A Heart for Others

By

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August 24, 2023

Veteran chef Lindsey Scotney runs Ellis Hospitality, a staffing avenue for chefs around the metro. Photo by Stephanie Phillips

Everyone who meets her agrees that Lindsey Scotney is the kindest person around.

But, she says, “I became a chef out of spite. My cooking was so bad it was the family joke.”

Veteran chef Lindsey Scotney runs Ellis Hospitality, a staffing avenue for chefs around the metro. Photo by Stephanie Phillips

As a gag, a relative gave her a cookbook, and she decided to cook every recipe in it. It didn’t take her long to fall in love, and she headed to culinary school at Platt. While there, she set up a program to give any leftover food to the homeless. These are the traits she’s exemplified all her life: she works very, very hard and she helps others.

She became a sommelier at Platt. After graduating, she assumed the beverage director position at Polo Grill, also doing anything else that needed to be done.

“I’d have four uniforms in my car, so I’d be prepared to cook food, serve food or advise on wine. After that, [Tulsa restaurateur] Justin Thompson stole me away.”

She became general manager at Juniper, a popular downtown Tulsa dining destination. At some point there, she ran into caterer and food truck impresario Joel Bein.

“I’d been his fangirl ever since I learned he donated much of his food to the homeless,” Scotney recalls. “We met and clicked immediately. The first day I worked was St. Patrick’s Day. We worked from 6 a.m. straight through till 2 a.m. the next day. It was just a lot of fun.”

Was that her toughest gig?

“No, that would be the day at Tulsa Tough when the power went out and we had to keep on serving. The thermometer in our truck read 160°. Joel works constantly, and if you’re his right hand, as I was, it’s nothing to work seventeen hour days for seventeen days in a row. We were a great pair: he, the wild genius chef, and me, the classically trained one.”

They worked together for three years. Then came COVID-19. Scotney, working on her own now, was told that no one could find workers for private events. They called it “the great resignation.” People don’t want to work anymore, they said.

Scotney set up a staffing agency anyway, called Ellis Hospitality. From the beginning, she was mobbed with applicants. Why? Scotney had a revolutionary idea. She pays everyone $25 an hour – everyone.

“People really want to work,” she explains. “They work so hard when they’re paid fairly. It’s wonderful to see what that extra pay does. Women leave abusive relationships; now they have the money to be independent. Servers free themselves from decades-long debt. We’ve had weddings. Couples finally have the money to get married.”

Scotney designed an app; it’s like Uber for chefs. Let’s say someone needs 40 servers and 15 cooks tomorrow evening. That goes on the app, and if you’re qualified, your cell phone will ring. Within five minutes, all those jobs are gone. For Mayfest, it took 36 hours to fill 800 jobs, and it took that long only because they were catering LIV Golf the same week. Ellis does Drillers games, events at the University of Tulsa and a hefty heaping of elegant country clubs and restaurants. They might even be cooking your food tonight.

Most people who have a great business going say they want to help their workers. Scotney really does. She founded an organization that gets health insurance, retirement benefits and life insurance for workers in an industry that has often gone without. She’s planning an open commissary, a fully equipped kitchen for chefs who have catering jobs but no place to cook.

“My goal is to help the workers,” she says. Sean, her totally devoted admirer and husband, sums it up well: “She has such a heart for people.”

Creativity Abounds

By

Staff

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August 24, 2023

Looking for live entertainment to finish out the summer? Luckily, September is jam-packed with extraordinary performances all across the state.

At the PAC, Tulsans can enjoy Prelude, presented by the Tulsa Symphony, on Sept. 9. For fans of female singer-songwriters, check out Jagged Little Pill, the musical backed by Alanis Morrisette’s extensive discography, presented by Celebrity Attractions on Sept. 12-13, as well as Beautiful, the true musical story of Carole King’s life, presented by Theatre Tulsa from Sept. 15-Oct. 1. For some family fun, Celebrity Attractions presents Aladdin from Sept. 26 through Oct. 1. Round out the month with Signature Symphony’s presentation of Bluegrass to Bohemia at the TCC VanTrease PACE on Sept. 30.

For those in the OKC area, there are plenty of live performances in September. Taking place on the 10th and 24th is the Sunday Twilight Concert Series, an evening filled with varying music genres and family friendly fun at the Myriad Botanical Gardens. Presented by Lyric Theatre from Sept. 13-Oct. 1, Concerto is a celebration of Tchaikovsky’s infamous 1878 violin concerto. On Sept. 15, enjoy the Oklahoma City Ballet’s presentation of Ballet Under the Stars. For the theatre aficionados, Oklahoma Shakespeare presents Romeo and Juliet from Sept. 14-24 at the Shakespeare Gardens. And you won’t want to miss Six – a pop musical about the lives of Henry VIII’s six former wives – presented by OKC Broadway at the Civic Center Music Hall from Sept. 26-Oct. 1.

Around the state, Medicine Park is hosting the Blues Ball at Town Center Mainstage on Sept. 1-3. Josh Roman, Oklahoma native and cellist, performs at Armstrong Auditorium in Edmond on Sept. 12. And last but not least, the New York Philharmonic visits Stillwater’s McKnight Center for the Performing Arts from September 22-24.

Closers and Openers

By

Staff

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August 24, 2023

While the weather is slowly starting to cool off, spend the last days of summer watching a plethora of sporting events.

With baseball season coming to a close this month, join the Tulsa Drillers for their final games from Sept. 1-3 and 12-17 at ONEOK Field. Tulsa FC Soccer is taking over the venue on Sept. 3 and 9. Expo Square hosts two different horse racing events: the Tulsa Reining Classic through September 3 and Simulcast Horse Racing through November 4. College football season kicks off at the University of Tulsa with the Golden Hurricane playing at home – H.A. Chapman Stadium – Sept. 16 and 28. You can watch the top tennis players compete at the ITA Men’s All-American Championships, Sept. 30-Oct. 8, also at TU.

The OKC Dodgers are closing out their season with games from Sept. 1-3 and 12-17 at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. The Paycom Center will host PBR Freedom Fest from Sept. 8-10 for a fun evening of professional bull riding and pyrotechnics. Sept. 24 is the annual Oklahoma Derby Day, hosted by OKC’s Remington Park. Just outside of the city, the University of Oklahoma Sooners will have their first football games at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium on Sept. 2 and 9. The Oklahoma State Cowboys also have their season opening games on Sept. 2 and 16 at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater.

A Mixed Bag

By

Staff

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August 24, 2023

With September comes a wide range of community centric events for the whole family.

For the artsy Tulsans, the First Friday Art Crawl kicks off the month throughout downtown Tulsa on Sept. 1, and the Second Saturday Architecture Tour takes place on Sept. 9. For exercise fanatics or those who enjoy a bit of friendly competition, Conquer the Gauntlet Obstacle Race will take place on Sept. 2 at 181 Ranch, Bixby. Tulsa will be hosting a wide variety of cultural events in September, such as Scotfest, Sept. 15-17 at Broken Arrow Event Park; the Taste of Nigeria Festival on Sept. 16 at Greenwood Cultural Center; Los Festivales Y Mercados: Dia De La Independencia on Sept. 16 at First S. Lewis Ave.; and the Tulsa Greek Festival on Sept. 21-23 at 1222 S. Guthrie Ave. Finally, fair season is about to be in full swing with the Tulsa State Fair planting its stakes at Expo Square from Sept. 28 to Oct. 8.

Located in the Paseo Arts district, the First Friday Gallery Walk will take place on Sept. 1. On Sept. 8, Myriad Botanical Gardens invites guests for their Guided Garden Tour. Myriad also hosts a Full Moon Bike Ride on Sept. 29. For the cocktail connoisseurs, enjoy a Cocktail Cruise, Fridays and Saturdays through Sept. 30 in OKC’s Boathouse District. If Autumn activities sound more appealing, the Oklahoma State Fair will be in town from Sept. 14-24 at Oklahoma State Fair Park.

Across the state, enjoy the Black Towns Motorcycle Tour on Sept. 1-2; the Cherokee National Holiday in Tahlequah on Sept. 1-3; and the Okeene Germanfest on Sept. 23 at 101 N. Main St.

Kicking Off Fall Cinema

By

Drew Joseph Allen

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August 24, 2023

Film and Cinema photo — Photo courtesy Black Bear

September has a wide array of cinema choices – from surreal to science fiction to comedy. That being said, hopefully you’ll see something you like! Also, and most importantly, it’s my birthday month, so please send your gifts in a timely fashion.

