OSU/A&M Board of Regents approve OSU’s budget for fiscal year 2027
On June 12, 2026, OSU/A&M Board of Regents approved OSU’s budget for fiscal year 2027 –including a tuition increase.
The FY 2027 budget for Oklahoma State University’s System, the largest university system in Oklahoma, is $1.89 billion, which is the total budget for OSU’s entire system. $1.16 billion of OSU’s System’s $1.89 billion budget
goes toward general university operations.
The newly approved budget also includes tuition and mandatory fees changes for students attending OSU-Stillwater, OSU-Tulsa, OSUIT, OSU-Oklahoma City, OSU-CHS and
the College of Veterinary Medicine. This will be the university’s first tuition and mandatory fee increase in four years, and the second increase in eight years.
See BUDGET on page 3
Minimum wage increase fails to go through
On Tuesday, the issue of Oklahoma’s minimum wage was rejected by voters after being a prominent topic for several years.
State Question 832 would have meant an increased minimum pay from $7.25 an hour to $15 by the year 2029 in Oklahoma.
The State Chamber was originally against the idea and tried to stop the proposal from reaching ballots, but after being unsuccessful, Gov. Kevin Stitt set the election date back in 2024.
Oklahoma has not been the only state to vote on this topic as the Economic Policy Institute stated that “There have been 28 states and D.C. that have changed their minimum wage law since 2014.” However, even with other states making this change, from the beginning, Oklahoma continued to face a large debate.
If minimum wage were to be raised, the challenges many Oklahomans face could have possibly been a less prevalent issue, but ultimately not enough voters were in support of the idea and it was overruled in Tuesday’s primary election.
See WAGE on page 3
How OSU students tell their story through fashion
Addisen McBride O’COLLY CONTRIBUTOR
On any given day during the school year, campus doubles as a runway for Oklahoma State University professor Crystal Emerson. Each look tells a story before a student ever speaks. Whether it be fishnet stockings paired with Doc Martens, cowboy boots clicking across the pavement, or a flash of designer ballet flats between classes – Emerson notices these different looks amongst campus as she walks to her own class with her outfit perfectly curated to match her lecture for the day. She enjoys the subliminal messages sent from
person to person through their way of dressing.
Intentional or not, she is reminded of why she loves fashion and selfexpression and she chose a career where she can teach others and continue to learn about fashion, how it impacts and is impacted by the world around her.
“It can get quite complex when you think about the messages that are being sent by the person wearing the clothing and those messages being received and interpreted by another,” Emerson said. “I love pondering that complexity.”
See FASHION on page 4
Natalie Koepp, The O’Colly
The Whitehurst building has stood at the heart of OSU’s campus since 1926.
Kalina Williams STAFF REPORTER
Payton Little, The O’Colly
Chris’ University Spirit store is located on Campus Corner, which is on Knoblock at the southwest corner of OSU’s campus.
Caleson Coon EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Payton Little, The O’Colly Starbucks barista, Kyleigh prepares a drink at Starbucks in Stillwater.
Whether it’s a rushed outfit thrown on before an 8 a.m. class, or a carefully styled look inspired by social media, what students wear rarely goes unnoticed. On a campus filled with diverse backgrounds and identities, clothing can carry different meanings. People use fashion to express identity and how clothing can shape first impressions.
“When a person adorns their body with clothing, they’re telling their personal story,” Emerson said. “That story may range from something as simple as “I feel physically cold today so I’ll bundle up in a functional coat” to a more complex narrative regarding their inner struggles, hopes, or ideals.”
Emerson said a way she experiences the messages that the younger generations are expressing through dress is to just walk across campus. These different styles and stories give a brief glimpse into those who make up OSU’s student body.
Far From Home
The glow of the rectangular screen reflects onto her face as Elena Johnson, beauty content creator and OSU mass communications graduate assistant, scrolls through her curated TikTok feed. She passes through dozens of different videos with each containing the latest makeup, hair and beauty trends, while also replying to comments from other creators and brands.
“Self-expression is really important because it’s a way for you to show who you are to others without even saying anything, I feel like it’s kind of the first impression that people get when they see you,” Johnson said.
Johnson moved to Oklahoma her freshman year of high school from Utah, and this is where she first started to really put an effort into her appearance. She recalled the culture shock moving from Utah to Oklahoma.
“There’s definitely a lot of different fashion trends there with the culture that comes from the LDS church and Mormonism,” Johnson said.
Social media became an outlet for Johnson to express her creativity and use her stylistic freedom. She began to post content about different aspects of her life, but the most successful videos were ones about her makeup routines, tutorials and reviews.
Mix and Match
Each morning, Ruby Charlton, OSU mass communications masters student from Cline Falls, Ore., plans her outfit as she scans her closet, concocting the perfect combination of colors and patterns to match her mood for the day.
“I like to look eccentric, but still kind of fit in the everyday lifestyle,” Charlton said. “I get really dressed up to go to class just because it makes me feel good.”
