that will enhance the development of the systemwide OSU strategy. These fellowships are expected to conclude in the summer of 2024 when the fellows will provide their researchbased recommendations to university administrators. With four fellows, CAS has the greatest showing on the 10-fellow team. Dr. James “Jim” Knapp was selected as the faculty fellow to lead energy initiatives under the strategic plan priority, “Powering a Growing World Population Sustainably and Responsibly.” A Boone Pickens School of Geology professor, Knapp has research interests in carbon dioxide storage and its implications on the future. As a faculty fellow, he has been tasked with leading cross-campus conversations to gather an inventory of OSU’s current energy endeavors and produce a plan to set OSU apart in the industry. “I am building my task force and working to make sure there is a voice for everyone who needs to be at the table,” Knapp said. “This is really coming down to figuring out what strengths OSU has in the energy industry and identifying areas of growth and where we can collaborate within our institution and beyond.” The topic of energy has a longstanding history in Oklahoma. Knapp sees this as an opportunity to grow OSU’s involvement in the industry and to connect with experts to leverage those experiences into a sustainable plan. “This initiative is really about energy as it relates to critical social issues,” Knapp said. “That aspect has opened the door for some incredible collaboration and conversation with departments like philosophy and the School of Media and Strategic Communications.” Dr. Tamara Mix is the head of the Department of Sociology and serves as the social sciences representative for the General Education Advisory Council. Mix has been tasked with leading a working group, “Guiding General Education Reform,” to revise OSU’s general education system and enhance student and faculty experiences with general education. “The timing is perfect for a transformative model of general education that is innovative and provides students with a broad skill their core, contain aspects specific to the culture of an institution. Given Dr. Tamara Mix | Sociology From left: Dr. James Knapp, Dr. Tamara Mix, Dr. Rebecca Brienen and Dr. Steph Link. OSU COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SC I ENCES 21
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