For your dark comedy piece, peer around the corner to find Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose. Based on an alleged “true story” about a “real” talking mongoose from the 1930s, the plot centers around Nandor Fodor (Simon Pegg, Shaun of the Dead) as he travels to a small island to see if there’s any truth is to be found about this talking animal. Along the way, he comes into contact with a bevy of bizarre, untrustworthy people. The trailer has Pegg putting on a wonderfully strange, comedic lilt to his voice, and the cast is rounded out by Minnie Driver (Good Will Hunting), Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future) and Neil Gaiman (author of Coraline and Good Omens). Seek the truth when it hits theaters on Sept. 1.

If instead what you seek involves vengeful violence, look no further than The Equalizer 3. Loosely based on the television series of the same name, Denzel Washington returns as Robert McCall, a retired U.S. Marine and former DIA officer now living in southern Italy – away from his past and, for once, looking forward to his future. This all comes crashing down with the entrance of the Sicilian mafia, which moves in to take control of the area and McCall’s newfound friends. The trailer shows a handful of stylized kills coupled with Washington’s signature gravitas. Get some vengeance when it releases on Sept. 1.

Now, for your biographical film about, let’s see here, the stock market? Yep. And GameStop. A story that happened … two years ago. They sure do work fast in Hollywood! Titled Dumb Money, the film follows Keith Gill (Paul Dano, The Batman) as he puts the squeeze on two hedge funds that bet GameStop shares would fall. Based on the real event from 2021, the movie’s version looks to present the story with some style and big actors, including Pete Davidson (Saturday Night Live), America Ferrera (Barbie), Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation), Seth Rogen (a variety of movies centered around marijuana) and Shailene Woodley (Divergent). The film drops on Sept. 22.

For a massive dose of action and muscles, look out for The Expendables 4. Back again for another mission with killing and explosions, Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone) gathers a rag tag group of mercenaries who are assigned to stop a terrorist from smuggling in nuclear warheads. Stallone, who has a more limited role in this film, claims this is his final appearance in the series, as co-star Jason Statham looks to take over. Things will get loud and more-than-likely cheesy when it arrives on Sept. 22.

Lastly, don’t miss The Creator. Starring John David Washington (Tenet), the trailer shows a future where – surprise! – artificial intelligence has gone to war with humanity and must be stopped by killing the Creator, the architect of this advanced AI. Directed by Gareth Edwards (Rogue One), the art direction, production design and plot look fantastical – and it’s a joy to see more sci-fi flicks based solely on the writer’s imagination and not an existing IP. It lands on Sept. 29.

Closing Thoughts: Wes Mitchell

By

Staff

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August 24, 2023

Wes Mitchell is the newly appointed executive director of Tulsa Area United Way’s 211 Eastern Oklahoma program. On June 1, TAUW assumed leadership as the owner and operator of 211EOK, a 24/7 free service available to citizens across 37 counties of Eastern Oklahoma through a direct phone call, live chat, text message or online search at 211EOK.org.

Following his graduation from Howard University, Mitchell built his career with a foundation in the corporate IT world at Hewlett Packard and also served as the director of business services for Green Country Workforce before joining TAUW.

With his background working with respected organizations like the Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma, Junior Achievement Tulsa, Tulsa Community College, Teach for America and the Greenwood Cultural Center, Mitchell brings extensive experience to this position. We caught up with Mitchell and got his thoughts on …

… how his career impacts his strategies with 211EOK.

The strategic impact of my experience lies in leveraging an organization’s strengths. This enables the creation of a culture focused on continual improvement and innovation. By implementing efficient processes, it ensures the maximization of return on investment (ROI) in a constantly evolving market. The translation to the 211EOK work is redefining ROI to match the measurable results of a community, ensuring all of its members flourish and thrive.

… what made him pivot from the tech industry to serving the
community.

The enjoyment of changing the trajectory of families that I experienced in my volunteer work.

… what inspires him to help others.

There are two things that encourage me to help others: making a positive change inside my circle of influence, and paying it forward to repay those who have helped me. [I am] adopting the Covey philosophy of focusing on the things I control, in order to change the things with which I am concerned. I start with “the man in the mirror.”

… he and his team’s day-to-day.

My goal is to inspire our team to deliver a consistent, quality experience to both our callers and referral partners. Our work is in facilitation: facilitating the process of uniting people and resources to improve lives and strengthen our communities. We do this by working to continually improve 211EOK.

… his goals for 211EOK.

We plan to transform 211EOK into a world class collaborative ecosystem that serves as an intersection between community services and needs. We’re solving for today’s need and the root cause of that need. We are creating an ecosystem that utilizes data-driven decisions to proactively close community gaps in services as well as help circumvent emerging negative trends.

… what success looks like for 211EOK.

Success is 211EOK being recognized as the preferred method for uniting the community and resources. My definition of success is when 211 becomes a verb.

… what he wants people to know about 211EOK.

Just remember, 211 is a verb. If you have an issue and you’re not sure where to start, call 2-1-1 or find us online at 211EOK.org.

… his favorite out-of-office
activities.

Spending quality time with my wife Yolanda, family and friends.

Exploring All Black Towns

By

Drew Joseph Allen

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August 16, 2023

The prevalence of all-Black towns in Oklahoma, most widespread between 1865 to 1920, represents a truly unique time period in American history. Although the Greenwood District, commonly called Black Wall Street, is well known as a Tulsa staple, there were – and continue to be – a plentiful amount of towns that were started and run by Black communities.

“African American ex-enslaved people of the Five Tribes in eastern Oklahoma were allotted land by the Dawes Commission,” says Larry O’Dell, a state historian at the Oklahoma Historical Society. For protection and economic security, these residents often stayed close to each other.

“They would choose land near each other and many times, a town or community would evolve, especially along railroad lines,” says O’Dell.

Entrepreneurial prosperity was a quick side effect. Farming communities led the way to support businesses, schools and churches, combining to form towns that thrived. Word spread quickly and more residents migrated to Oklahoma.

The Land Run of 1889 also encouraged growth in Black communities within the state.

“In western Oklahoma, Black people would make the land runs and settle near each other – and a town or community may evolve or be created by a town site company,” says O’Dell.

Edward P. McCabe, a political figure from Kansas, helped to found the town of Langston. He utilized traveling salesmen and newspapers to circulate information about the newly formed municipality. The town still houses Langston University, formed in 1897, and it remains the only historically Black college in the state. Although the goal of an all-Black state was never realized, over fifty towns were created, many of which still exist today.

“Boley was the most successful, largest and most popular,” says O’Dell. “Its location on the train line, the number of African Americans in the area, and the advertising throughout the south had the population in 1911 at 4,000.”

Unlike many other Black towns at the time, Boley was somewhat isolated from others of its kind and became a center of regional business. It grew to become one of the wealthiest Black towns in the United States and had two banks, including the first nationally chartered bank to be owned by a Black person, plus three cotton gins and its own electric company. It was also home to two colleges, Creek-Seminole College and Methodist Episcopal College, which both closed in the 1920s due to economic downturns.

Booker T. Washington visited Boley and proclaimed it to be the finest Black town in the world, incorporating it into many of his speeches.

Although many of the original all-Black towns have faded, thirteen still exist today.

“Boley is making a resurgence; the other towns seem to be just holding on,” says O’Dell.

Large towns like Clearview have had their populations dwindle over the years, but they haven’t disappeared just yet.

“Senator Kevin Matthews is working to help create cultural tourism to get people to the towns,” O’Dell continues.

Matthews hopes to add some locations in Oklahoma to the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, which includes historically significant areas important to the movement of racial equality.

Main image cutline: Pictured above are members of the town council in Boley, one of Oklahoma’s most prosperous all-Black towns. Photo courtesy the Oklahoma Historical Society

An Influx of Inspiration

By

Mary Willa Allen

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July 27, 2023

17 Amber Von Tussle — Hairspray; photo courtesy Celebrity Attractions

Armstrong Auditorium

Performing arts enthusiasts can celebrate 25 years of Edmond’s Armstrong Auditorium with the 2023-24 season. On the roster is a bevy of live performances from international artists.

“It’s fantastic to have some legendary names back for our 25th anniversary season, as well as artists we’ve been eager to debut here for some time,” says Ryan Malone, Armstrong’s director of programming. “We are extremely grateful to all our patrons who have supported us over this amazing quarter century, from humble beginnings to such illustrious line-ups like this season’s.”