Charlton said that she dresses for success everyday and that this mindset keeps her motivated and feeling her best no matter the task ahead. She feels like whether the intention is vain or not, people can initially judge others based on how they look. It isn’t necessarily bad but just gives off a first impression of someone.
“I think if you have a good way of dressing and looking, it just makes you feel better,” Charlton said. “So therefore, confidence and success comes with that.”
On Brand
For this pair of friends, style isn’t about standing out like Charlton, it’s about staying true to who they are and what Jessie Cochran, sophomore agriculture business major, and Trenton Womack, sophomore marketing major, represented.
Womack said that as a marketing major having a brand is important, and that the way you dress and carry yourself is part of this.
Cochran has already begun to promote his brand by creating baseball caps embroidered with his own logo. He gives these hats to his friends for now but plans to use them as a point of recognition for his business.
Delaney Waterman STAFF REPORTER
Stuck on where to find your go-to coffee place? Here are some local coffee shops for you try.
Sprinkled all across Stillwater are quaint, local coffee shops. From coffee, to tea, to matcha and even noncaffinated options, each menu has something unique to try. Whether the goal is to study for an upcoming exam, catch up with friends, or simply indulge in a small treat, there are plenty of options throughout the town.
Aspen Coffee Company — 1908 N Perkins Rd, Stillwater, OK – Lakeview — 111 W 7th Avenue, Stillwater, OK – Downtown — 323 S Western Rd, Stillwater, OK – Fountain Square — 139 S Duck St, Stillwater, OK - Drive-thru only
Located on 9th, Balanced is only a short distance away from Main Street – making for a convenient stop while out shopping or strolling the popular boutiques or vintage mall on main.Balanced, open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., also features both sweetened and pure ceremonial grade matcha, which are often reinvented for seasonal specials. Sweets are made in-house, ranging from cookies to muffins to loaves. The back room of Balanced can also be rented out for any event or party. For those interested in bringing balanced to an event, you can book the Mobile Coffee Bar for a minimum of two hours of full service for all the coffee lovers and friends.
7OpenA Cafe — 823 W University Ave, Stillwater, OK
and jeans are common. For example, OSU’s mascot is a “cowboy”. This culture and way of life is represented.
“The way you dress tells a lot about a person for sure,” Cochran said.
Sentimental Value
Freshman sports media major Mason Humphner reflects on a different memory with each garment he explains, telling the story of his unique and eclectic style that mirrors his outgoing personality. From his curly blonde hair to his 80’s geometric patterned button down shirt, there’s a story behind the look.
“Chuck Taylor’s for me are kind of like an ongoing thing between me and my mom, any holiday, any birthday or anything,” Humphner said. “She’s like ‘Well, what do you want for your birthday?’ I’m like, ‘I’ll take a size 12 classic Chuck Taylor.’” Humphner, from Rogers, Ark., said it’s a tradition that reminds him of his family, and since he has found other niches and hobbies that he loves. Humphner said his style reflects his personality.
Influences from all over the world
From Italy to Australia to Stillwater, Ainsley Larcombe, a sophomore business marketing major from Whitesboro, TX., recalls her ever changing childhood and how moving around growing up influenced her style and outlook on life.
“It’s just an incorporation and a little bit of a pizzazz to each outfit,” Larcombe said. Larcombe said her parents are originally from Australia and traveled around the world for her father’s profession of reigning horse training. She was born in Italy before her family moved back to Australia and then to the states, where she now attends OSU and is a member of the Equestrian team.
“I come from a Western background and an equestrian background, so I always like to incorporate that a little bit into my outfits,” Larcombe said. “I like European, chic timeless, good basics, classic pieces, stuff that never goes out of style.” Larcombe said she feels like her travels have shaped her as a person and affected her outlook on life and given her a broader lens. Classy, chic and timeless are adjectives Larcombe used to describe the way she dresses. Continued from 1
Johnson said that being in a new place was stressful and nerve wracking since she wanted to fit in, so she made adjustments and stayed in tune with the trends at the time.
Cochran and Womack discuss the details of their outfits, both dressed in Wrangler jeans, western shirts, cowboy boots and cowboy hats. Cochran said it is evident what group they fall into at OSU, and that since agriculture is such a big part of Oklahoma State, it is represented through the way students dress. In Oklahoma western styles like boots
With four locations in town and hours varying on location, Aspen Coffee Company has roots that run deep in Stillwater. Since 1994, Aspen has been roasting coffee in small batches, and making for a fresher taste. Each drink is made specially by hand and never by an automatic machine.
The Duck street location is drive-thru only, which makes it a perfect quick stop for caffeine while you’re out and about or getting your start to a long day. For those interested in a new study space, the downtown location on 7th street is the smallest, quietest destination. The other locations, Lakeview and Fountain Square, have various seating options and a more expansive menu to serve as a place to catch up, journal to yourself or have a seat for a sweet treat.
The Coffee House — 519 W 3rd Avenue, Stillwater, OK
Located on 3rd Avenue and directly in the Campus Corner area on Knoblock street, The Coffee House sits on the outskirts of campus.
