Kirsten Olds

Dr. Kirsten Olds serves as Interim Senior Vice Provost at Oklahoma State University, bringing extensive academic leadership experience and a broad understanding of faculty, curricular and administrative matters to the role. She also serves as associate provost for the Arts, director of the OSU Museum of Art, the Marilynn and Carl Thoma Professor of the Art, and a professor in the Department of Art, Art History and Graphic Design.

Olds joined OSU in 2025 after many years at the University of Tulsa, where she held several administrative leadership roles, including interim dean of the Kendall College of Arts and Sciences, senior associate dean for Faculty and Community Engagement, and faculty athletic representative. An art historian and curator specializing in modern and contemporary art and visual culture, she has authored numerous exhibition catalogues and scholarly essays and has curated exhibitions featuring a wide range of artists.

Olds has an excellent understanding of the landscape of higher education, great experience in a broad array of curricular issues and a keen eye for detail. She holds a B.A. from Columbia University and M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Michigan.