CONNECT 2021

T he College of Arts and Sciences at Oklahoma State University is showing its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion by going above and beyond. In the spring of 2020, Dr. Jason F. Kirksey, vice president and the chief diversity officer at OSU, recommended that every college name a senior inclusion officer to broaden and deepen the university’s commitment to diversity. CAS has gone further, promoting Craig Freeman to assistant dean to lead these efforts, along with focusing on OSU-Tulsa. “This decision by Dean (Glen) Krutz to not simply answer the call, but to also elevate the position to his cabinet, establishes a precedent that hopefully others across the university systemwill soon follow,” Kirksey said. “I am certainly pleased with the appointment of Craig Freeman. However, as a two-time alumnus of CAS and an associate professor of political science, I am especially proud of this demonstrated commitment to moving OSU forward by my home college.” In the position, Freeman’s goals will include developing resources, expanding culture and collaborating with department heads on best practices in diversity, equity and inclusion. He will continue as director for the School of Media and Strategic Communications and add assistant dean responsibilities. “Working for the dean in the college, fortunately diversity, equality and inclusion are already in our DNA, but we need to highlight that culture more,” Freeman said. “What we now are able to do is to STORY LONNA FRESHLEY | PHOTOS JASON WALLACE AND PHIL SHOCKLEY Deepening a Commitment to Diversity College names Freeman assistant dean to focus on equity, inclusion and OSU-Tulsa 8 CONNECT 202 1