A non-profit business, The Coffee House has served Stillwater since its rebrand in 2008. The University Heights Baptist Church, owner of the building, donates locally and internationally.
Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekday, The Coffee House serves as a great place to read, unwind and study, while also serving as a place for students to earn volunteer time. It also offers more than just coffee as the menu features several different types of tea, lemonade and matcha. There are four house specialties, including the “Stilly Dilly” and “Okie Dokie” espresso-based drinks.
Balanced Coffee Co. — 120 E. 9th, Suite 2, Stillwater, OK
Established in 2017, Balanced Coffee Co. has been voted the “Best Coffee Shop” in town for three years running.
Located on the edge of The Strip, this cafe is the definition of quaint and cozy. A former mobile-only shop in Morrison, Oklahoma, 7OpenA Cafe found its permanent home at The Wesley in 2023. For those interested in caffeine, but aren’t a fan of coffee, 7OpenA Cafe features a variety of Redbull Infusions and sodas that can be customized with any flavor and creamer. The coffee brewed at this cafe is from ChicaBean, a woman-owned business that is rooted in Guatemala. In partnership with Thrive Flower Farm, the cafe also features $12 bouquets all year round, with payment through Venmo.
For those wanting to stop by through the school year to study, chat or take a breather, there is comfort waiting in couches, tables and other seating options that make for a relaxing environment while remaining close to campus in the middle of classes.
7 Open A is closed for the summer, but will return to its normal hours of operation on Aug. 3rd.
The Windmill Coffee Shop — 520 Kinnick Rd, Stillwater, OK
Operating from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., or 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, The Windmill Coffee Shop is a drive-thru location settled just off of Highway 51, where flavors change frequently based on season and availability. Despite being drive-thru only, this shop has several benches and tables outside for customers to spend time around.
To elevate your latte, The Windmill’s menu features several types of soft top, ranging from “Strawberry Shortcake to Thin Mint.” The sweets are all made from scratch and rotate based on the baker’s choice. Breakfast and lunch items also rotate based on season, whether it be cinnamon rolls or egg sandwiches. Just under six miles from campus, The Windmill Coffee Shop offers sweet service and pastries for all to enjoy.
news.ed@ocolly.com
Payton Little, The O’Colly
Chris’ University Spirit store employee, Garrett reorganizes products for more efficient shopping.
“Oklahoma State University remains committed to keeping higher education affordable and accessible for Oklahoma students and families. Over the past four years, OSU has held tuition flat despite significant inflationary pressures and rising operational costs, including increases tied to utilities, technology, employee compensation, facilities and student support services. In fact, OSU has held tuition flat in six of the last eight years,” said Mack Burke, associate director of media relations for OSU, in an email. “This is a necessary step to ensure OSU can continue delivering the high-quality education, student support and research excellence students and families expect. Even with this adjustment, Oklahoma State University remains more affordable than the national average for major public research universities.”
Undergraduate students
For in-state students, OSUStillwater and OSU-Tulsa will receive a 4.75% increase in tuition and mandatory fees, while room
and meal plans will remain flat.
The increase will be $14.60 per credit hour or approximately $438 annually if based upon 30 credit hours, which is a full-time student.
The 2025-2026 tuition and mandatory fee rates were a total of $180.55 and $127.55 for instate students and was a total of $308.10.
For out-of-state, undergraduate students, there will be an increase of $39.15 per credit hour.
The 2025-2026 rates for tuition and mandatory fees were $697.90 in tuition and $127.55 in mandatory fees, which is a total of $825.45.
“Mandatory fees differ from tuition in that they are earmarked for specific purposes,” said Laurie Beets, bursar and director of student loans/debt management at OSU. “For example, the Library Automation and Materials Fee is dedicated to funding books, journals and other resources provided to students through Edmon Low Library.”
Graduate students
For in-state graduate students at Stillwater and Tulsa campus’, there will be a 4.75% or $17.15 per credit hour increase.
For out-of-state graduates,
NEwS
there will also be a 4.75% or $47.80 per credit hour increase. The annual amounts will be based upon 24 credit hours for graduate students.
According to a statement released by OSU on June 12, the university is being intentional in regards to expanding scholarship support and financial aid opportunities to help students and families.
“Oklahoma State University has worked very hard to keep higher education affordable and accessible for students and families across Oklahoma,” said OSU President Jim Hess in the release statement. “Students are at the center of every decision we make, and this adjustment helps ensure we can continue investing in academic programs, career readiness and the overall student experience that prepares our graduates to meet the challenges facing our state.”
The statement also included that even with this increase, OSU remains more affordable than the national average when compared to other major public research universities.
In his email, Burke wrote,
“In a span of 10 years inflation has increased 38.9% — almost 40%. A student paying OSU tuition in FY 26 is getting roughly a 20-percentage point realdollar discount compared to what tuition would have been had it kept pace with inflation since FY16.”
In the 2025-2026 school year, OSU launched what is known as “The Code Calls.”
