professorssuch as Holt, who is recognized internationallyfor her work in single crystalX-ray diffraction, they have a distinct advantage when lookingfor internships, applying to graduate schoolsand lookingfor employment.

16

COLLEGE OF ARTS &SCIENCES

klahoma State University students enjoy many benefits from attending a major comprehensive university. Among these benefits is the opportunity to learn with some of the world's outstanding scholars, not just in class, but also from hands-on experience in the laboratory. In addition, students have access to modern laboratory facilities, a 1.5 millionvolume library, cultural events that include performances and exhibits sponsored by the art, theatre and music departments, plus an opportunity to network to find future employment or graduate study opportunities.

"The faculty teaching our students are the people creating the new knowledge - who are writing books, publishing numerous reviewed articles in academic journals and conducing research," says John Bantle, Arts and Sciences associate dean for research.

"Our faculty members are on the cutting edge of their disciplines," Bantle says. "Students have a major advantage when they can learn directly from those actually doing the work rather than from a textbook only."

OSU undergraduate students have the added advantage of being able to participate in supervised research with these outstanding faculty members.

Students at many universities don't have the opportunity to practice their discipline during their years as an undergraduate. This association between faculty member and undergraduate frequently results in the professor becoming the student's mentor.

One student who enjoys a mentoring relationship is Belinda Bashore, a senior chemistry major from Bethesda, Md. Her mentor is Elizabeth Holt, an OSU chemistry professor who is recognized internationally for her work in single crystal X-ray diffraction.

"Dr. Holt is a fantastic teacher," Belinda says. "She has always pointed me in the right direction."

Even though she's still an undergraduate, Bashore conducts theoretical research as a member of Holt's research

group. In addition, her mentor has encouraged her to apply for a variety of scholarships and summer research positions. As a result, Bashore has won numerous scholarships, and she has been able to land summer research positions with highly respected researchers at OSU, Brown University and the University of Georgia. "Thanks to Dr. Holt I have had the opportunity to work with some of the best researchers in the country," Belinda says.

Belinda was recently nominated by the OSU Chapter of Phi Kappa Phi, a national honor society, to receive a fellowship for the support of first-year graduate or professional study. Each year local chapters may nominate one senior. In 1995, 50 such fellowships were awarded nationwide by the organization. The students nominated from OSU for 1992 through 1995 all were awarded fellowships - and all came from the College of Arts and Sciences.

• diode UV/visible spectrometer • ion chromatograph • Fourier transform infrared spectrometer • six computers interfaced and on Internet • nitrogen/dye laser • 200 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer.

Freshmen begin using the lab during their first chemistry classes under the guidance of a professor, Raff says. By the time they are juniors they are familiar enough with the equipment to be allowed open access.

As industry has become aware of the new facility at OSU, potential employ-

ers have been contacting the department. "We continuously get phone calls from employers asking if we are graduating people able to utilize these instruments," Raff says. "Our graduates are taking real marketable skills with them when they leave."

Speech Communications

Another popular lab is the new multimedia Speech Communications lab, which offers a variety of programs to help students with their required basic speech class. Students can see actual video of other OSU students presenting speeches and see how and why their instructors gave them a particular grade. Many other CD-ROM programs

Well-equipped Labs and Classrooms An important strength of the college is the presence of up-to-date laboratories and electronic classrooms in a variety of fields equipped with fast and efficient equipment.

The computerized classrooms and laboratories allow faculty to provide individualized instruction to all students, and they introduce undergraduates to state-of-the-art technology that will give them an unparalleled competitiveness in the job market.

Chemistry

One example is the chemistry department's high-tech undergraduate teaching laboratory, which has been in operation for more than a year.

Lionel Raff, head of the chemistry department, says the lab, initiated two years ago, is still evolving. State-of-theart equipment currently available to students includes: • gas chromatograph /mass spectrometer • atomic absorption spectrometer • scanning tunneling microscope

Jim Hughey, right, speech communicationsprofessor,works with a graduate student in the new multimedia SpeechCommunicationsLab.

OKLAHOMA STATEUNIVERSITY

17

and informational sources are available to help students prepare a winning speech. Jim Hughey, speech communication professor, put the lab together.

Zoology In the zoology department's introductory biology course, students augment traditional lab work using multimedia computers, CD-ROMs, videodisc players, video microscopes, and computer-controllable instruments and probes to collect data, run simulations and get multimedia assistance. They can then visit the Learning Resources Center (LRC), where multimedia computers are available to analyze data, review class notes and search for useful reference material on the World Wide Web, access the OSU library catalog, use multimedia tutorials created by faculty and students, take practice exams and communicate with their professors

and the BIO-HELP line via e-mail.