The season kicks off on Sept. 12 with Oklahoma native, talented cellist Joshua Roman. Other goodies to look forward to include the Paris-based Baroque quartet Le Consort on Nov. 7; Russian pianist Ilya Yakushev Nov. 30; and the Italian Saxophone Quartet on Feb. 7. A return artist is violinist Ray Chen, coming on March 14.

“We immediately set out to rebook him,” says Malone, who urges those interested to buy tickets early. The season concludes with the world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra on April 4.

Get your tickets at armstrongauditorium.com.

Ebb & Flow: Brahms’ Symphony No. 3; photo courtesy Tulsa Symphony

Tulsa Symphony & OKC Philharmonic

Symphonic showcases abound this season from both Tulsa Symphony and the OKC Philharmonic.

At TSO, interim executive director Ron Predl is excited about the season’s assortment of performances.

“You will experience a diverse collection of the most loved works and composers, led by outstanding internationally acclaimed guest conductors from across the country,” he says.

The season kicks off at Guthrie Green on Sept. 1, with the “lively and entertaining Symphony in the Park,” says Predl. Other performances to enjoy include Masquerade: Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 9 onOct. 7; Ebb & Flow: Brahms’ Symphony No. 3 on Jan. 13; and Fantastique Experience: Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique on Feb. 3.

Additionally, the David B. Waters Series: TSO @ TU offers “unique Sunday matinée concerts of charming and appealing chamber orchestra music,” says Predl.

In OKC, the Philharmonic is prepping for another knock-out season with both Pops and Classics concerts. Highlights include From Chinatown to La La Land on Nov. 3-4; Rachmaninoff! on Jan. 13; and An Evening with Bernadette Peters on May 3-4.

“We want the Oklahoma City Philharmonic to be meaningful throughout Oklahoma, to be fun and to just create something where there’s a place we are all one,” says music director and maestro Alexander Mickelthwate. “It sounds very simple, but it’s true. Doesn’t matter what race, color or ideology. We are humans, and we celebrate that through creativity. We want to have that creative force become so strong it shines outside Oklahoma City and helps elevate the entire state. We are your Oklahoma City Philharmonic. We feel the love, and we give it right back.”

For season tickets and more information, visit tulsasymphony.org and okcphil.org.

Ballet Under the Stars; photo courtesy OKC Ballet

OKC Ballet & Tulsa Ballet

Ballet fans in both of Oklahoma’s major metros have plenty of performances to get excited about.

In OKC, the season kicks off on Sept. 15 with Ballet Under the Stars at Scissortail Park. Other performances include Hamlet from Oct. 27-29, and The Nutcracker on Dec. 8-18 – which was recently re-imagined by artistic director Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye.

“We had wonderful feedback from Ryan’s new version,” says OKC Ballet’s executive director Jo Lynne Jones. “It was vibrant, clever, funny, and of course, stunningly beautiful.”

Other gems include Future Voices, running March 7-10, and the season closer, Shorts – running May 10-12. The latter presents three works in one program.

“Shorts is going to knock your socks off,” says Jolicoeur-Nye. “My world premiere of Carmina Burana will feature dozens of local, live vocalists.”

Tulsa Ballet offers no shortage of innovative works.

“Tulsa Ballet’s 2023-24 season is a celebration of the great works we have created and introduced in our repertory during the past decade or so,” says Marcello Angelini, TB’s artistic director “Tradition and innovation are the driving forces behind the success of our organization.”

The events kick off Sept. 15-24 with Creations in Studio K. Other must-sees include Don Quixote, Nov. 2-5; The Nutcracker, Dec. 9-23; Strictly Gershwin, Feb. 8-11; and Romeo & Juliet, March 21-24. The season concludes May 9-12 with Signature Series.

“Each year, Tulsa Ballet commissions a new work created especially for our annual fundraising gala, Icons and Idols; dances that up to now have been exclusively performed at the gala,” according to the website. “Starting in May of 2024, we will share those special dances with you during Signature Series.”

For tickets and more information, visit okcballet.org and tulsaballet.org.

*Pretty Woman: The Musical* courtesy the McKnight Center for the Performing Arts; running Oct. 31 – Nov. 1.

Tulsa Performing Arts Center

Tulsa’s hub for all things creative, the Tulsa PAC beckons one and all to enjoy a diverse, enticing season of showcases.

Most of the region’s largest performing arts companies host their shows here – from Celebrity Attractions to Tulsa Ballet, Chamber Music Tulsa, Tulsa Symphony and Theatre Tulsa. But the PAC also hosts a bevy of smaller local theatre showcases, including works from American Theatre Company, Theatre North and World Stage Theatre Company.

The TPAC, however, presents a variety of showcases themselves. Highlights include Trancisco Trevino on Oct. 4; Straight No Chaser on Nov. 7; Festival Bell Ringers on Dec. 6, Call of the Wild on Feb. 29 and Pat Hobbs on May 8. For individual tickets and more information, visit tulsapac.com.

Celebrity Attractions

Celebrity Attractions brings another great season of Broadway goodies to Tulsa.

“We love the support that the Tulsa and surrounding communities provide, allowing us to present first-class touring Broadway at the Tulsa PAC,” says Kristin Dotson, CEO of Celebrity Attractions. “When the company started 40 years ago, it began in a back room of the home of owners and founders Larry and Kay Payton. In these 40 years, we have grown to become a preferred market for first-run Broadway tours as well as investors in Broadway shows.”

Highlights this year include Disney’s Aladdin, Sept. 26-Oct. 1; Beetlejuice, Nov. 21-26; Hairspray, Jan. 2-7; Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird, March 26-31; and Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, May 14-19.

It is estimated that the current Broadway season in Tulsa has contributed over $40 million dollars to the local economy; be a part of the movement by getting season tickets at celebrityattractions.com.

Oklahoma City Museum of Art

True Nature: Rodin and the Age of Impressionism; photo courtesy OKCMOA

Art is around every corner at the OKCMOA. Exhibitions, programming and events are sure to enrich and thrill.

Running through Sept. 3, Experiments in Abstraction: Art in Post War America 1950s-1980s displays experimental art that yields illusionistic and distorting effects – providing almost hallucinogenic experiences. True Nature: Rodin and the Age of Impressionism presents 100 artworks including sculptures, paintings, prints and photographs celebrating artist Auguste Rodin. The show runs through Oct. 22.

Down the line, visitors can enjoy Preston Singletary: Raven and the Box of Daylight, presented in tandem with the Chickasaw Nation, running from Nov. 11-April 28.

“We were presented with an incredible opportunity to not only bring the work of a living glass artist to Oklahoma City but that of one of OKCMOA collection icon Dale Chihuly’s most important collaborators,” says Michael Anderson, president and CEO of the museum. “Every aspect of this exhibition reflects our mission and purpose: to enrich lives through the visual arts, and to serve the entire Oklahoma City community.”

Next summer, make sure to check out Edith Head: The Golden Age of Hollywood Costume Design, running June 22 to Sept. 29. The exhibition “will feature costumes from the 1930s to the 1970s that were worn by some of Hollywood’s biggest stars of the 20th century,” according to the museum’s website.

For more information, visit okcmoa.com.

Installation view of ArtNow: The Soul Is a Wanderer, including Joseph Rushmore’s No Known Place, Elspeth Schulze’s The Sparing Ones and Moira RedCorn’s Ma^zha^ tseka Ma^thi^ (Moving to a New Country); photo by Ann Sherman courtesy Oklahoma Contemporary

Oklahoma Contemporary

“From blockbuster exhibitions to groundbreaking performances, Oklahoma Contemporary’s 2023-24 season will offer something for everyone,” says Linda Santiago, communications associate with the center.

Guests can enjoy “local and international artists, literary collaborations, hands-on art-making, holiday fun and so much more,” she says. “Admission to the galleries and most programs are free.”

Highlights include Eva Schlegel’s, Multiple Voices, running Aug. 31-Jan. 13. The Austria-born and -based artist is best known for engineering steel and mirrors into architectonic sculptures. Stick around for ArtNow, running until Jan. 15. The show is the latest iteration of Oklahoma Contemporary’s biennial ArtNow exhibition.

Through Oct. 23, Patterns of Knowing features works by three artists – Jordan Ann Craig, the late Benjamin Harjo Jr. and Jeri Redcorn – “exploring how patterns sourced from Indigenous cultures embody a lineage of ideas,” according to the organization’s website. Stick around for showcases from other creators including Eduardo Sarabia and Jose Dávila, both running through August of next year.