In the statement, OSU said it
is a comprehensive branding and $2 billion fundraising initiative. It is said to include investments in student scholarships and support services.
In addition to approvals, the board added the university’s upcoming plan of what is called, “Answering the Call: A strategic vision for the State’s University,” which will launch come fall.
If enough votes were counted in support of the proposal, then the wage amount would have gradually increased from $7.25/hr to $15/hr by 2029.
This sparked debate on what the economy and society in Oklahoma would look like and led many to argue that this would cause an increase in the affordability of living, while others argued that it’s a necessary change that could increase an individual’s lifestyle.
Those against the idea were specifically worried that consumers would be forced to give more money to businesses, while those in favor noticed the change would assist with the rising cost of goods such as groceries, gas and housing.
The overall goal was to help eliminate poverty and give many the chance to have an improved lifestyle, especially in smaller towns that don’t have large sources of income and struggle to keep up with inflation.
In heavily populated cities, worry was shown that the economy was going to be made worse and goods become more expensive, but in smaller towns the raise would help those who are living paycheck to paycheck or their rainy-day funds.
Raise the Wage Oklahoma is a group that has been continuously fighting for the increase in pay for working Oklahomans. According to The Oklahoman, “Raise the
Wage Oklahoma argued that the increase would benefit about 350,000 workers across the state.”
In Stillwater, a large part that goes toward the economy is having Oklahoma State University’s student population, and with that comes thousands of students looking for part-time and fulltime jobs each year.
With the cost of not only necessities but also tuition, it may be difficult for students to afford school and the necessities they need.
Despite students having jobs and being able to work, sometimes the amount paid isn’t enough to help them
live comfortably and without worry.
According to the United States Census Bureau, Stillwater has a 27.4% poverty rate which primarily comes from college students needing to live off a low income. This percentage is more than double of the national average.
Oklahoma State graduate student Lexus Dudley realizes the challenges going on in society today, but continues to wait with hope of a better outcome for Oklahomans.
“It’s already hard to find jobs and afford things in this economy,” Dudley said. “I feel like the issue is being swept under the rug.”
The increase would benefit Dudley’s ability to prepare for her upcoming plan of studying abroad. Dudley states that there are many things to be done before moving away, and it is not a cheap process.
“Since I’m going abroad for work after college, saving up now would help make things easier in the future,” Dudley said. “There’s a lot that goes into moving, so the wages being raised would’ve been beneficial.”
According to The Oklahoman, statistics at the conclusion of the vote showed that 55.4% of votes went against the proposal while
44.6% were in its favor. Although the outcome is not what many had hoped for, Dudley doesn’t want the fight for this issue to cease.
“I hope officials realize how many people this could help despite the economic worries,” Dudley said. “There are so many people who really wanted this and for good reason.”
While many Oklahomans were left discouraged by this decision, there is still a large number of those in support who believe that this proposal is still possible as they continue to fight in and for the future.
The Daily O’Collegian 2027 will be the first tuition raise for OSU in four years and the second in eight years.
Payton Little, The O’Colly
The average salary for a barista in Stillwater is $11.13 per hour in 2026, which is 31% below the national average.
Lifestyle
Netflix says goodbye to ‘Gilmore Girls’
Kaitlyn Robertson STAFF REPORTER
The small town of Stars Hollow is getting smaller as Netflix says goodbye to “Gilmore Girls” on June 30.
“Gilmore Girls,” a show created by Amy Sherman –Palladino, follows a young single mom, Lorelai Gilmore (Lauren Graham) and her daughter, Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel) and their journey through growing up, navigating friendships, family and small town life.
The show begins with Rory Gilmore starting at a new school and goes through building relationships outside of her small town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut. The ending comes when the mother and daughter duo have grown together building the life they have always dreamed of and hints toward the future they are creating with the people they have always loved.
The show also has love interests that fans fight over as the forever one, ‘Team Dean,’ ‘Team Jess’ or ‘Team Logan’ are phrases that can usually be found when discussing the show as the preferred love interest of Rory Gilmore. The two that hold most weight for the fans are ‘Team Jess’ or ‘Team Logan’ as ‘Team Dean ‘has been dubbed the wrong
choice by avid watchers of the entire series.
Other characters that make the show and why people adore it are Luke, the diner owner and recurring love interest of Lorelai Gilmore. Sooki, the chef and best friend of the girls, Kurt, a jack of all trades character that brings comedic timing when needed and Emily, the Matriarch of the Gilmore women that sometimes is the most sane person in the room.
“Gilmore Girls” originally aired October of 2000 on The WB, then changed networks when the original company was purchased for its final season in 2007 to The CW. During the original run of the show, it averaged 4.5 to 5 million viewers.
Most original fans started out watching the box sets and reruns before streaming services were popularized and Netflix picked it up in 2014 – bringing more life and love to the show. This love overflowed to the point that they created a four-part revival for the series titled “Gilmore Girls: A year in the life,” centered on the future and allowed fans to catch up with the beloved citizens of Stars Hollow.
