CAS CONNECT 2014

Arts and Sciences Magazine is a publication of the Oklahoma State University College of Arts and Sciences. All communications should be mailed to OSU College of Arts and Sciences ATTN: Arts and Sciences Magazine 205 Life Sciences East Stillwater, OK 74078-3015 Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Higher Education Act), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, or status as a veteran, in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This provision includes, but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services. The following have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 408 Whitehurst, OSU, Stillwater, OK 74078-1035; Phone 405-744-9154; email: eeo@okstate.edu. This publication, issued by Oklahoma State University as authorized by the College of Arts & Sciences, was printed by University Printing Services at a cost of $6,700/6M. #5546 10/14 2 0 1 4 © OK L AHOMA S TAT E UN I V E R S I T Y 2014 v16 Editor Dorothy L. Pugh ’83 Art Director Paul V. Fleming ’90/’00 Photographers Phi l Shockley Gary Lawson ’83 Writers Brian Petrotta Jamie Hadwin Shelby Holcomb C A S . O K S T A T E . E D U 12 On the Cover Tom Cox ( l e f t ) and Ca r l os Co r dova a r e l ead i ng OSU ’s r esea r ch i n t o t he He l ena mammo t h . Pho t o : Ph i l Shock l ey / Un i ve r s i t y Ma r ke t i ng Col lege of Arts and Sciences Dean Bret Dani lowicz Senior Director for Development Lauren Kidd Communications Coordinator Brian Petrotta s t a f f 2 Still ‘The Natural’ Fo rme r OSU and p r o f ess i ona l mi xed ma r t i a l a r t s f i gh t e r Randy Cou t u r e i s t ak i ng h i s t a l en t s i n a va r i e t y o f d i r ec t i ons t oday. 20 Playing Behind Bars Ass i s t an t ac t i ng p r o f esso r Jod i J i nks t akes a c r ew o f s t uden t s t o an Ok l ahoma p r i son f o r he r Ar t sA l oud-OSU p r o j ec t p l a y b i l l YEAR INDICATES OSU COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES GRADUATES. PHOTO / BRIAN PETROTTA 16 Creating ‘Good Citizens’ V i s i t i ng po l i t i ca l sc i ence p r o f esso r Br andon Leno i r has he l ped i ns t i ga t e t he “OSU Deba t e Se r i es : Dec i s i on 2014 ” t o p i que s t uden t i n t e r es t i n po l i t i cs .