We are land-grant
What does it mean?
At Oklahoma State University, we aren’t waiting for a better world—we’re building it. Pushing past the impossible, OSU is embracing a bold vision and breaking new ground in teaching, research and Extension.
Founded in 1890 under the Morrill Act, OSU is more than just a land-grant university. We are making education more accessible, digging in and breaking ground in new research, and offering support in our communities. We are using education to change the lives of current and future generations.
Here at OSU—we are land-grant.
The cowboy code
It’s who we are
At OSU, the Cowboy Code is our way of life. It embodies the dedication and resilience needed to be a great land-grant university. The Code inspires our mission, empowering us to dream big and lead with determination—creating a positive impact on the world around us.
Priority Areas
The 4 pillars
By pushing past the impossible, we are tackling the world’s most pressing problems—bringing better health outcomes to all Oklahomans, securing American energy and air space for years to come, and innovating to nourish the world. Across our university system, our research is making a meaningful impact on our communities.
Access
A path to possibility
At OSU, we believe education is a catalyst to change that should be accessible to all. The land-grant mission of 1890 was, first and foremost, a way to make higher education accessible. As a land-grant institution, we are actively striving to open the doors of education for individuals to reach their full potential and positively impact the future for generations to come.
Education is essential for progress—empowering individuals to influence their communities and create productive changes in the world.
Health education
A healthier world for all
At OSU, our outstanding degree programs and state-of-the-art facilities actively address Oklahoma’s health care needs. Through practical and hands-on training with patient simulation tools, specialized clinical rotations, and real-world experience in industrial and commercial settings, we are preparing future generations of physicians, scientists and health care professionals. Our graduates are making significant contributions to medical research and emerging as committed, competent and compassionate leaders within the health care community.
The ideal graduate
Empowering tomorrow’s leaders
We prepare our students to enter the workforce understanding the importance of positively impacting the lives of others. Through our Ideal Graduate initiative, our graduates embody professional preparedness, engaged citizenship, ethical leadership and personal responsibility. By combining classroom learning with hands-on experiences, research opportunities and cultural immersion, we empower our students to become leaders who tackle real-world challenges with integrity and creativity.
One system
A true university system for Oklahoma
OSU meets the high demand of its calling by providing Oklahoma with an effective and efficient university system that cuts across disciplines—a multi-campus expression of the land-grant mission that is nimble, responsive and deeply embedded in the community and the economy. Put simply, we drive the economy, deliver critical health care, enhance communities and help protect our nation.
From labs to life
Research that changes the world
At OSU, our research makes a real difference. OSU faculty are tackling the problems facing our world with creativity and determination. From our engineers, economists, artists, physicians, agriculturalists and more—we are working together to find unique solutions for all. Whether we’re improving health care, tackling world hunger or developing aerospace initiatives, our research has a meaningful impact on our global society.
The Innovation Foundation at OSU
Impacting prosperity
The Innovation Foundation at OSU brings a modern approach to discovery and creation. With a proactive approach to applied research, technology transfers and collaborative partnerships, our discoveries will translate to real-world products and services. The foundation unites our transdisciplinary research institutes focused on human performance, energy, and aerospace application and impact. Our Innovation Park spans 680 acres and serves as a community dedicated to collaboration between OSU and industry leaders. This new space will support technology-based startup companies, offer land for new facilities, establish spaces for business acceleration and faculty collaboration.
Initiatives
Uniting expertise
We make the world around us better—and our transdisciplinary research centers and institutes are where education extends beyond traditional academic research. These institutes are more than buildings; they’re places where experts across all fields come together in dynamic hubs of collaboration and problem-solving. Driving discovery and impact, we advance knowledge by working together.
Chapter 3
Extension& impact
OSU Extension makes a transformational impact by sharing practical education across all of Oklahoma—solving problems, developing skills and building a better future.
What is Extension
Education everywhere for everyone
OSU Extension is the cornerstone of sharing research-based information dating back to 1914 when our educators traveled by train to share the latest knowledge with Oklahoma communities. With more than 1,000 OSU Ag Research studies underway at 40 research facilities statewide, our commitment to serving Oklahoma is even stronger today through research and educational programs. OSU Extension educators address local needs and challenges across rural and urban communities through programming, online resources and publications. We empower Oklahoma’s next generation of leaders to realize their full potential by reaching more than 175,000 youth across the state through school and community outreach programs.
With a presence in all 77 Oklahoma counties, OSU Extension isn’t just for some, it’s for all. No matter your need, OSU Extension educators and specialists are ready to help. Whether you’re looking for ways to improve your family’s health, managing your garden or need advice on starting a business, we are ready to answer your questions and work with you to solve practical, everyday problems.
Oklahoma 4-H
Making the best better
Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development encourages youth, families and communities to learn by doing. With hands-on programming in a wide range of projects, 4-H empowers youth to express themselves—whether that’s through caring for animals, robotics, STEM, photography or civic engagement. With more than 13,000 Oklahoma youth enrolled in 4-H programs, we provide the skills future generations need for success long before they embark on their higher education journey.
Extension offices
Expert advice—close to home
With a presence in Oklahoma’s 77 counties, OSU Extension educators and specialists help with what’s important to you. We offer real-time solutions to your everyday problems.