NEWS
NORMAN, Okla. – The University of Oklahoma honored the legacy of the late Berrien Moore III, who served as dean of the College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences and director of the National Weather Center from 2010 until his passing in December 2024, with a dedication ceremony for the Oklahoma Weather Lab (OWL) broadcast space at the National Weather Center.
The Oklahoma Weather Lab, a student-run forecasting organization established in 1998, had previously operated from a space in an undergraduate lounge. Under Moore's leadership, the OWL received dedicated space in the Weather Center, allowing students to work alongside broadcast journalism students from the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication to produce weather forecasts for OU Nightly.
The newly renovated space now features a professional broadcast weather desk donated by News 9. During the dedication ceremony, students demonstrated the capabilities of the upgraded facility, and those in attendance were invited to use the space as well.
"Given the importance of the OWL, and Berrien's dedication to the students, we thought it would be very fitting to name the lab in his honor,” said Bob Palmer, Ph.D., dean of the College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences.
The dedication included the unveiling of a plaque recognizing Moore's commitment to providing students with professional resources and opportunities.
"The OWL has long been a critical resource for experiential learning for our students. With this addition of a state-of-the-art broadcast studio, we will provide all students in the program the opportunity to advance their communication skills and experience broadcasting firsthand," said Cameron Homeyer, Ph.D., director of the School of Meteorology.
Sadie Mullinix, a senior meteorology major, spoke on behalf of OWL, highlighting Moore's extensive career accomplishments and his passion for the arts. Moore's impact extended far beyond facilities development—as a mathematician by training, he brought more than five decades of experience in Earth science to OU and was recognized internationally for his climate research, receiving NASA's highest civilian honor.
"Dr. Moore was a blessing to this field at large," Mullinix said. "We're so lucky to have had him at OU, and I hope this dedication will allow Dr. Moore to continue to inspire students in the future."
Palmer reflected on Moore's approachability and mentorship during the ceremony.
"I really do miss him," Palmer said. "Even as busy as he was, he always made time to listen to you.”
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.
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