CONNECT 2021

24 On the cover CAS students, faculty and staff members had to make considerable changes to continue learning in the year and a half of the pandemic, but they were able to overcome the challenges. (Photo by Gary Lawson) 8 Senior diversity officer named The College of Arts and Sciences has promoted Craig Freeman to assistant dean to focus on diversity, equity and inclusion — and OSU-Tulsa. 14 A sweet song The newly opened Greenwood School of Music building, a state- of-the-art facility, is among the finest performing arts complexes in the nation. 18 Student researchers We highlight a few student researchers in the College of Arts and Sciences who are already making impacts with their work. 32 Hall of Fame Philip Erdoes is the lone inductee into the College of Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame for 2021. 38 54 74 Plus … 1 Dean’s Letter 2 New Faculty 22 Fighting Algae 28 Alumni Awards 36 The Last Word 8 1 32 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. © 2021, 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 $4,492/4,851/ September 2021/#8768. College of Arts and Sciences cas.okstate.edu COORDINATOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Jacob Longan ’05, ’13 EDITOR Dorothy L. Pugh ’83 DESIGN Codee Classen ’17 Dave Malec PHOTOGRAPHERS Gary Lawson ’83 Phil Shockley Jason Wallace ’03 WRITERS Rachael Eaton Lonna Freshley ’09 Elizabeth Gosney ’21 Harrison Hill Samantha Homann ’19 Ellie Melero ’21 Kelli Norton ’19 Kyle Stringer COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES DEAN Glen S. Krutz ASSOCIATE DEAN/OUTREACH Bobbi Kay Lewis ’93, ’03 SENIOR DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT Laura Ketchum YEARS INDICATE OSU CAS GRADUATES CONNECT