Visitokcontemp.org for updates and details.

108 Contemporary

Linda Lopez & Mathew McConnell: Live from the Moon

Aug. 4-Sept. 24

Shin-hee Chin: Entangled Harmony

Oct. 6-Nov. 19

The State of Craft 2023

Dec. 1-Jan. 2

Cynthia Marcoux

Feb. 2-March 24

Kayla Ohlmer & Ryan Kepler

April 5-May 26

Fiberworks

June 7-July 21

American Theatre Company

The Great American Trailer Park Musical

Oct. 6-14

A Christmas Carol

Dec. 8-23

All The King’s Women

March 1-9

Under the Skin

May 3-11

Ann

Summer 2024

Armstrong Auditorium

Joshua Roman

Sept. 12

Voces8

Oct. 24

Le Consort

Nov. 7

Ilya Vakushev

Nov. 30

Vida Guitar Quartet

Jan. 25

Italian Saxophone Quartet

Feb. 7

Sofia Philharmonic

Feb. 27

Ray Chen

March 14

Glenn Miller Orchestra

April 4

BOK Center

Zach Bryan

Aug. 11-12

Fuerza Regida

Aug. 19

Nickelback

Sept. 21

Carin Leon

Sept. 23

Luke Bryan

Sept. 30

Jonas Brothers

Oct. 3

Nate Bargatze

Oct. 20

NeedtoBreathe

Oct. 21

Chris Stapleton

Oct. 26

Aerosmith

Nov. 4

MercyMe

Nov. 9

Cirque Holidaze

Nov. 29

Parker McCollum

Dec. 30

Bob Dylan Center

Patti Smith Trio

Aug. 9

An Evening with the Bob Dylan Center

Aug. 30

Becoming Bob Dylan: Photographs by Ted Russell 1961-1964

Through Oct. 15

The Gift

Ongoing

Canterbury Voices

Modern Masters

Oct. 22

Handel’s Messiah

Dec. 3

For All the Saints (especially Patrick)

March 14

Crescendo!

TBD

Celebrity Attractions

Disney’s Aladdin

Sept. 26-Oct. 1

Beetlejuice

Nov. 21-26

Hairspray

Jan. 2-7

My Fair Lady

Feb. 27-March 3

Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird

March 26-31

Tina – The Tina Turner Musical

May 14-19

Chamber Music Tulsa

Junction Trio

Sept. 16-17

WindSync

Oct. 13-15

Castalian String Quartet

Nov. 17-19

Danish String Quartet

Feb. 17-18

Horszowski Trio

March 15-17

Dali Quartet

April 19-21

Civic Center Music Hall

Events listed are presented by the Civic Center Music Hall; events presented by other performing arts companies, also to be hosted at the Civic Center, are listed under the according company

John Crist

Sept. 14

Little Theatre presents: The Turn of the Screw

Sept. 29-30

La India Yurida

Oct. 8

Joe Bonamassa

Nov. 5

Colin and Brad: Scared Scriptless

Nov. 19

Discovery Lab

Math and Music Exhibit
Ongoing

Energy Exhibit
Ongoing

HydroLab
Ongoing

Central Gallery
Ongoing

Featured Hall
Ongoing

The Workshop
Ongoing

The Little Lab
Ongoing

Science Lab
Ongoing

First Americans Museum

200 Years of Doctrine of Discovery: Johnson V. M’Intosh and the Indian Removal Act

Through Aug. 31

One Place, Many Nations: Acknowledging the 39

Through 2025

OKLA HOMMA

Ongoing

WINIKO: Life of an Object

Ongoing

21st Century Mound Builders

Ongoing

Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art

Yellowstone in Color: Moran and Prang Print the West

Through Nov. 26

Greenwood Rising

Still We Rise

Ongoing

The Greenwood Spirit

Ongoing

The Arc of Oppression

Ongoing

The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre

Ongoing

Changing Fortunes

Ongoing

A Journey Towards Reconciliation

Ongoing

Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum

Explorers Hall

Ongoing

Main Street

Ongoing

Science Wing

Ongoing

Roesler Hall

Ongoing

Living Arts

Oh, Tulsa! Biennial

Aug. 4-18

Protection: Adaptation & Resistance

Sept. 1-Oct. 13

Dia de los Muertos Arts Festival and Exhibition

Nov. 3-11

Drawing Rally

Dec. 1

Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma

Concerto

Sept. 13-Oct. 1

Lyric’s A Christmas Carol ‘23

Nov. 24-Dec. 24

Mabee Center

Gaither Homecoming

Aug. 18-19

National Fiddler Hall of Fame Induction Concert

Sept. 16

Casting Crowns

Oct. 19

Grady Nichols Christmas Show

Dec. 5

Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art

Fr. Gerrer’s Travels

Through Aug. 27

McKnight Center for Performing Arts

Scotty McCreery

Sept. 15

New York Philharmonic: Bright Night Gala Concert

Sept. 22

New York Philharmonic: Saturday Night at the Movies

Sept. 23

New York Philharmonic: New World Symphony

Sept. 24

Chris Botti

Oct. 13

Pretty Woman: The Musical

Oct. 31-Nov. 1

Postmodern Jukebox: Life in the Past Lane Tour

Nov. 3

How the Grinch Stole Christmas: In Concert with the Tulsa Symphony

Nov. 30

Martina McBride: The Joy of Christmas Tour

Dec. 2

Come From Away

Jan. 23-24

1964 The Tribute

Feb. 9

An Evening with Sutton Foster

Feb. 14

The Duke Ellington Orchestra

Feb. 25

Chamber Music: Piano Spectacular

March 3

The Cameraman: Silent Film with Organist Peter Krasinksi

March 10

The Book of Mormon

April 1-2

Yo-Yo Ma and Kathryn Stott

April 5

National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum

American Farmer

Aug. 25-Oct. 18

Nations at War!

Sept. 1-Jan. 21

Women in Wyoming

Sept. 8-Jan. 2

King Ranch: A Legacy in Art; Paintings by Noe Perez

Sept. 22-Jan. 2

Black Cowboys

Sept. 22-Jan. 2

Widewest

Through Oct. 15

Small Works, Great Wonders

Nov. 4-26

Italy’s Legendary Cowboys of the Maremma, Photographs by Gabrielle Saveri

Dec. 8-May 7

Open for Business

Through Feb. 18

OKC Ballet

Ballet Under the Stars

Sept. 15

Hamlet

Oct. 27-29

The Nutcracker

Dec. 8-18

Giselle

Feb. 9-11

Future Voices

March 7-10

Shorts

May 10-12

OKC Broadway

Ain’t Too Proud

Aug. 15-20

Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse

Sept. 21

Six

Sept. 26-Oct. 1

To Kill a Mockingbird

Oct. 10-15

Tina – The Tina Turner Musical

Dec. 26-31

Les Miserables

Jan. 16-21

Wicked

Feb. 21-March 10

Chicago

April 9-14

Mamma Mia!

May 21-26

OKC Philharmonic

Opening Night!

Sept. 9

Gothic Midnight

Oct. 7

From Chinatown to La La Land

Nov. 3-4

Folk Roots

Nov. 11

A Very Merry Pops with Take 6 and Sandi Patty

Dec. 1-2

Rachmaninoff!

Jan. 13

Mariachi Los Camperos

Jan. 26-27

Brahms

Feb. 3

Bravo Broadway!