Netflix having rights to the show created the next generation of fans who are now broken hearted to receive the news of its
leaving. Many have claimed to be “canceling Netflix,” because it was the only show they watched on the streaming service.
Social media has also been mourning the loss of the show on Netflix all week with fans reposting the announcement and their feeling of love toward the show. Many are telling stories of homesickness or community based around watching the show with friends or introducing the show to their college roommates. Then come the questions on social media of where to find it once June comes to an end, especially in time for their annual fall rewatch.
The only current streaming service to have the entirety of the series is Hulu and through Hulu, Disney +. Hulu posted the day after Netflix’s announcement with a single cast photo and the caption “Gang’s all here,” saving the fans loss of a comfort show, along with their fall rewatches.
The perfect day to start a fall rewatch is Sept. 22, the official first day of fall that carries right into the thanksgiving festivals and the smelling of snow to complete a slow rewatch into Christmas break to celebrate the fall semester.
‘Love & loss’: Olivia Rodrigo’s new album
Olivia Rodrigo once said, “my God, love’s embarrassing as hell,” three years later, she returns with a record that encapsulates every memory and misstep that resulted from a romantic relationship. The highly anticipated album, “You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love,” encapsulates the essence of falling in love and all it entails. In an interview with Zane Lowe, Rodrigo said “I think especially, with this album, which is sort of all about falling in love, I think falling love is a really volatile feeling, and I wanted the music sonically to reflect that.”
Once a Disney Channel star, pursuing songwriting served as a fresh start. If not for her acting career, it is the pop-punk power ballads that launched Rodrigo toward international fame.
With both “SOUR” and “GUTS,” Rodrigo found herself exploring the angst and insecurity that comes along in young
adulthood. Now at 23, Rodrigo has declared this album reflective of her first “big girl relationship.” Still maintaining a close partnership with Dan Nigro, this release is as creative lyrically as it is productionwise.
Debuting at No. 1, the lead single, “drop dead,” which arrived mid-April, details the euphoric beginnings of falling for a newfound love interest. It is the opening track for the album and sets the tone rather perfectly; love is lethal, but if you’re lucky, it sticks around for a little while. The song also gained heavy attraction on TikTok with over 10 million views for early leaks, which then inspired various trends.
“Drop dead” also became Rodrigo’s fourth No.1 hit and made Rodrigo the first artist in history to have lead singles from her first three albums debut at No. 1.
Yet, the ‘pretty sad’ part of the record becomes quite apparent after track seven, which is simply titled “purple.” Lyrically, the song refers to the 1982 hit, “I
Melt With You” by Modern English, which Rodrigo has “pre-selected” as her future wedding song. Rodrigo admitted to revisiting and revamping the track, which makes it the moment where “things start to sour and unravel.”
The uneasy new direction in “purple” only spirals as it shifts into “the cure,” which Rodrigo declared the “thesis statement” of the album. What started out as head-over-heels quickly took a tumble, with Rodrigo admitting, “the issues that you have can’t be solved by another person.”
The only feature on this record – and the only feature in Rodrigo’s discography thus far – is Robert Smith, who lends his vocals to the introspective track “what’s wrong with me.” Having debuted this duet live in Barcelona at the Primavera Sound festival, Rodrigo and Smith make for a unique gothpop pairing that bares it all.
Recently, there has been a sort of artistic revival when it comes to how this new music sounds.
SINCE 1957,
230
Stop in for fresh Fried Mushrooms or Pizza made to your liking!
Rodrigo, along with many other performers, has taken a step toward the 1980s for her inspiration. By weaving together the new wave and synth-pop of bands such as No Doubt and DEVO, Rodrigo practically reinvents the genres she adores.
From a direct reference in the title “the cure” to lyrical easter eggs hidden in “drop dead,” Rodrigo makes it known that she is a lifelong fan of Smith’s gothic rock band, The Cure. Her admiration for Smith and other innovative artists of that time sprouts from her father, Chris.
As euphoric as it begins, regret will follow when it ends. That is especially true of the closing track, “cigarette smoke.” Clocking in at Rodrigo’s longest song – 5:30 – she spends each second wishing her memories would fade.
In just under an hour, Rodrigo successfully recounted the raw, unseen side of the past two years of her life. From the first chord, this album successfully proves that life is complex, heartfelt
and ever-changing. When love is added into
vulnerable becomes
and if anyone knows how to portray that musically, it’s Rodrigo herself.
TIME OF GOD’S FAVOR!
“Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” (Is.55:6 NIV)
It is worthwhile to take the time; to stop and consider your way of life and make resolutions; new steps to take to make your life more meaningful or productive. Maybe you are doing this, or maybe you have just given up on the whole idea.
Can you remember when you were a child, how time went by so slowly? It seemed like it took forever for the holidays to arrive. Now time passes so swiftly; the years seem to rush by. The turn of the century seemed so far away when I was younger. Now we are nearly twenty years into the 21st century.
