I am very fortunate to be here at an especially exciting time for the college and for Oklahoma State University. In addition to our dedicated personnel, approximately $100 million of state-appropriated funds will come to Arts and Sciences to refurbish Murray Hall and construct a new interdisciplinary science building. Nearly all of our departments will benefit from improved space. Additionally, the university recognized our music program through the provision of $1 million for instruments, a sound system and marching band uniforms. The general theme of our 2005 Arts & Sciences magazine, “reaching out,” shows how core Arts and Sciences disciplines provide a foundation preparing our students for the challenges and opportunities in the world outside the university. In these pages, you will discover a few of the real-world connections we see every day. Through the support received from alumni, foundations and corporate donors, we continue our dedication to educational innovation. Suzy Thompson, senior development officer, has done an outstanding job, and we now have a second development officer and added support for A&S development. Most exciting this year is Devon Energy’s vision of an undergraduate teaching laboratory linking our students with their geologists in the field. The Devon partnership, funded at $2.3 million, is a prime example of “reaching out” that ensures our students the best connections between the corporate and academic worlds. We thank you for your support and for your excitement about our future. You are key partners with us as we reach beyond the university walls and seek to ensure the college’s role in effectively serving Oklahoma, as we invest in our future. Peter Sherwood, Dean College of Arts & Sciences Reaching June 30, 2005, marked the end of my first year as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. This exciting time brought my wife, Gillian, and me a very warm welcome from the Stillwater community, a significant wardrobe of orange garments (Gillian even has an orange watch!) and lessons in OSU’s wonderful traditions and history. Getting to know the faculty, staff and students of our 24 departments is a joy. Our student body consists of a quality found in the very best universities. This year, OSU fostered two of the 35 national Gates scholars, one of whom, Joel Halcomb, is an Arts and Sciences student. Dr. Bob Graalman, director of scholar development, inspires and connects our outstanding students with opportunities through such prestigious scholarships. Further impressive is the quality of our faculty and the potential for further growth and development with nearly 50 new faculty members expected for fall. It is an equal pleasure to work with and recognize an excellent group of associate deans and support staff. Out DEAN’S MESSAGE pPeter Sherwood, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, is pictured at center in this photograph of the May 2005 graduation processional. Keely James
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