CAS CONNECT 2019

“Jason is focused on our priorities and supporting our all-important student recruitment efforts. He also is familiar with our faculty, staff, students and programs,” Hargis said. “He has implemented a number of innovative programs and made important strides in the university’s diversity efforts. He empowers all of us at OSU to think and act in ways that embrace and promote a more inclusive world.” OSU’s dedication to diversity and inclusion is created by open-minded, supportive leadership. “We can either be set up to be open and welcoming and respect and value and accommodate every individual who shows up on this campus, or we can say, ‘No, we don’t want these people or that group or this group,’” Kirksey said. “To our credit, we have great leadership who recognize that as a land-grant institution, our responsibility is to fulfill the land-grant mission and improve the quality of lives for citizens of the state, nation and world. And of course, we start with the state.” Kirksey, who has been teaching 24 years, tells students their first job may not be in Oklahoma City, Dallas or Chicago — it may be in Beijing or Dubai. That is why the designated diversity course requirement is so important. “Having the president, provost, Board of Regents, administrators, deans and vice presidents who get it and recognize that having a strong and significant sustained commitment to diversity and inclusion is integral to the success of OSU,” he said. “It’s imperative that students we graduate have some experience to go out into life because our goal is to produce students who are socially, culturally and globally competent, and not just be competitive but successful as they go out into an ever-shrinking, globally competitive world.” Kirksey, who has secured $9.9 million in National Science Foundation funding over the past five years, said, “We’ve got some great numbers and wonderful awards. We’re the most highly decorated institution in the nation in vastly prestigious diversity and inclusion awards. That’s something that is very significant. And again, we all should be proud, but also understand that it doesn’t mean we’re done. There is a lot of work to do.” Kirksey tells his students: “Education is not a spectator sport, and you’re going to leave a legacy here at OSU. It’s up to you to determine what that legacy is and how you want it to grow. “When we talk about creating a culture of inclusion, it’s an opportunity to continue the work that my predecessors and others have done to make OSU an even more special place to learn and live and grow and work and that’s an important message for our students, but it’s also an important message for us as administrators and faculty and staff and community members to realize where we stand and the opportunities we have.” Kirksey met his wife, Kim, at OSU and credits her help for much of his success with school and in his career. They have two children: Kaitlyn, an OSU senior and SGA president, and Garrett, an OSU freshman. PHOTO PHIL SHOCKLEY 16 CONNECT 201 9