I want to encourage you to stop and consider your life; especially the remainder. None of us know when our life may end. Jesus spoke of those who
would come into their purposes in the “eleventh hour;” right at the end of life’s work day.(Mt.20) You may think that it is too late to turn your life over to Christ; there is such little time left on “your calendar.” Yet, those who come in at the “eleventh hour” will receive the same wages as those who labored the whole day. We need to work in God’s purpose for our lives while we still have time. The Bible tells us the time is coming when “no man can work.” (Jn.9:4)
As you set your heart and get definite about trusting God with your life and serving him, you will find wonderful opportunities will open for you. You see God has his purposes for you planned out, and he will begin to open doors that you know nothing about. There will be such great satisfaction in serving and finishing what he has for you to accomplish. When your life does end, and it will, you will be so glad you have followed Christ. The Bible tells us that your labor for him is not in vain. (1 Co.15:58)
the mix, the
volatile,
Courtesy Creative Commons
The entire show of “Gilmore Girls” will still be available on Hulu and Disney+ after it leaves Netflix June 30.
Delaney Waterman STAFF REPORTER
Courtesy Creative Commons
Fun fact: Before becoming a multi-Grammy-winning singersongwriter and Disney star, Olivia Rodrigo’s first on-screen gig was a national Old Navy back-to-school commercial.
Friday, June 19, 2026
Kemboi and Molenhouse lead OSU’s AllAmerica haul at NCAA Championships
The Oklahoma State men’s and women’s track and field teams combined for multiple All-America honors at the NCAA Outdoor Championships from June 1013 in Eugene, Oregon.
Cowboy freshman Kevin Kemboi stole the spotlight in the triple jump, placing second with his leap of 16.84 meters. The jump earned first-team All-America honors and extended his own school record.
Senior Annie Molenhouse capped off her collegiate career by scoring 5,971 points in the heptathlon, good for sixth place. Molenhouse becomes the second Cowgirl in program history to receive first-team All-America honors in the event.
In the 10,000-meter, Denis Kipngetich finished fourth with a time of 28:02.24. It marked the junior’s third consecutive season of earning outdoor All-America honors.
Fellow Cowboy Adisu Guadia finished 13th in the same race, making him a second-
team All-American. Kipngetich later saw action in the 5,000-meter, where he raced to an 11th-place finish, shortly behind junior Brian Musau, who came in sixth. Musau’s time of 13:47.18 earned him his ninth career first-team All-America honor.
Back on the field, hammerthrow duo Burklie Burton and Rachel Neaves placed 12th and 15th, respectively. The pair garnered secondteam All-America honors, and Neaves leaves OSU ranked third in school history for the event.
In the decathlon, senior Steven Schmidt finished 13th with 7,479 points. The secondteam All-American is the first Cowboy ever to earn AllAmerica honors in the event.
Sophomore Laban Kipkemboi also finished 13th in the 3,000-meter steeplechase preliminaries. His time of 8:27.99 is a new personal best and the third fastest in program history.
Senior Kaylie Politza recorded a time of 2:02.37 in the 800-meter prelims, good for 17th place, while the Cowboys’ 4x400-meter squad
of Will Bynum, Mason Page, Riley McGowan and Charlie Thorne finished in 20th. Both performances resulted in honorable mention AllAmerica honors. Sophomore Isca Chelangat rounded out the action in the women’s 5,000-meter, placing 22nd overall.
The Cowboys accumulated 16 points over the four-day meet and tied Oklahoma for 16th place in the team standings, while the Cowgirls earned three points to finish tied for 57th.
sports.ed@ocolly.com
Pearson Gillam STAFF REPORTER
Connor Fuxa, The O’Colly
Oklahoma State head coach Dave Smith smiling after the Cowboys XC team won the Big 12 Championships race at Rim Rock Farm, in Lawrence, Kansas, on Oct.31.
Sports
OSU baseball lands first portal addition in Utah pitcher Soder
Oklahoma State baseball added another offensive weapon on Sunday with its second transfer portal commitment of the offseason.
Morehead State sophomore infielder Aubrey Kearns is transferring to OSU, he announced on his X account. He joins Utah right-handed pitcher Kaden Soder in transferring to the Cowboys.
Kearns was one of the premier players in the Ohio Valley Conference as a sophomore, posting a .387/.471/.622 slash line and a 1.093 OPS with 12 home runs, 13 doubles, 59 runs and 59 RBIs while marking a 154 wRC+ in all 55 games played in 54 starts. He ranked in the top 10 in multiple categories in the conference: third in batting average, second in hits (84), tied for fourth in RBIs, eighth in OPS and fourth in total bases (135). Kearns ended the
season on a nine-game hitting streak, led the team with 27 multiple-hit games and hit safely in 47 of the 55 games played. He also hit .511 when leading off an inning and .410 with runners in scoring position.
Kearns earned All-OVC First Team honors as a designated hitter.
As a freshman, Kearns hit .240 with six home runs, three doubles, three triples and 23 RBI while recording 10 multihit games.
