Robert J. Sternberg Ph.D.

Biography | Vita | Vision for Leadership Development

Meet the Office Personnel

I believe that the purpose of a university education is to develop the leaders of tomorrow—the active citizens who will make a positive, meaningful, and enduring difference to the world, at whatever level. Because Oklahoma State is a land-grant institution, we especially emphasize the importance of giving back, especially to the State of Oklahoma and the Nation.  Those of us at Oklahoma State take particular pride in our State, which we see as fully embracing the entrepreneurial creativity, critical thinking, practical pioneer spirit, and the wisdom and ethical compass that create a sense of pride and belonging in its citizens. We also emphasize the importance of access so that all qualified students in the State of Oklahoma, no matter what their financial means, can enroll at Oklahoma State and obtain an education that will prepare them for the diverse and complex future challenges they may face in their lives.

Leaders are individuals who have the creative skills and attitudes to generate new and exciting ideas; the analytical skills and attitudes to ascertain whether their (and others’) ideas are good ideas; the practical skills and attitudes to implement their ideas and to persuade others of the value of these ideas; and the wisdom to ensure that their ideas help to attain a common good, over the long- as well as the short-term, through the infusion of positive ethical values.  At Oklahoma State, we seek to develop these skills and attitudes of leadership that will create a sense of pride and excitement in the leaders we are helping to develop.

As a land-grant institution, we serve both our State and our Nation through academic programs that prepare our students to be intellectual leaders, outreach programs that provide continuing education and transfer of knowledge to a broad range of constituents, and research programs that address state and national as well as scholarly needs.  We value research that meets the highest and most rigorous academic standards, and especially encourage research that, whether in the short-run or the long-run, can help us better serve our State and Nation.  We also appreciate fully interdisciplinary research that is problem-oriented in focus and that transcends narrow academic boundaries.  Ultimately, we seek to be one of the very best land-grant institutions in the country.  This goal requires encouragement of and respect for human diversity in its many forms, and understanding our prospects and our problems from diverse points of view.

Oklahoma State seeks to be not only an institution for preparing leaders, but also a supportive workplace where faculty and staff feel that they are listened to and that they are integral parts of a team of dedicated professionals focused on common goals. People give their best when they believe they are viewed with dignity and respect.  We in the administration make every effort to communicate fully and transparently and to treat all of our employees as we all wish to be treated. We work closely and respectfully with Faculty and Staff Councils to achieve mutual goals.

We are fortunate to have at Oklahoma State a visionary and energetic president, V. Burns Hargis, who has served the State of Oklahoma in diverse capacities over many years, and who understands at a deep level the needs of the State and how the university can help to achieve them.  We work together as a unified team to fulfill his vision and achieve his goals for the university, including broad access for all qualified students in the State.  We also constantly seek new ways to ensure that students who enroll can see their way through to graduation within six years of matriculation.

We at Oklahoma State take great pride in our institution.  We strive constantly to achieve higher levels of excellence and welcome feedback on how we better can achieve our shared goals.  Please be in touch with me at any time, at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , with your suggestions and feedback.

The office of the Provost and Senior Vice President

As the Chief Academic Officer of the University, the Provost and Senior Vice President (Vice President, Academic Affairs) serves as the senior member of the President's Cabinet. The Provost is expected to plan and develop academic programs; foster the academic growth and development of faculty, staff, and students; plan and execute academic policies; and budget and administer academic programs and related activities. In cooperation with the academic deans and members of the Faculty Council, the Provost also monitors Faculty Appraisal and Development; Administrator Appraisal; and Reappointment, Promotion, and Tenure processes.

The Associate Provost and Associate Vice President for Undergraduate Education provides oversight for the general education program for the University. This 40-credit program provides students with general knowledge, skills, and attitudes conducive to lifelong learning in a complex society. The breadth of general education requirements stimulates intellectual curiosity, original thought and expression, the capacity for critical analysis and problem solving, and the ability to make conscious value judgments consistent with personal needs and the public interest. General education assists graduates to function in and appreciate the human and natural environment.

The Associate Provost also provides oversight for the Bachelor of University Studies, The Honors College, Office of Scholar Development and Recognition, Office of University Academic Services, University Re-Accreditation self-study. The Associate Provost also represents Academic Affairs on numerous committees.