Feb. 16-17

Glorious Life

March 23

Cirque Musica Heroes & Villians

April 5-6

Pines of Rome

April 20

An Evening with Bernadette Peters

May 3-4

Tosca

May 18

OKC Town Hall

Cristina Zenato

Sept. 21

Karl Rove

Oct. 19

Chris Willingham

Nov. 16

Thomas David Jones

Feb. 15

Mollie Hemingway

March 21

Pete Hegseth

April 18

Oklahoma City Museum of Art

An Artist’s Perspective Tour: True Nature

Aug. 6, Oct. 7

Drop-In Art

Aug. 19, Sept. 16, Oct. 21, Nov. 18

Public Exhibition Tour: True Nature

Aug. 26, Sept. 10, Oct. 12

Late Night

Sept. 8

Experiments in Abstraction: Art in Post War America 1950s-1980s

Through Sept. 3

ARTonTAP

Oct. 13

True Nature: Rodin and the Age of Impressionism

Through Oct. 22

Preston Singletary: Raven and the Box of Daylight Members’ Preview Celebration

Nov. 10

Preston Singletary: Raven and the Box of Daylight

Nov. 11-April 28

Cynthia Daignault: Oklahoma

Through Dec. 31

Paul Reed: Works on Paper

Through Jan. 31

James C. Meade Friends’ Lecture and Annual Friends’ Dinner

May 15

Edith Head: The Golden Age of Hollywood Costume Design Members’ Preview Celebration

June 21

Edith Head: The Golden Age of Hollywood Costume Design

June 22, 2024-Sept. 29, 2024

Chihuly Then and Now: The Collection at Twenty

Through June 23, 2024

Oklahoma Contemporary

Thursday Night Late: Summer Music Series

Aug. 10 and Sept. 14

Freedom Story: An Art Experience Celebrating 1958 Sit-ins

Aug. 18

Eva Schlegel Opening Reception and Artist Talk

Aug. 31

Eva Schlegel: Multiple Voices

Aug. 31-Jan. 13, 2025

Second Saturday Events

Sept. 9, Oct. 14, Nov. 11 and Dec. 9

Performance Lecture – Thanmáhel

Sept. 28

The Antelope Party (In partnership with OKC Rep)

Oct. 12-22

Patterns of Knowing

Through Oct. 23

Looking for Tiger Lily (In partnership with OKC Rep)

Nov. 16-18

Artisan Holiday Market

Dec. 8-11

ArtNow 2023

Through Jan. 15

Under The Radar: On The Road (In partnership with OKC Rep)

Jan. 25-28

Vietgone (In partnership with OKC Rep)

Feb. 29-March 9

Eduardo Sarabia: Green Vines

Through Aug. 2024

Jose Dávila

Through Aug. 2024

Paycom Center

Thomas Rhett

Aug. 17

Santa Fe Klan

Aug. 18

PBR Freedom Fest

Sept. 8-10

Jelly Roll

Sept. 19

Odeza

Oct. 12

Jason Aldean

Oct. 13

Nitro Circus

Oct. 20

Nate Bargatze

Oct. 22

Luis Miguel

Oct. 26

Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey: The Greatest Show on Earth

Dec. 15-17

Philbrook Museum of Art

New Realms: Art Lab

Through Sept. 17

Trade & Transformation

Oct. 18-Dec. 31

Alexandre Hogue: Human/Nature

Through Oct. 29

Floral Resilience

Through Dec. 31

Printmaking: Art and the Written Word

Through Dec. 31

Terrain Notes

Through Dec. 31

Wyeths: Textures of Nature

Through June 9, 2024

Sam Noble Museum

Curiousiday: Wildlife Jamboree

Aug. 12

Nature’s Blueprints: Biomimicry in Art and Design

Through Oct. 22

Flight Lines: The Art of Natural History

Through Nov. 26

Science Museum Oklahoma

Silent Sky

Aug. 10-13

Sensory Room

Opening mid-August SMO21+

Aug. 25, Oct. 20

Currents: Turning the Tide on Ocean Conservation

Sept. 2 – Aug. 2024

Tinkerfest

Sept. 30

Solar Eclipse event

Oct. 14

Parlor Car Tours

Nov. 23–Jan. 1

Frameless: NFTs in Contemporary Art

Through early 2024

Signature Symphony

Bluegrass to Bohemia

Sept. 30

Christmas in Tulsa

Dec. 15

Inspirations

Jan. 27

Inevitable Beethoven: The Struggle for Creation

March 2

Theatre North

Topdog/Underdog

Feb. 17-25

Stew

May 18-26

Theatre Tulsa

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

Sept. 15-Oct. 1

The Trail to Oregon!

Nov. 2-4

Mean Girls: High School Edition

Nov. 17-19

Annie

Jan. 19-Feb. 4

21 Chump Street

March 2

Calendar Girls

March 15-24

Once on This Island

April 26-May 12

Willy Wonka Jr.

May 24-26

Tulsa Air and Space Museum

Ray Booker Flight Lab

Ongoing

Build Your Own Aircraft Simulator

Ongoing

Bernouilli’s Principle

Ongoing

Shuttle Simulator

Ongoing

James E. Bertelsmeyer Planetarium

Ongoing

Tulsa Ballet

Jacob’s Pilow Bon Voyage Performance

Aug. 18

Jacob’s Pillow Festival

Aug. 23-27

Creations In Studio K

Sept. 15-24

Ballet on the Green

Oct. 6

Jack & the Beanstalk

Oct. 13-14

Don Quixote

Nov. 2-5

The Nutcracker

Dec. 9-23

Strictly Gershwin

Feb. 8-11

Romeo & Juliet

March 21-24

Icons & Idols

April 13

Jack & the Beanstalk

April 19-20

Sharing Dance Day

April 27

Signature Series

May 9-12

Tulsa Botanic Garden

Autumn in the Botanic Garden

Sept. 21-Oct. 31

Botanic Garden of Lights

Select nights Nov. 24-Dec. 29

Tulsa Botanic Blooms

March 21-April 21

Tulsa Chorale

Brahms Requiem

Nov. 18

Rutter Requiem

Feb. 10

Mozart Requiem with Tulsa Symphony Orchestra

April 13

Tulsa Opera

Tulsa Youth Opera’s Amahl and the Night Visitors

Jan. 6-7

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change

Feb. 9-11

Opera Fizz: A Bubbly Night of Music and Mixology

April 26

Tulsa PAC

Events listed are presented by the TPAC; events presented by other performing arts companies, also to be hosted at the TPAC, are listed under the according company

Francisco Trevino

Oct. 4

Straight No Chaser

Nov. 7

Janet’s Planet: A Tour Through the Solar System

Nov. 15-16

Festival Bell Ringers

Dec. 6

Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical

Feb. 8

The Call of the Wild

Feb. 29

Vintage Wildflowers

March 6

Patt Hobbs

May 8

Discovery Awards

May 23

Tulsa Spotlight Theatre

The Jungle Book

Through Aug. 6

How I Met Your Mummy

Oct. 6-15

An Enchanted Bookshop Christmas

Dec. 8-17

The Drunkard and the Olio

Every Saturday

Tulsa Symphony

Symphony in the Park

Sept. 1

Prelude: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5

Sept. 9

Chamber Music Series: Farrenc

Sept. 22

Masquerade: Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 9

Oct. 7

The David B. Waters Series: TSO @ TU – Mozart’s Symphony No. 40

Oct. 15

Honor, Americana: Price’s Symphony No. 1

Nov. 11

Chamber Music Series: Mendelssohn

Nov. 17

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Dec. 1

Ebb & Flow: Brahms’ Symphony No. 3

Jan. 13

Fantastique Experience: Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique

Feb. 3

Chamber Music Series: Beethoven

March 15

The David B. Waters Series: TSO @ TU – Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4

April 7

Fame & Fate: Mozart’s Requiem

April 13

Chamber Music Series: De Rivera

April 19

Finale: Mahler’s Symphony No. 5

May 11

Tulsa Town Hall

Bill Browder

Oct. 6

Brian Greene

Nov. 10

Rosanne Cash

Feb. 2

Mary Louise Kelly

March 8

Dawn Porter

April 12

Tulsa Youth Symphony

Fall Concert

Dec. 4

January Concert

Jan. 27-28

Winter Concert / Alumni Homecoming

March 10

Spring Serenade

May 5

Woody Guthrie Museum

Love Saves the Day: The Subettanean History of American Disco

Through Oct. 1

John Mellencamp and Woody Guthrie

Ongoing

Ballad Monger: Oscar Brand in Story & Song

Ongoing

World Stage Theatre Company

A Man of No Importance

Sept. 15

Reflections

Oct. 19-29

Choir Boy

April 4-14

Big, Scary Animals

June 6-16

Outstanding High School Seniors

By

Mary Willa Allen

-

July 27, 2023

Zachary Kirchhoff

Jenks High School

Attending: University of Pennsylvania

Intended major: Business Law at the Wharton Undergraduate School of Business and Anthropology at the College of Arts and Sciences. I have always been interested in understanding other people and their own unique world views and cultures, but as I have grown older I’ve developed a special interest in understanding discrimination and oppression. I hope to study anthropology and law, and eventually attend law school.

Biggest influence: My relationships with three teachers and mentors: Mike Horn, Karen Workun and Paula Dennis. These teachers ignited within me a love of learning, in and outside the classroom, and encouraged me to take advantage of opportunities to get involved in my high school community.

