20 Taking charge Dr. Melinda Cro takes the helm as CAS dean after a career spent in administration and language arts. 2 Curating cultural connection The OSU Museum of Art started with a dream a decade ago, but has seen its impact in the cultural legacy it has on Stillwater. 8 Happy campers The Les Huston Geology Field Camp marks 75 years of helping provide hands-on experience to geoscientists. 12 Nourishing the world CAS groundwater researchers use skills to impact society’s sustainability. 24 High school heroes Faculty partnership with Payne County Jail prepares inmates with opportunity to earn high school diplomas. 54 74 Plus … 6 New aerospace studies instructor 16 Student research 22 Integrative biology sound exhibits 27 Study abroad stories 30 Philosophy department gift 34 Alumni honors 20 2 12 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. © 2024, CONNECT. All rights reserved. Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. OSU is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/ or admissions. For more information, the director of equal opportunity/Title IX coordinator is located at 401 General Academic Building and can be reached at 405-744-1156 or by visiting EEO.OKSTATE.EDU. 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 $9,863/4,500/Aug. 2024/#Connect2024. College of Arts and Sciences cas.okstate.edu MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Elizabeth Gosney ’21 COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Erin Weaver ’20 EDITOR Jordan Bishop ’16 ART DIRECTOR Dave Malec DESIGNER Cody Giles PHOTOGRAPHER Jason Wallace ’03 WRITERS Jade Dudley ’24 Dr. Rachael Eaton Adeola Favour Elizabeth Gosney Mallory Pool ’24 Allie Putman ’23 Grant Ramirez ’21 Erin Weaver COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES DEAN Dr. Melinda Cro ASSOCIATE DEAN/OUTREACH Dr. Bobbi Kay Lewis ’93, ’03 SENIOR DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT Laura Ketchum YEARS INDICATE OSU CAS GRADUATES CONNECT On the cover: Dr. Melinda Cro poses outside of Morrill Hall in her new role as CAS dean. (Photo illustration by Jason Wallace) OSU COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES 1
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