CAS CONNECT 2019

4 ONTHE COVER The College of Arts and Sciences has a new dean — Dr. Glen Krutz — who shares his background as well as his vision and hopes for the college. (Cover photo by Phil Shockley) 8 STUDYING RELATIONSHIPS Dr. Tamara Mix shares her passion for sociology as she takes the position of head of the department. 12 MAKING PASSION PAY It’s true that there’s more to life than work — but majoring in liberal arts subjects often means you can work in a field that brings your passions to work. 14 APPETITE FOR GROWTH Dr. Jason F. Kirksey has come a long way from his childhood in Denver to being an alumnus of Oklahoma State and the university’s vice president of diversity and its chief diversity officer. 26 BEACONOF ARTS The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts is preparing for its grand opening as we go to press with this issue — and it will be simply amazing. 38 54 74 Plus … 10 Making Art History Relevant 18 Connecting with Continental Resources 20 Pre-med Graduate Thinks Ahead 22 Online Courses Draw Attention 24 A Podcast to Help Veterans 32 Honoring Outstanding Alumni 1 26 CONNECT is a publication of the Oklahoma State University College of Arts and Sciences and is designed to provide information on college activities and accomplishments while fostering communication among the CAS family 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 Modern Litho, at a cost of $4,601/6M/ September 2019/job #8014. College of Arts and Sciences cas.okstate.edu CONNECT COORDINATOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Jacob Longan ’05, ’13 EDITOR Dorothy L. Pugh ’83 ART DIRECTOR Valerie C. Kisling DESIGNERS Valerie C. Kisling Jason Wallace ’03 Lucas Hess ’16 Michael Molholt ’13 Ella Powell PHOTOGRAPHERS Gary Lawson ’83 Phil Shockley Jason Wallace ’03 WRITERS Jacob Longan ’05, ’13, Kendra Carlson Brown ’01, Lorraine Chen ’18, Lonna Freshley ’09, Zach Kluver, Kevin Sharp, Kyle Stringer COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES DEAN Glen S. Krutz ASSISTANT DEAN/OUTREACH Bobbi Kay Lewis ’93, ’03 SENIOR DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT Laura Ketchum YEARS INDICATE OSU CAS GRADUATES OSU COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SC I ENCES 3