CAS CONNECT 2018

2 Changes Afoot New faces are appearing in the dean’s office at the College of Arts and Sciences. 8 Sum of Its Parts New department head Christopher Francisco is taking support for students in mathematics to new heights. 17 A Clear Path Farida Jalalzai is seeking input and introspection as she determines the future of the Department of Political Science. 32 Changing a Life Abigail Ferrell, an inaugural fellow of the Oklahoma State Scholars Society, says the scholarship is putting her on a new road to her future. 36 OSU to Harvard And onward to bright futures around the country are three OSU alumni who tell us how Stillwater prepared them for the Ivy League law school. 38 54 74 Plus … 28 Triumphant Trumpeters 34 OSUTeach Graduates 38 Born at OSU 40 Mayoral Success 42 Hall of Fame 17 32 CONNECT is a publ ication of the Oklahoma State University Col lege of Arts and Sciences and is designed to provide information on col lege activities and accompl ishments whi le fostering communication among the CAS fami ly and friends. WWW.CAS.OKSTATE.EDU The office of publication for CONNECT is 307 Whitehurst, Stillwater, OK 74078-1024. © 2018, CONNECT. All rights reserved. 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 discrimi- nate on the basis of race, color, national origin, genetic information, 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 Director of Equal Opportunity, 408 Whitehurst, OSU, Stillwater, OK 74078-1035; Phone 405-744-5371; email: eeo@okstate.edu has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies. Any person (student, faculty, or staff) who believes that discriminatory practices have been engaged in based on gender may discuss his or her concerns and file informal or formal complaints of possible violations of Title IX with OSU’s Title IX Coordinator 405-744-9154. This publication, issued by Oklahoma State University as authorized by the College of Arts and Sciences, was printed by University Printing, at a cost of $5,478/6,300/August 2018/job #7483. College of Arts and Sciences cas.okstate.edu CONNECT EDITOR Dorothy L. Pugh, ’83 ART DIRECTOR Valerie C. Kisling DESIGNERS Lacy Branson, '08 Lucas Hess, ’16 Valerie C. Kisling Chelsea J. Morgan Benton Rudd, '07 Jason Wallace, ’03 PHOTOGRAPHERS Gary Lawson, ’83 Phil Shockley Jason Wallace, ’03 WRITERS Jenny Berry Lonna Freshley, ’09 Jeff Joiner Jacob Longan, ’05, ’13 Karolyn Moberly Kevin Sharp COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES INTERIM DEAN Jeanette Mendez ASSISTANT DEAN/OUTREACH Bobbi Kay Lewis, ’93, ’03 SENIOR DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT Jayme Ferrell, ’04 COORDINATOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Jacob Longan, ’05, ’13 Years indicate OSU CAS graduates OSU COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SC I ENCES 1