Don French, zoology professor and supervisor of the LRC, says, "Students are responding well to the availability of these high-tech learning tools by becoming more involved with their lab work and lab instructors." The LRC is open 32 hours per week and frequently exceeds capacity. "Before exams we can have a waiting list of 15 students," French says. He is especially pleased that students are using the World Wide Web resources.

Additional Technology The College of Arts and Sciences has a wealth of equipment and facilities available to students. Among the newest items are: • computerized math classroom, featuring 25 Pentium PCs with large color monitors;

• computer science/statistics lab and classroom with 60 Pentium PCs, multimedia equipment and laser printers; • microscopes and autoclaves in various departments; • electronic classroom with 24 Intelbased (DOS) computers in the English department for use in writing classes; • OSU Writing Center with eight PCs and six Macintoshes available in the English department to help any student with a writing project; • computerized undergraduate lab and geographic information systems lab in the geography department; • foreign language lab with 41 new Apple computers, complete with the latest software.

All these elements add up to an exceptional educational experience for OSU students. "These opportunities just don't exist at other institutions," Bantle says. "We have high quality faculty with much to bring to the classroom; we have many opportunities for students to work in labs; and we have the advantage of a strong relationship between our faculty and those who will eventually employ our graduates.

"People attending other schools simply put themselves at a disadvantage." r~ BY(AROLYN GONZALES

Biologystudents !ooh on as Don French,zoology profe_ssor, demonstrates the use of the lab's new multimedia computers to augment traditional lab worh .

18

COLLEGE OF AR.TS& SCIENCES

Hands-on Learning: Goal of NSF Grant

j

11parents are familiar with the eager faces of their pre- school-age children as they explore and learn about the world around them. Equally familiar is the struggle to maintain that same level of curiosity once the child begins school. What was once so fascinating has become the drudgery of classroom memorization. What happened to dull these youngsters' curiosity and what is the overall result7 Smith Holt, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, says the problem is in the way math and science are presented in our schools. "The result is that fewer American-born students are interested in fields involving science and engineering. In addition, the science literacy of the general public has declined, affecting the ability of our public policy makers to make informed decisions as well as our own ability to sort out many of today's important issues," Holt says.

As one of two lead institutions in a consortium of nine Oklahoma colleges and universities, OSU along with the University of Tulsa has been awarded a five-year $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation for "Collaboratives for Excellence in Teacher Preparation." An additional $500,000 has been pledged to OSU's program by the Fourjay Foundation of Pennsylvania.

The grant's goal is to recruit, train and retain better teachers of science and mathematics. Plans are for a series of summer academies that will offer prospective teachers the opportunity to work under the direction of master classroom teachers to present model lessons in science and math. The program hopes to attract talented students to teaching careers in science and math, particularly among under represented groups in these subjects such as women and Native Americans. Other projects under the grant include the revision of college-level general education courses in science and mathematics to better meet the needs of pre-service teachers.

Overall focus of the project is to change the way science and math are presented to more of a "hands-on, discoverybased" approach. "What holds a scientist's attention throughout a career is the thrill of discovery," Holt says. "This thrill is currently lacking in today's elementary school curricula."

Further funding is being sought for expansion of the project. Holt eventually hopes to construct a Center for Science Literacy at OSU that will benefit science teachers across the state and country. The center will serve as a materials resource distribution facility where schools within a 100mile radius can obtain laboratory modules for classroom use.

Other functions of the center will be to facilitate linkages between the public and private sectors in Oklahoma as well

Stillwater Middle Schoolstudents don safetygogglesfor some hands-on experimenting in their scienceclass.A new NSF grant will help OSU train scienceand math teachersin the use of the discove1y-basedlearning methods.

as to provide a national gathering place for concerned scientists, engineers, educators and private citizens.

"One of the unique factors in this project is that it involves the collabotation of nine Oklahoma colleges and universities," Holt says, "including OSU, the University of Oklahoma, the University of Tulsa, the University of Central Oklahoma, Northeastern Oklahoma State University, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Cameron University, Langston University and Tulsa Junior College." r~ BYJENNIFER WINGETT

20

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

Makingthe Grade eams of professors from Oklahoma State University's peer institutions visited the OSU campus last spring to evaluate three A&S departments : music, geography and mathematics.

