Computer Science Expands to OU-Tulsa
The OU computer science program is expanding to OU-Tulsa to support the workforce and applied research needs of companies in northeastern Oklahoma.
In partnership with the George Kaiser Family Foundation, OU-Tulsa will increase its focus on important areas of computer science, such as software engineering, cybersecurity and embedded systems, by hiring new faculty and staff to provide instruction and constructing new teaching and research labs to provide experiential learning opportunities. This initiative will support the high-tech staffing requirements of companies looking to relocate to the region.
“Expanding our computer science program to OU-Tulsa strategically serves the workforce needs and the broader economy of northeastern Oklahoma,” said OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. “Like OU, the George Kaiser Family Foundation is committed to changing lives and advancing society. We are immensely grateful for their partnership and belief in our vision to generate new opportunities for the Tulsa area.”
The George Kaiser Family Foundation has sponsored multiple endowed chairs at OU-Tulsa – four of which will be directed toward this initiative. GKFF will also provide enrichment funding to assist with underwriting the Computer Science expansion program.
“Tulsa is becoming an important technology hub for our state and country, as recently demonstrated by [electric vehicle manufacturer] Canoo’s announcement that it will locate its software development and technology center here,” said Ken Levit, GKFF executive director. “The University of Oklahoma’s commitment to expand computer sciences and software engineering programs at the Schusterman campus in Tulsa is important for talent attraction to the region and to further encourage companies and industry to expand and succeed in the nation’s heartland.”
Through the expansion, OU-Tulsa plans to grow enrollment to several hundred students and hire more than 20 faculty over a six-year period.
“We are grateful for the interest GKFF has shown in our computer science program from the beginning and look forward to joining with them to provide greater opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals in Tulsa,” said OU-Tulsa Interim President James J. Sluss Jr. “The demand for computer science and related graduates is soaring nationwide and Oklahoma is no exception. I look forward to working with the Tulsa Regional Chamber and other local leaders to create more jobs in Tulsa for computer science graduates.”
Click here to read an editorial piece from the Tulsa World on this expansion of computer science education in northeastern Oklahoma.
By Bonnie Rucker
Article Published: Wednesday, February 9, 2022