NEWS
NORMAN, OKLA. – The University of Oklahoma’s Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art is embarking on a new initiative designed to secure the museum’s long-term vitality. Building on recent operational changes that have expanded community engagement and strengthened financial foundations, the museum is preparing to launch the Operational Excellence Endowment with a $25 million goal.
Beginning in fall 2024, the museum adopted a new financial model that combines university support with earned revenue and private philanthropy. Strategic updates – including the reinstatement of admission fees, a redesigned welcome desk, a coffee-forward gathering space and expanded membership offerings – have already had a significant impact.
“The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art is one of the state’s premier cultural institutions, and it is crucial to establish a solid financial foundation that will support the museum’s long-term operation,” said OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. “Generations of Oklahomans have benefited from the rich cultural experience provided by the museum, and this effort will give future generations the opportunity to have that experience as well.”
The museum, located on OU’s Norman campus, is home to internationally recognized collections of art. Its permanent collection contains more than 20,000 objects, including the Weitzenhoffer Collection of French Impressionism and one of the nation’s most comprehensive holdings of Native American art.
The Operational Excellence Endowment drive will provide resources to support the museum’s exhibitions, community programming and stewardship of its internationally recognized collection. A $5 million matching initiative is kickstarting the effort, encouraging donors to join in advancing the museum’s mission.
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.
About the OU Foundation
The University of Oklahoma Foundation is an independent charitable organization that facilitates and manages philanthropic gifts to support the University of Oklahoma. With a culture of integrity, skill and persistence, we align the passions of donors and our alumni with the indelible mission of the University of Oklahoma.
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.