With two seasons of eligibility, Kearns can help continue the trend of powerful offenses that head coach Josh Holliday has produced during his tenure, including this season, when OSU ranked second nationally with 150 home runs.
With infielders Aidan Meola and Colin Brueggemann exhausting their eligibility, Kearns could help fill key openings in the Cowboys’ infield entering the 2027 season.
Will Thorogood STAFF REPORTER
After losing three pitchers to the transfer portal, Oklahoma State added its first portal commitment of the offseason Friday with former Utah righthander Kaden Soder. With his transfer announcement on Friday via his X account, Soder is attending his fourth school in his collegiate career.
Before he began his long journey in college baseball, Soder played at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was part of a team coached by Chris Sheff that won the state championship in 2023. With the Gaels, he was named First-Team All-District, All-Region and All-State.
After redshirting at Oregon in 2023, Soder spent the next two seasons at the College of Southern Nevada.
He made just two appearances in 2024, pitching 1 2/3 innings with two strikeouts and three walks.
2025 was a breakout year for Soder. In 16 appearances, including 15 starts, he logged 76 2/3 innings, allowing 36 runs while striking out 95 batters. The performance earned him ACCAC Pitcher of the Year, First-Team AllConference and First-Team All-Region honors.
At Utah this past season, Soder appeared in 14 games and pitched 22 1/3 innings. He struck out 28 batters while holding opponents to a .222 batting average.
As OSU pitching coach Blake Hawksworth looks to revamp the pitching staff, the addition of Soder is a step in that process. The former Utah right-hander joins a Cowboys bullpen that returns much of its relief corps from 2026. Catherine Dzanski, The O’Colly
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OSU baseball lands Wake Forest transfer Wood
Will Thorogood STAFF REPORTER
Oklahoma State continued its offseason pitching rebuild Tuesday, as former Wake Forest right-hander Tyler Wood announced his transfer to the Cowboys on Instagram.
Wood arrives in Stillwater with three years of eligibility remaining after spending his freshman year with the Demon Deacons.
In high school, he played at Lee’s Summit West in Missouri. As a senior, he helped lead the Titans to a district championship
and a 21-18 overall record.
With Lee’s Summit West, Wood’s pitching arsenal included a fastball at 91-96 mph, a slider at 82-84 mph and a changeup at 84-86 mph according to Perfect Game. Wood was rated as the thirdoverall prospect and second-best pitching prospect in Missouri by Perfect Game. In the Perfect Game Class of 2025 national player rankings, Wood was ranked as the No. 139 player. Interestingly, OSU infielder Terrance Bowen was ranked one spot behind Wood at No. 140. Wood was originally
committed to Tennessee, but flipped his commitment to Wake Forest in August 2025. With Wake Forest, he saw limited action, making four appearances and pitching 1 1/3 innings. Wood allowed one hit, four earned runs and seven walks while opponents batted .200 against him. He becomes the Cowboys’ third addition through the portal this offseason, adding another young arm to a pitching staff undergoing significant turnover.
sports.ed@ocolly.com
Utah right-hander Kaden Soder joins Oklahoma State through the transfer portal.
Chance Marick, The O’Colly Morehead State infielder Aubrey Kearns adds infield depth for the Cowboys after transferring to OSU.
Kaitlyn Robertson, The O’Colly Wake Forest right-hander Tyler Wood is a pitching addition for Oklahoma State via the transfer portal.
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OSU softball lands Utah catcher Proctor
OSU softball adds Houston two-way standout Hartley
Ryan Ruston STAFF REPORTER
Oklahoma State softball added versatility with its second transfer portal commitment of the offseason.
Former Houston Cougar two-way player Madison Hartley announced her commitment to OSU Saturday evening. She joins Kennedy Proctor as the Cowgirls’ second commitment out of the portal.
As a freshman, Hartley appeared in 23 games in the circle and logged 41 innings with a 4.95 ERA. At the plate, she hit .264 with five home runs and six doubles.
She broke out as a sophomore and emerged as one of the Big 12’s top power hitters.
In her sophomore season, Hartley earned All-Big 12 Second Team honors and was named the No. 6 utility player in the nation midseason by Softball America.
Hartley raised her batting average to .345 while leading Houston in batting average,
home runs and RBIs. She posted a 1.314 OPS (fourth most in Big 12) with 10 doubles and 20 home runs while starting every game for the Cougars.
Hartley did not appear in the circle for the Cougars after March 29 and had struggled prior to that. She had an 18.38 ERA in only eight innings pitched.
Only a junior, pitching coach Carrie Eberle Parker can transform Hartley from more of a depth arm in the circle to someone the Cowgirls could lean on to throw meaningful innings.
Hartley primarily played first base and would slot into the designated player slot for the majority of this past season for the Cougars. She would fill in for Lexi McDonald, who graduated, if Karli Godwin stays at second base.
OSU softball added versatility with its second transfer portal commitment of the offseason.
