October 21, 2026
Acclaimed actor Barry Corbin visited the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Oklahoma recently to share his time in Hollywood and beyond. Known for his roles in Northern Exposure, Lonesome Dove, Killers of the Flower Moon, and countless others, Barry Corbin shared his experiences with 100 OLLI at OU members.
Learn more about Tyson Putthoff, Ph.D., Humanities Lecturer in the College of Professional and Continuing Studies. He answers questions including best teaching tip and favorite course.
Mabel Sigala Hernandez is graduating this month, signaling the completion of a purposeful journey shaped by her diligence and adaptability. Mabel discovered the PACS program while researching online degree options after completing her previous associates. She describes her experience as well-supported and smoothly structured, highlighting her appreciation and value of academic advising, particularly the guidance she received from an advisor.
Acclaimed actor Barry Corbin visited the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Oklahoma recently to share his time in Hollywood and beyond. Known for his roles in Northern Exposure, Lonesome Dove, Killers of the Flower Moon, and countless others, Barry Corbin shared his experiences with 100 OLLI at OU members.
Learn more about Tyson Putthoff, Ph.D., Humanities Lecturer in the College of Professional and Continuing Studies. He answers questions including best teaching tip and favorite course.
Mabel Sigala Hernandez is graduating this month, signaling the completion of a purposeful journey shaped by her diligence and adaptability. Mabel discovered the PACS program while researching online degree options after completing her previous associates. She describes her experience as well-supported and smoothly structured, highlighting her appreciation and value of academic advising, particularly the guidance she received from an advisor.
More Oklahoma families than ever will have a clear and affordable path to a University of Oklahoma education with the launch of OU Onward, a new scholarship that will help cover tuition and average fees at OU for qualifying Oklahoma students whose families earn between $60,000 and $75,000 annually.
In August, Coleman Patterson, Associate Dean of the University of Oklahoma College of Professional and Continuing Studies (PACS), traveled to the University of Florida as part of a professional exchange focused on online education leadership and student success.
Congratulations to Lisa Angelotti on earning her Lean Six Sigma Black Belt in August 2026. For her “Show Me the Money” project, Lisa led an effort to improve the payment process for non-credit adjunct instructors. The project addressed delays and inconsistencies in the approval and payment workflow. Lisa helped establish a more transparent and standardized process, including clearer tracking, improved communication, and documented procedures.
For Chris Dearman, the pursuit of higher education has been a huge milestone, and a turning point in his life. Born and raised in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Chris is a proud member of the Cherokee Nation, a husband of 34 years, and a father of three. Before returning to school, he spent years working in the call center collections industry, where he successfully built his career without a college degree. However, after being laid off, he had realized how important a degree was in today’s job market.
This December, Jamie Reed will graduate from the University of Oklahoma’s College of Professional and Continuing Studies (PACS) with a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership, a milestone that reflects years of determination, growth, and grit.
A mother of four, commission officer, private investigator and a part-time writer, Jessica Wade wears many hats. This December, she will add another accomplishment to the list when she graduates from the College of Professional and Continuing Studies (PACS) with a degree in Criminal Justice Leadership.
Historic demand for a University of Oklahoma education continues to drive record enrollment growth, expanding OU’s reach across the state and fueling generational impact for Oklahoma. At the center of that momentum is the largest freshman class in state and university history, with a record 6,437 students joining the Class of 2030 this fall.
