NEWS
OKLAHOMA CITY – Vice President for Research for Health Sciences Darrin Akins, Ph.D., will retire on Aug. 8. Starting May 19, Akins will transition to a special assistant role within the OU Health Sciences’ Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost, where he will continue supporting strategic initiatives.
“Dr. Akins’ leadership has been instrumental for the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences,” said OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. “His dedication to advancing research not only strengthened our capacity to attract funding and talent but also delivered outcomes that have changed lives across Oklahoma and beyond. We are profoundly grateful for his service and lasting contributions, which have positioned us for continued success and discovery.”
“Dr. Akins is highly respected across the university and beyond,” said Gary Raskob, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Provost of the OU Health Sciences. “His leadership has significantly elevated our research infrastructure, our national standing, and the research culture on our campus. We are deeply appreciative of his leadership and lasting contributions.”
Since joining OU in 1998 as a faculty member in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Akins has made a lasting impact on the university’s research enterprise. His scholarship in infectious disease research, particularly in the study of Lyme disease, earned him national recognition and sustained federal funding, in particular as principal investigator for the Oklahoma IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (OK-INBRE) grant, which was renewed under his leadership again last year. His dedication to graduate education has helped shape and mentor the next generation of biomedical researchers for more than two decades.
In his role as vice president for research, Akins led a period of significant and measurable growth for OU Health Sciences. His leadership has been pivotal in launching the research incentive plan, opening new laboratory facilities in the University Research Park, and advancing key initiatives that resulted in a substantial rise in Blue Ridge rankings and increased competitiveness for federal and sponsored research funding. Through his efforts, the university has solidified its reputation as a national leader in health sciences research.
Throughout his career as a distinguished scientist, Akins has combined scientific excellence with a deep sense of institutional purpose. His work reflects a commitment to collaboration, mentorship, and advancing knowledge that improves lives.
Martha Ogilvie, Ph.D., will transition to the role of interim vice president for research for OU Health Sciences on May 19. Her extensive experience and understanding of the research landscape will ensure a seamless transition and continued momentum.
About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. For more information about the university, visit www.ou.edu.
Mary Margaret Holt, dean of the University of Oklahoma Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts, has been honored with the Paseo Arts Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her leadership and contributions to Oklahoma’s arts community.
With winter weather already bringing low temperatures to the state, the Oklahoma Poison Center is urging residents to take extra precautions to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning as they begin heating their homes for the winter season. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly when inhaled in large quantities, and it poses a heightened risk as people rely on heating devices for warmth during cold weather.
Thanks to support from the Chickasaw Nation, the University of Oklahoma College of Law has announced the continuation and expansion of the Chickasaw Nation – Henry Family Lecture Series. Under the new name, the event will continue to showcase thought-provoking discourse surrounding the rule of law.