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Logan
Cole STAFF REPORTER
Oklahoma State softball added its first transfer portal commitment of the offseason Thursday.
Utah catcher Kennedy Proctor joins the Cowgirls after two seasons in Salt Lake City, where she developed into one of the nation’s top offensive catchers.
As a sophomore last season for the Utes, Proctor batted .338 in 55 starts, and a .706 slugging rate that put her in range with some of the Big 12’s best hitters.
She also finished with 14 home runs and 41 RBIs.
It was her freshman season that put her on the map.
Proctor earned D1Softball Freshman All-America First Team honors and second-team All-Big 12 recognition in 2025. Before beginning her collegiate career, she was a three-sport
letterwinner in softball, volleyball and flag football at Tesoro High School.
Proctor, a Rancho Santa Margarita, California native, joins the Cowgirls roster as another piece of an offense that found its rhythm as the season went on.
While the Cowgirls do return home run leader Rosie Davis, Proctor slots into the empty catcher spot, filling a void left by Amanda Hasler and Audrey Schneidmiller, who both graduated after the season.
Proctor is likely the first of several portal additions for the Cowgirls this offseason. It’s expected that OSU will be in the running for pitching talent, with ace Ruby Meylan and starter RyLee Crandall graduating, and the recent announcement of Preslee Downing’s entry into the transfer portal.
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Cowgirls add former All-American Lewis from Wisconsin
Marcus Mesis STAFF REPORTER
Oklahoma State softball adds a left-handed bat with upside in the circle.
Head coach Kenny Gajewski and Co. earned a commitment from former Wisconsin pitcher and utility player Kendra Lewis on Wednesday afternoon.
After having only one consistent two-way player in recent seasons, Gajewski and his staff have made an effort to add more versatility this offseason. Lewis joins fellow transfer portal commits Kennedy Proctor (Utah) and Madison Hartley (Houston) as two-way options for the Cowgirls next spring.
Lewis, a left-handed hitter and right-handed pitcher from Milan, Ill., emerged as one of the best freshmen
in the country in 2025. She earned All-Big Ten First Team and All-Freshman Team honors while also being named an NFCA Third Team All-American.
Lewis led the Badgers with a .408 batting average, .650 slugging percentage and .442 on-base percentage. She added seven home runs and four doubles to go along with 39 RBIs. In the circle, Lewis pitched 39 2/3 innings with a 5.12 ERA, striking out 24 and walking only 12.
This past season, Lewis took a step back from her All-American form while remaining one of Wisconsin’s top contributors. In 54 games, Lewis slashed .333/.432/.519 with seven home runs and 35 RBIs. She drew 28 walks while striking out only six times in 156 atbats.
In the circle in 2026, Lewis took on a heavier workload than in her freshman campaign. She threw 58 2/3 innings, going 5-3 with two saves and posted a 5.49 ERA with 37 strikeouts and 24 walks.
Lewis gives pitching coach Carrie Eberle Parker another option in the circle while also adding a proven bat to the lineup. After logging nearly 100 innings and posting strong offensive numbers during her two seasons at Wisconsin, she brings experience on both sides of the ball to Stillwater.
When not in the circle, Lewis could slot into the designated player role, either corner outfield spot or potentially first base.
Lewis will have two years of eligibility remaining.
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Chance Marick, The O’Colly
Utah catcher Kennedy Proctor is Oklahoma State’s first transfer portal addition.
Trey Creel, The O’Colly Houston utility player Madison Hartley joins the Cowgirls.
Trey Creel, The O’Colly Wisconsin utility player Kendra Lewis adds a two-way option for Oklahoma State.
Cowboys to host Saint Mary’s in nonconference matchup
Basketball season may be months away, but the buzz is already in the air.
Oklahoma State announced the first game of its 14-game nonconference schedule Thursday, as the Cowboys will host Saint Mary’s at GallagherIba Arena on Dec. 5.
It marks the third meeting between the Cowboys and Gaels and the first since 1996. OSU won both previous matchups, including a 71-70 victory in 1996 on a Jason Skaer buzzer-beating 3-pointer. The Cowboys also defeated Saint Mary’s in 1946.
The Gaels are entering a new era, with Mickey McConnell replacing longtime coach Randy Bennett. McConnell spent the previous six seasons as an assistant under Bennett and played for Saint Mary’s from 200711, earning WCC Player of the Year honors as a senior. The Gaels were eliminated in the first round of last season’s NCAA Tournament, falling 63-50 to Texas A&M.
Steve Lutz and the Cowboys are aiming to reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2021. Lutz led the team to a 20-15 record last season and a 6-12 mark in Big 12 play. OSU’s season ended in the NIT with a 96-70 loss to Wichita State in the second round.
The Cowboys return four players from last season’s roster, with a potential fifth pending Parsa Fallah’s eligibility waiver, and added a highly regarded transfer portal class.
Lutz hinted during a media availability last week that the nonconference schedule was complete, with additional announcements expected in the coming weeks. sports.ed@ocolly.com
Chance Marick, The O’Colly