July 3, 2008

In an incredible demonstration of loyalty and support, OSU announced July 3 that about 900 individuals, companies and foundations donated $66.8 million in the last six weeks to create a multitude of endowed faculty positions that will touch nearly every college and campus across the OSU System. 

The College of Arts and Sciences received some of the support including a $1 million gift from Chesapeake Energy Corporation for a faculty chair in the Pickens School of Geology.

Jean Van Delinder, chair of the OSU faculty council and associate professor of sociology, said, “Like everyone else, OSU faculty members have been amazed and delighted at the generous response of OSU supporters.

“I commend Boone Pickens and President Hargis for their leadership on this initiative," Van Delinder said. "Endowed positions allow OSU to attract and retain the best faculty and we look forward to the tremendous impact this will have on academics at OSU.” 

July 3, 2008

Shelia Kennison, an associate professor of psychology at OSU, is one of 30 mid-career psychologists in the U.S. selected to attend an inaugural Leadership Institute for Women in Psychology on Aug. 12 in Boston.

The Institute is sponsored by the American Psychological Association. “The goal is to increase the number of female psychologists holding institutional leadership positions in academic and other professional settings,” said Kennison who has been at OSU since 2000.

“It’s not surprising that Dr. Kennison was selected for this Institute," said Maureen Sullivan, professor and head of the psychology department. "She has done an excellent job of expanding her role at OSU and in promoting the presence of psychology at the local, state and national level."