Proudest achievement: I had the unique opportunity to conduct independent academic research twice, organize the only student organized TEDx Youth event in the region, and win three state championship titles. However, what meant the most to me was the opportunity to work closely with one of my teachers, Karen Workun, to organize an affinity group called the Equality Alliance. During my junior and senior years of high school, we hosted monthly meetings to discuss current events, policy changes and other topics relating to equality and social justice and, most importantly, managed to form a community of our own where everyone’s voices and opinions were welcomed.

I would trade places for one day with: Ernest Hemingway. He is not only one of my favorite writers, but he lived such an interesting life.

Unique characteristics: My father passed away from cancer when I was 13 years old, and ever since his passing, I have understood, to what I believe to be a greater degree than most others my age, that life does not last forever. This realization has served as fuel for much of my ambition throughout the years.

Hobbies and passions: Music. I have been heavily involved in my high school’s choir, show choir and musical theatre programs for years, and have won multiple statewide and national awards and honors through these programs.

Surprising fact: I can do the splits!

Carolina Hampton Pardo

Casady School

Attending: Princeton University

Intended major: Philosophy. I plan to attend law school, so I was looking for a good foundation in logic and reasoning.

Biggest influence: Mr. Banecker, my senior year English teacher. He pushed me to develop individual opinions and analyses of literature and taught me how to be intellectually curious. He formed me into the writer and thinker I am today.

Proudest achievement: Receiving the Alumni Award at Casady graduation. My older sister, Isabela, also won the award when she graduated from Casady, so I was very proud and honored to receive the same achievement she did.

Career plans: I plan to go to law school to study tribal law. From there, I plan to work with Native American communities to grant them better access to healthcare and sexual education in their school systems.

I would trade places for one day with: The famous film director Wes Anderson. I am very curious to see how he views the world and where he draws artistic inspiration for his pastel movie style.

Twenty years down the line, I would like to be: Established in my career. I would like to set up a nonprofit organization aimed at reducing the teen pregnancy rate within American Indian communities. I would like to have a family as well.

Hobbies and passions: I love cinema and art history. Delving into and exploring various mediums of art is always something I have been very drawn to. I also love baking pies for my family.

Surprise fact: My favorite food of all time is pickles, but it has to be the Claussen brand.

Bonus tidbit: Since I am the shortest member and the baby of my family, everyone calls me Teeny.

Jackson McCormick

Cascia Hall Preparatory School

Attending: Stanford University

Intended major: Film & Media and Economics. I love film and find it fascinating as a freeing and innovative medium of art. Naturally, the film industry is still a business, so I want to understand the finance and functional side of it.

Biggest influence: Of all my influences, my parents have given me a great example as hard workers.

Proudest achievement: There is absolutely nothing like walking across that stage at the end of it all. Being handed that diploma made all the tests, assignments and late-night study sessions worth it. At my graduation, I was able to give the farewell speech, which really helped me see how beautiful the past seven years at Cascia truly were.

Career plans: I would love to one day work as a producer and writer in film. I have already started writing and acting for films when I can.

I would trade places for one day with: Donald Glover. He is definitely my celebrity idol. Whether comedy, music, writing or acting, Glover has done everything he set his mind to when it comes to entertainment. I love to be surprised by how his mind goes beyond just one medium of art.

Twenty years down the line, I would like to: Surprise myself. Of course, this is an extremely broad description of one’s future. However, what I really mean is that I want to create something that tells me, “I might have what it takes to keep going.”

Unique characteristics: I can easily mix in different environments. As a very social person, I love to meet new people, and naturally I love to talk.

Hobbies and passions: I love to write, act and of course, watch movies. One of my favorite activities is just watching movies with my family. As an actor and future filmmaker, the best way to perfect your craft is to practice and see how others use their skills on the screen. I also love singing – I participate in activities that allow me to sing whenever I can. It is just another escape that allows me to express myself.

Amelia Anderson

Riverfield Country Day School

Attending: Spelman College

Intended major: Biology. I love to learn about science and how the world works, and I’d love to pursue medicine in my future.

Biggest influence: I think my father is my biggest influence because he works so hard and I want to become like him. I like to think I’m a mini him because I like his music, play the sports he likes, and I play the bass guitar like he does.

Proudest achievement: Receiving the Carole Robertson award from my organization, Jack and Jill of America Inc. It also came with a trophy and $1,000.

Career plans: I’d like to become a pediatrician. I love to help children, and in my free time work in a daycare. And since I love science, pediatrics seems perfect.

I would trade places for one day with: Blue Ivy, Beyoncé’s daughter, so that I could spend the day with Beyoncé and watch her perform.

Twenty years down the line, I would like to be: In a beautiful house with land and have beautiful children, and have a career that I love.

Unique characteristics: I am very empathetic and caring, but I think I’m also a natural leader and I love opening up and making new friends and meeting people.

Hobbies and passions: I love to paint and read, and I work part time as a dental assistant and a teacher in an infant class at a daycare.

Surprising fact: I have four cats, two dogs, a turtle and a chinchilla.

Additional tidbit: I have been playing bass guitar since fifth grade and it’s one of my biggest passions besides painting. I’ve performed at the Cain’s Ballroom eight times.

Julian Felix Aaronson

Holland Hall School

Attending: New York University, Tisch School of the Arts

Intending major: Film and Television. In art, you can have the absolute worst idea according to one person and that same idea can be seen as genius to the next person. It’s a controversial world. What makes film making so special to me is the combination of every art medium into one – making film making the most controversial medium possible. I like that each person can sit for two hours watching a movie, and every person will have a different perspective of the film, whether that is hatred, love, connectivity or rejection of the same compilation of images and sound. The riskiness of film making is so extremely interesting that I can’t help but major in it.

Biggest influence: People who make, act and do with the overarching goal of staying authentic to themselves. There is a long list of names but the only ones that I feel I must include are my Mom, Dad, Ari Aster, the Daniels and Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

Proudest achievement: Completing my short film The External-Internal Monologue of an Interdependent Insomniac. This was the first thing I had made without the goal of impressing people – just a film for myself.

Career plans: After I work in the film industry for a while, I will apply to be an FBI agent. To supplement that goal, I will likely need to have a career in something other than film, so I may explore the finance world a bit. After my time in the FBI, I will do a season of the show Survivor. After that psychological torture, I would like to go to culinary school, just so I know a thing or two about how to make a good tomato bisque. Then, I will really settle into the film world. I might teach a college course here and there – it’s always been a dream of mine – but ultimately I will end my working life as a filmmaker.

Twenty years down the line, I would like to be: On the Oscars stage.

Hobbies and passions: Filmmaking, writing, and I can cook a good steak.

Moriah Starr Chambers

Augustine Christian Academy

Attending: Rogers State University

Intended major: Business management. I think that it’s a good baseline for anything I want to do in the future.

Biggest influence: My sister, Micah, because she always helps me and encourages me to excel in everything I do.

Proudest achievement: Being valedictorian of my class.

Career plans: I’m very interested in becoming an events coordinator.

I would trade places for one day with: I don’t think I would trade places with anyone because I love being myself and I am exactly who I am meant to be. I can’t think of anyone I would rather be.

Twenty years down the line, I would like to be: Married with a family and a business.

Unique characteristics: I have an old soul, a dry sense of humor and great work ethic.

Hobbies and passions: I enjoy painting, fishing and theatre.

Surprising fact: I have been puppeteering for ten years, I have seven chickens, and I have been in twenty musicals.

Bonus tidbits: I have a large collection of animal bones that I have found or been gifted over the years and I have an interest in osteology. I also do volunteer work for the Penguin Project, a theater group for people with special needs.

Litseg Krissel Del Val Rodriguez

Thomas Edison Preparatory High School

Attending: The University of Oklahoma

Intended major: Biology. I have always loved science. Since I can remember, learning about life has always fascinated me.

Biggest influence: My parents. They came to the U.S. with nothing. All they wanted was for my sisters and I to live the best lives possible. All I do is for them. If it weren’t for their sacrifice, I would have never found myself typing out answers for a questionnaire to be put in a magazine.

Proudest achievement: Academically and career wise, it has been completing a medical assisting program. Through Tulsa Tech, I was able to get a head start in the medical field, which will be crucial to my future career. Personally, it’s being a godmother to my beautiful niece, Milana Moon.

I would trade places for one day with: Lana Del Rey. She has changed so many lives through her music; I want to experience what that feels like. I am also not the best singer, so actually being able to sing well for a day would be amazing.

Twenty years down the line, I would like to be: Firstly, done with school and a licensed and practicing physician assistant. But more importantly, traveling. My heart calls to explore the world.