The review teams spent hours in lectures and labs and interviewed students and faculty to evaluate degree programs. Teams then presented reports acknowledging departmental strengths and making constructive recommendations. Each of the three departments received meritorious ratings from their peer review teams.

T

Music Professors from schools including the Music Academy of the West and the University of Texas at El Paso commended OSU's music department for a strong and committed faculty, a dedicated staff, excellent performances, and for contributions to the cultural life of the university.

The department has moved quickly in responding to the review team's recommendations, says William Ballenger, associate professor and head of the music department.

"We recently hired a concert hall technical specialist," Ballenger says, "and completed a new piano lab with instruments valued at $300,000 from KawaiAmerican."

Geography OSU's geography department also received external praise. A team of professors from Oregon State, Kansas State, and the University of Washington rated the department in the top six nationally. In particular, the team noted the exceptional employment rate of OSU's geography graduates and recognized faculty members as national leaders in several research areas.

The geography department responded to their review team's recommendations by securing National Science Foundation grants earmarked to improve the equipment available to students, says Thomas Wikle, associate professor and department head.

"We want to provide our students with as much access to geographic information systems, remote sensing and computer mapping equipment as possible," he says.

Mathematics The team visiting the math department acknowledged OSU's outstanding faculty and their many research achievements. Professors from the universities of Minnesota, Indiana and California at Irvine applauded the faculty for their work in improving math education, especially the department's invitation to join the Mathematics Education Reform Network.

The team cited the Mathematics Learning Resource Center (MLRC) as a model program other universities should develop. The MLRC provides tutoring services to OSU students taking most math courses. One-on-one tutoring by top undergraduate students strong in math skills is available. In addition, the facility is equipped with a computer lab including a variety of math tutorials and aids, and a library of instructive videotapes.

The team compared OSU's mathematics department favorably not only with Big Eight, but also Big Ten institutions, rating it near the top in its peer group and among the top 40 mathematics departments in the country.

"This rating is based on research accomplishments," says J. Brian Conrey, head of the math department, "but our primary strength is the balance we've achieved between research and innovation in education and instruction.

That's what makes this department exceptional," he says. r~ BYADAM HUFFER

"Ourprimary strengthis the balance we'veachievedbetweenresearchand innovationin education·and instruction."

- ]. BrianConrey,head,math department OKLAHOMA STATEUNIVERSITY

21

GivingBack to OSU John and Caryl Jobe, both retired teachers, are working for the OSU mathematics department, but donating their salary to establish a fellowship endowment fund that will help attract outstanding new graduate students in math.

The Jobes are helping the math department prepare new graduate students for teaching assistantships. Their gift of nearly $20,000 will establish the fellowship fund. Their goal is to provide an annual $1,000 fellowship to help recruit an outstanding new graduate student in math each year.

"OSU has been very good to me and to my entire family," says Jobe. "We just want to have a lasting effect on something we care about very deeply." Jobe, a former Regents Professor of mathematics, taught for 35 years at OSU. His wife taught for 20 years in the Stillwater Public Schools. r~ BYCAROLYN GONZALES

John and CarylJobe

OSU Elderhostels "Elderhostel participants wear me out, but I love every minute of it," says Suzanne Thompson, coordinator of the OSU program in Arts and Sciences Extension. "Their zest for life is contagious and wonderful."

Eleven OSU programs are planned for 1996 for participants 60 years of age and above, with themes including outlaws, Mozart, and Oklahoma history. Who could possibly resist a week of "Tome on the Range," with lively discussions on country music, western literature and cattle drives? Or "Hitchcock, the Holocaust, and the Home Front"?

"Participants are the kind of students instructors dream of," Thompson says. "They have knowledge, interest and curiosity. The discussions are always lively."

A large number of OSU's Elderhostel students come from out-of-state for the week-long programs that begin on a Sunday and end the following Saturday.

Dr. Ed Arquitt, OSU professor of sociology and the state's first director of the program, recently stepped down and now serves in an advisory capacity on the state level. He is currently writing a book on how Elderhostels provide a learning community for older adults.

22

'This provides a really neat service for older adults," he says. "It is referred to as 'education for the fun of it' since it is like a vacation with classes." More than half a million adults participate in the program each year nationwide. Elderhostel, Arquitt says, allows participants to socialize, learn and share.

OSU's program costs between $365 and $395 per person, which includes accommodations, all meals, instruction and any trips taken by the class. Oklahomans who commute to the program are offered a reduced fee, Thompson says. For more information on OSU's Elderhostel program call (405) 744-5647. r~

COLLEGEOF ARTS& SCIENCES

New ProfessorFamiliarwith OSU "Isn't this exciting?" assistant professor Jason Kirksey asks his American government students. "What you learn in this class actually occurs in your everyday life."

