Match Your Passion for CHES with OSU’s Historic Gift

When T. Boone Pickens announced he would give his alma mater, Oklahoma State University, $100 million it was an historic day for the university and the College of Human Environmental Sciences.  The gift, the largest single academic donation ever made to a university or college in Oklahoma, provides for dollar-for-dollar match for other donors gifts. The unprecedented gift will more than double the current endowed faculty chairs at OSU.

Mr. Pickens’ gift matches other donors’ gifts dollar-for-dollar. Thus, a gift of $250,000, the minimum amount for establishing chairs, will double to $500,000. In addition to the matching program, Mr. Pickens believes the chairs established should carry a name specified by the original donor.

Endowed chairs attract outstanding faculty with national and international recognition for quality teaching and research. In addition, the added expertise of these reputable educators provides the leadership to benefit and serve other faculty, students, and the region. Faculty members who hold prestigious chairs and professorships are considered experts in their field and are highly regarded in the academic world.

Not only do endowed positions increase a faculty member’s stature in their profession, but these roles establish educational strength and prestige for Oklahoma State University’s many academic departments and disciplines. They greatly enhance OSU’s ability to recruit and retain world-class educators in all academic fields.

THE CHES FACTOR

Laura Hubbs-Tait, professor in Human Development and Family Science is the John and Sue Taylor Professor, the first professorship endowment established in the college.  The Taylor’s vision has provided funds that have enhanced Dr. Hubbs-Tait’s research and instruction. Her reputation as a researcher in cognitive development is recognized by professionals around the world.

Regents Professor Hailin Qu in the School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration holds the William E. Davis Distinguished Chair.  Qu is the editor-in-chief of th Journal of Quality Assurance in Hospitality and Tourism Management.  He has been recognized internationally as one of the leading researchers in international  hospitality and tourism.

Faculty members in the departments of Design, Housing and Merchandising, Human Development and Family Science, Nutritional Science and the School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration and the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension have determined needs for faculty chairs in each of its departments and the Cooperative Extension.

If you have ever dreamed of providing a legacy for the College of Human Environmental Sciences, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for you to influence the College, its faculty and students. For more information on how you can transform the College, please contact Alane Zannotti, CHES Development Director at 405-744-9736 or e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   or Dean Stephan Wilson at 405-744-9805 or e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Visit the OSU Foundation website