Unique characteristics: I always get told I am very mature for my age. Which is true. Being a first generation Mexican-American, I found myself having to grow up faster than my peers.

Hobbies and passions: I love photography. I personally prefer to take pictures with Polaroids or film as opposed to taking them with a “modern” digital camera. I just feel like it gives pictures a warmer look to them. I do enjoy “living in the moment,” but I prefer having a tangible object that can transport me back into that memory. I also really enjoy working with flowers – planting them, wearing them, looking at them.

Surprising fact: I have never broken a bone or had a cavity. I am really proud about that. Unfortunately, during a weak moment in my life, my gallbladder decided to call it quits and I can no longer say I have never had surgery.

Kayden Kehe

Union High School

Attending: Harvard University

Intended major: Computer science. My interest began when I was ten, attempting to create video games. Since then, the field has been a place of continued interest and even beauty at times.

Biggest influence: My sister, Nikki. We’re the polar opposites of each other in almost every way, and instead of causing conflict, I think that opposition has given both of us a broader, more whole perspective.

Proudest achievement: I’d struggle to choose between becoming a U.S. Presidential Scholars Program Semifinalist and being named Mr. Union. U.S. PSP is a highly selective distinction on a national scale; Oklahoma only had 10 semifinalists this year. Mr. Union is an award that UHS gives to one male senior based on GPA, student vote, teacher vote and teacher recommendation. Being named Mr. Union expressed to me that I was able to leave a good impression and make a positive impact on the students and staff at Union.

Career plans: I’d like to be a professor! It would be the perfect way to further explore my love for education, research and computers.

I would trade places for one day with: My dogs. They just lay around and do nothing all day, and I think that sounds quite nice.

Unique characteristics: I think my exceptional lack of navigational ability is truly special. Even in my senior year, I’d still occasionally get lost wandering the halls of my high school. I have to use Google Maps to get to the Walmart that’s, like, two miles away from my house.

Hobbies and passions: Research, education and computer science are my three biggest passions. Almost all the things I do outside of school are motivated by one or more of those passions, like teaching coding classes, making projects and uploading them to my YouTube channel, tutoring math and leading tech-oriented student organizations. I’ve been able
to turn a couple of those passions into a job this
summer, working as a part-time data science researcher at TU.

Elle Stanger

Bishop Kelley High School

Attending: The University of Notre Dame

Intended major: Finance. I think it’s an extremely valuable skill to be able to help people manage their assets.

Biggest influence: Definitely Christ. He has blessed me with people in my life who show me His unconditional love and selflessness. My grandparents
immigrated to the United States during the Vietnam War and made a good life for their family in Oklahoma, so they have taught me the value of working hard. The same goes for my mom and dad, who have always emphasized the value of integrity.

Proudest achievement: Being selected as the 2023 Jim Thorpe Player of the Year for girl’s golf.

Career plans: A corporate lawyer, with a possible side hustle as an author.

I would trade places for one day with: Leonardo DaVinci during the Renaissance in Italy.

Twenty years down the line, I would like to be: At a point where I can give back to the people and the communities that positively impacted and lifted me up. Being able to help people, especially kids and teens, follow their dreams would be incredibly fulfilling.

Unique characteristics: I’m an old soul. I don’t have a fear of missing out when I know I need to stay home and work on school or sports. I’m also not afraid to get out of my comfort zone and take risks.

Hobbies and passions: I love being active, whether it be playing a sport, running or hiking. I also have a passion for reading and writing that developed from a young age.

Bonus tidbits: As a toddler, my grandparents would care for me. They spoke Vietnamese and taught me Vietnamese songs. So when I went home with my mom, I would have full-blown conversations with her saying both the English and Vietnamese words.

Hannah Shoop

Mingo Valley Christian

Attending: Oklahoma Baptist University

Intended major: Social studies – secondary
education

Biggest influence: My mom, Kelly Shoop, and mentor, Rachel Keeney. My mom and mentor are history teachers from Mingo Valley Christian, and I have
had the privilege to be in both of their classes through the years. They each teach with passion
and eloquence, while also integrating a Biblical
perspective on their studies of history. I have been greatly influenced by both of these women, so
much so that I desire to follow in their footsteps and continue to educate future students on the fascinating subject of history, particularly from a Biblical worldview.

Proudest achievement: When I was cast as Belle in my school’s production of Beauty and the Beast. I was extremely honored to have been cast in such a major role. I could not have accomplished this without the mentorship of my grandfather, encouragement from my vocal teacher and influence from my director.

Career plans: I would love to teach world history to secondary age students!

I would trade places for one day with: A pigeon in New York. I can only imagine the bizarre sights those pigeons see in just one day living in New York City. I also would love to be able to fly for a day.

Twenty years down the line, I would like to be: Successfully through college, with a family and working a job I am passionate about – educating the younger generations.

Unique characteristics: I am witty, meek and honest.

Hobbies and passions: My hobbies are acting, singing, and embroidery.

Surprising fact: I would love to travel the world at some point during my lifetime. Since I want to be a world history teacher, I would like to see various historical sites around the world.

Amanda Dai

Oklahoma School of Science & Mathematics

Attending: Vanderbilt University

Intended major: Biochemistry. I took a biochem class in high school, and although it absolutely wrecked my sleeping schedule, I loved every part of the curriculum.

Biggest influence: Aside from my parents, probably the friends I made at boarding school. Without their constant support and encouragement, I wouldn’t be half the person I am today.

Proudest achievement: Completing my internship at the OU College of Pharmacy! Though my research ultimately failed to produce the results I expected, I’m really proud of myself for the time and effort I put into gaining firsthand laboratory and research experience.

Career plans: I’d love to go into some type of IP [intellectual property] law.

I would trade places for one day with: Maximilien Robespierre (though hopefully not during his execution). I’m fascinated with the French Revolution, especially with the Reign of Terror, so I’d love to get a glimpse into the mind of one of the Terror’s primary orchestrators. Plus, I just think that cravats and powdered wigs are pretty cool fashion choices.

Twenty years down the line, I would like to be: Genuinely happy and satisfied with whatever my life is like. I would like to be fully confident in the decisions I’ve made, regardless of if those decisions were objectively good or bad.

Unique characteristics: The specific mix of luck, hard work and support that gives me the ability and motivation to pursue my goals.

Hobbies and passions: I love creating digital art! My favorite thing to paint is historical clothing, specifically baroque- and rococo-style menswear. I love it because I get to combine my passion for art with my love for fashion history.

Surprising fact: I love cicadas! I used to let them rest on my head as I drew outside.

Abby Tull

Metro Christian Academy

Attending: Oklahoma State University

Intended major: Nutritional sciences. Nutrition has become a huge part of my life and I hope to help teach others that food is medicine.

Biggest influence: The Lord. God is the foundation of my life and has been the consistent light that guides me through every moment, good and bad.

Proudest achievement: Receiving the Girl Athlete of the Year award at Metro Christian. Learning how to overcome self-doubt and continue to work diligently during my high school sports career made receiving this award such an honor, because it is a reflection of the growth and consistency that took years to achieve.

Career plans: I plan to become a registered dietitian and specialize in sports nutrition or functional nutrition.

I would trade places for one day with: Guy Fieri, the host of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, because I think it would be super fun to drive around in a convertible and try some of America’s greatest food.

Twenty years down the line, I would like to be: In a stable job as a registered dietitian, either working with athletes or having opened my own practice. I also hope to be raising a family.

Unique characteristics: My adaptability. I am able to read situations well, learn things quickly and adjust accordingly.

Hobbies and passions: I love to bake. I have always had a sweet tooth and baking allows me to make exactly what I am craving!

Surprising fact: I love high-adrenaline activities like roller coasters and jet skis. I think it is one of the reasons why I love sports so much.

All photos courtesy the student aside from Zachary Kirchoff (photo by Maurice Storm) and Elle Stanger (photo by Ervin Photography)

The New Frontiers of Education

By

Tracy LeGrand

-

July 27, 2023

Keeping up with workforce demand, OSU can help students with advanced degrees and specialized certificates. All photos on this page courtesy OSU

Combating the Demographic Cliff

For the past ten years, fewer traditional college students have enrolled in higher education. Leaders in the sector are already seeing the beginning of a demographic cliff – or a dramatic drop in the college-aged population – which is projected to fully realize in the middle of this decade. To combat the issue, universities are expanding their resources.

The demographic cliff has already begun in some areas of the U.S., says Jeanette Mendez, Ph.D., Oklahoma State University senior vice president and provost.