Watching him teach, it's obvious that Kirksey, '89, political science/economics, '91 M.S., is indeed excited about politics and government. He returned to his alma mater last year following doctoral study at the University of New Orleans having been named to the Hannah D. Atkins Endowed Chair for Political Science.

"It was nice for me to come home," Kirksey says of OSU. "I enjoyed OSU's political science program as a student, and now I'm able to be part of it as a faculty member."

A native of Denver, Colo., Kirksey dreamed of playing major college football. As a walk-on member of the 1985 Cowboys' team, he earned a Gator Bowl ring, but ultimately decided against a future on the gridiron. Instead he chose to pursue a career in education. Whi.le at OSU, Kirksey found a bride as well as a career. In 1995 he married Kimberly Klassen, a 1989 finance graduate.

Jason Kirksey

Kirksey credits Robert Spurrier, political science professor and head of OSU's Honors Program, for helping cultivate his interest in teaching.

"Spurrier's law classes were a good experience," he says. "Bob's influence is certainly a contributing factor to where I am today." ~ BY(LAY BILIMAN

OK_LAHOMASTATEU

Returning to the OSU campus is as easy as using your computer mouse. Simply click on any of the 59 links (flags, photos or words) on OSU's home page to plug into

COLLEGES

the people, programs and places that make up Oklahoma

State

University. Reach us on the World Wide Web at: http://www.okstate.edu

RESEARCH

OKLAHOMA STATEUNIVERSITY

23

OSU Theatre Alive and Well!

OSU PresidentJames Halligan (right) and Collegeof Arts and SciencesDean Smith Holt, stopped by thefinal dress rehearsalfor the spring presentationof "SweeneyTodd,"produced by OSU's theatredepartment. Visiting artist Terry Runnels (at top with razor), participatedwith the students in the musical.

Eventssuch as this, togetherwith other programs and exhibits sponsoredby OSU's music and art departments, add immeasurably to the overallexperienceof students attending this comprehensiveuniversity.

24

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

College of Arts and Sciences DEAN Smith L Holt ASSOC.DEANFOR RESEARCH John Bantle ASSOC.DEANFOR INSTRUCTION Richard C. Rohrs DIRECTOR,STUDENTACADEMICSERVICES William A. Ivy DIRECTOR,EXTENSION Robert Brown

A&S Departments and Heads ART Nancy B. Wilkinson BOTANY James D. Ownby CHEMISTRY Lionel M. Raff COMMUNICATIONSCIENCESAND DISORDERS Arthur L. Pentz Jr. COMPUTERSCIENCE BlayneE. Mayfield ENGLISH Jeffrey B.Walker FOREIGNLANGUAGESAND LITERATURES Kenneth]. Dollarhide GEOGRAPHY Thomas Wikle GEOLOGY Zuhair Al-Shaieb HISTORY Ronald A. Petrin JOURNALISMAND BROADCASTING Marian D. Nelson MATHEMATICS J. Brian Conrey MICROBIOLOGY Robert V. Miller MUSIC William L. Ballenger PHILOSOPHY Neil R. Luebke PHYSICS Stephen W. McKeever POLITICALSCIENCE Michael "Bill"Parle PSYCHOLOGY David G. Thomas SOCIOLOGY Patricia A. Bell SPEECH Paul D. Harper THEATRE Jerry L. Davis ZOOLOGY David Duvall

"BringingDreams to Life" for Brian Frye

B

rian Frye, a geography sophomore from Derby, Kan., is one of several students who has received tuition assistance through gifts made by Mark and Becky Munson to the College of Arts and Sciences Scholarship Program. Brian's dream, after completing his education, is to teach at the college level. Both Munsons attended OSU in the '70s. Now a Stillwater orthopedic surgeon, Mark says he and Becky feel that "giving back" is important.

"I am very gratefulfor havinga broad-basedA&S educationand I believe

it has help~dme throughoutmy medicalcareer,"Munson says. "TheA&S ScholarshipProgramis one way Beckyand I can show our gratitudeto the universityand help the next generationof students."

Your contribution to the A&S Scholarship Fund through the OSU Foundation can make a real difference for students like Brian. For more information about the Scholarship Program and the "Bringing

Dreams to Life" campaign,

development, at (405) 744-7274,

contact Jeanne Short, director

or (800) 622-4678.

of

I I

•

.

TheCompol9nlorOSU