Despite some employers looking for specialized certificates, a college degree is still as valuable as ever. Photo courtesy OSU

“The university’s system-wide strategy, which was released last fall, is in alignment with meeting the challenges of the enrollment cliff,” says Mendez. “The priority to increase enrollment and opportunities for students to receive an OSU education is at the forefront. We are working toward additional scholarship opportunities for students, which will also reduce OSU student debt.”

Northeastern State University in Tahlequah “strives to have degrees and educational opportunities in areas of professions that are critical to Oklahoma and its workforce,” says Jerrid Freeman, Ph.D., vice president for student affairs and enrollment management. “We also work hard to keep our tuition and fees financially accessible to ensure the widest access to our students.”

The University of Oklahoma is also already executing a strategic plan.

“Universities are a cornerstone of our economic and social prosperity,” says April Sandefer, OU’s director of media relations. “A college degree is worth about $1.5 million more earned over a lifetime. Since OU is dedicated to providing access to students who wish to attend, we are a test-optional institution.”

Some colleges, including OU, offer the opportunity for high school students to earn college credit sooner with concurrent enrollment. This way, students can take college courses at a fraction of the cost with one-on-one advising and support.

“Like our freshmen admissions process, for the fall of 2023, OU concurrent enrollment will also practice a test-optional admissions process,” Sandefer says. “Another exciting update is we are expanding our concurrent offerings to include both in-person and online classes.”

As a community resource, Tulsa Community College supports a consistently evolving student body with established and overhauled resources including academic advising, best practices in the classroom and support for faculty, plus tutoring centers, writing labs and student success coaches.

AI technology is growing, and OSU is providing guidance to instructors to help set clear expectations about student use. Photo courtesy OSU

Eunice Tarver, Ph.D., TCC’s vice president of student success and equity, says the need for more holistic student support services is growing at a rapid pace, and the offices that work with students are collaborating to identify student needs and serve as a benefits navigator.

“Currently, the college is in the process of developing a physical office that will pull some community partners on campus to provide our students with the assistance needed to apply for SNAP benefits, to help file their taxes so they can complete their FAFSA, or to connect them with providers that specialize in housing and/or utilities assistance,” says Tarver.

Preparing Students for the Workplace

Colleges prepare students for work/life balance and proper in-office etiquette via training, internships and classes. After all, many recent and upcoming graduates dealt with shuttered campuses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

To address possible deficiencies, companies, universities and recruiters are coming up with ways to train new hires.

“NSU has incorporated experiential or immersive learning components into its degree programs,” says Pam Fly, Ph.D, associate vice president of academic affairs. “These components include internships, externships and other experiences where students work alongside practitioners.”

Jaime Hough, Ph.D., OU’s director of graduate student and postdoctoral retention and support, works with “a wide variety of early career scholars on preparing to transition from graduate school to careers. While public speaking, presenting to peers or superiors, and professional dress are not routine parts of undergraduate education across fields, they are some of the most common experiences among early career scholars.”

OSU’s Mendez says the “president’s initiatives outline four skills that contribute to the ideal graduate, including ethical leadership, engaged citizenship, personal responsibility and professional preparedness. These competencies will be embedded in multiple ways across campus. OSU is emphasizing the importance of experiential learning outside the classroom and increasing support for students to pursue these important opportunities.”

TCC’s Pete Selden, VP of workforce development, says research conducted by Harvard University, the Carnegie Foundation and Stanford Research Center has concluded that 85% of job success comes from having well-developed soft skills and people skills, and only 15% comes from technical skills and knowledge. Based on this research, TCC has introduced three new micro-credential programs focused on job seeking, job readiness and job keeping.

The Worth of a College Degree

Most experts say that a four-year bachelor’s degree still holds important weight when applying for jobs. But in an ever-changing professional milieu, more jobs may require advanced degrees, while others are shifting towards specialized training without them. Educational institutions work to keep up with these demands.

“Knowledge attainment and continuous learning are more important than ever,” says NSU’s Freeman. “While your career choice plays a large role in the need for a degree, education is vital regardless of your profession, and skill attainment is just as important. Degrees will always be a vital element of our workforce.”

OSU’s Mendez says that the universities can assist with both advanced degrees or something more focused like a certificate or micro credentials.

“As a large comprehensive university, OSU has the flexibility to offer both paths, and our faculty communicate frequently with employers to determine how we can best prepare graduates for jobs,” she says.

According to the Council of Graduate Schools, entry level jobs that require a master’s degree will grow by 17% through 2026, mentions OU’s Hough.

“This growth is the fastest of any education level. Several job areas will experience growth in the future, including advanced manufacturing. Engineers, data scientists and researchers are crucial to manufacturing, which is expected to have a growth of 4.6 million jobs in a decade,” says Hough. “The council expects 2.4 million go unfilled due to a skills gap, emphasizing the growing need for advanced degrees.”

Electives at college campuses run the gamut, from art to cyber security and data analytics. Photo courtesy OU

Unique Electives

It is difficult to identify a “popular elective,” says NSU’s Fly. Students tend to take electives that are extensions of their major field of study. Psychology electives are wide-reaching, as are those surrounding particular topics such as cyber security, Native American culture or data analytics.

“At OU’s College of Business, nearly 700 students take courses that are part of seven business minors, designed specifically for non-business majors,” says Laku Chidambaram, Ph.D., senior associate dean for Price. “Some of the most popular of those courses include business data analytics, digital marketing and new venture
development.

“We have a student studying to be a chiropractor who is taking entrepreneurship classes to learn how to run a private practice; another student from computer science is taking management information system courses to learn about the intersection of technology and business; and a journalism student is taking digital marketing courses to learn about the business aspects of online marketing.”

AI in the Classroom: New Developments

Artificial intelligence in education is being addressed head-on by Oklahoma institutions.

“NSU faculty have been monitoring the rise of AI in academic spaces – both in terms of using it as a teaching tool or talking with students about how to avoid plagiarism if they incorporate AI into their course work,” says Fly. “For the coming academic year, NSU has revised its academic integrity statements to include the misuse of artificial intelligence services without citation.”

Interacting with peers, collaborating and focusing on specific projects all help students prepare for the “real world.” Photo courtesy OU

OSU’s Mendez says that the availability of AI “poses the same sort of issues that calculators and advanced mathematical software posed when they were first available. Just like these tools, AI can be useful for learning, as long as it is used appropriately,” she says. “OSU is providing guidance to instructors to help them set clear expectations for students about when it is reasonable to use AI and when it is not.”

The OU IT department works with university faculty and leadership on an ongoing basis to assess AI’s role in education, says Sandefer.

“While the impact of AI on education is still uncertain, the University of Oklahoma is committed to fostering a learning environment that prepares students for the future by embracing all kinds of innovation,” she says.

Northeastern State University is combatting the potential demographic cliff by keeping its offerings affordable and accessible. Photo courtesy NSU

Trends in Higher Education

Higher education trends include a more personalized approach for better information absorption, as well as micro-internships – short-term, paid, project-based assignments. Overall, schools continue to treat an earned college degree as a sought-after commodity.

“NSU offers several pathways for individuals desiring advanced courses to upskill or re-skill and secure the best opportunities for growth in their field,” says Cari Keller, Ph.D., dean of the graduate college. “Additionally, NSU partners with employers to tailor training and development that fits employee needs.”

Hands-on learning helps students prepare for the modern-day workplace.
Photo courtesy Oklahoma Panhandle State University — Hands-on learning helps students prepare for the modern-day workplace. Photo courtesy Oklahoma Panhandle State University

OSU works regularly with workforce partners to ensure graduates have the skills and the critical thinking and creative abilities to succeed in their chosen careers, says Mendez.

“Many of our programs have advisory boards from the industry that help evaluate the curriculum and give feedback on changes that would help prepare graduates better for the workplace,” Mendez says.

At TCC, the Career Services Office focuses on internships and most recently added micro-internships through a partnership with Parker Dewey. The paid opportunities typically range from five to 40 hours of work and are deadline driven. The platform offers both remote and in-person opportunities.

“TCC wants our students to gain valuable work experience through internships. While we are bringing on micro-internships, we are also working on expanding traditional, for-credit internships for all students,” says Mark Hayes, career services manager. “This benefits students, but also allows local employers to tap into a skilled talent pool.”

Main photo cutline: Keeping up with workforce demand, OSU can help students with advanced degrees and specialized certificates. Photo courtesy courtesy OSU

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