Contact: David Goodspeed, dgoodspeed@ou.edu
NORMAN – When Oklahoma’s own Gary England and the University of Oklahoma collaborated in spring 2015 to create “Gary England’s Tornado Alley,” a popular online series about severe weather, a second series was already on the radar.
This spring, England and OU have released a timely new series focusing on El Nino.
“Gary England’s El Nino” now is available to the public at no cost at garyengland.ou.edu. This new Sooner Series is a collection of short, entertaining videos hosted by England that allow people of all ages to learn about the science behind El Nino, and how it affects our daily weather. Presented in a convenient, online format, the series includes stunning graphics that provide viewers an enjoyable way to learn about the complicated weather patterns that result in an El Nino.
"We are pleased to have Gary serving as our Consulting Meteorologist-in-Residence,” said OU President David L. Boren. “Gary England is a widely trusted expert in the field. The positive impact that he is having in this role by making these programs available to the public illustrates the strength of our weather research and education programs here at OU.”
“The response to last year’s Tornado Alley series was incredible,” said England. “More than 15,000 people from all 50 states and 42 countries around the world viewed and participated in the interactive series. Making these series available to families across the globe speaks to the impact that the University of Oklahoma has as an international weather leader.”
OU is once again making this streaming online series available at no cost through multiple media channels, including iTunes U, YouTube, and OU’s Janux online learning platform. Janux offers many additional features to supplement these high-quality videos, including online discussions with other Janux users from around the world, and self-assessments to test one’s knowledge. Janux users participating in either Sooner Series will also have the opportunity to share their own weather stories directly with England via the Janux online discussions.
About Gary England
Gary England is an Oklahoma treasure. Born in Seiling, Oklahoma, England joined the U.S. Navy at age 17, after which he attended the University of Oklahoma, graduating in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and meteorology.
England began his broadcasting career with KWTV in Oklahoma City in 1972. Over his 41-year career with KWTV, England is credited with saving countless lives and properties with his steady, measured reporting during severe storms in Oklahoma. England became internationally noted for pioneering innovations in weather technology and systems that are now common tools in the world of severe weather coverage, including first acquisition and application of commercial Doppler radar, the storm time of arrival warning system, corner screen warning maps and cellular still picture/video transmission. With the firm Enterprise Electronics, he implemented the world’s first commercial Doppler weather radar in 1981, becoming the first person in history to use Doppler radar for direct warnings to the public.
Named “The Weather God of Oklahoma City” by the New York Times, England is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including four Emmys and the Silver Circle Award by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Heartland Division. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2013. He also received the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award for best in the nation in breaking weather coverage in all large markets.
England is the author of four books and has appeared in more than 60 national and international severe weather programs. In 2013, England assumed a new role at KWTV-9 as the vice president for corporate relations and weather development at Griffin Communications.
England was named an OU Outstanding Alumnus in 2008. He was further honored by OU in October 2013 at the annual Ring Ceremony and also served as the parade marshal for OU’s Homecoming. England received the university’s highest award in 2014, an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. He became OU’s Consulting Meteorologist-in-Residence in 2015.
About Janux
Janux is an online interactive learning community that connects learners and teachers in real-time around the globe. The unique platform adds a social dimension to the convenience of online learning. Students can communicate with other students by sharing ideas, posting notes, and discussing lectures all in one integrated space. Built in collaboration with Oklahoma technology leader NextThought, Janux is a part of the University of Oklahoma’s One University Digital Initiative – a university-wide venture aimed at enhancing the student experience by utilizing new technologies and digital content. For more information, visit janux.ou.edu.
About NextThought
NextThought, LLC is a learning solutions company that develops online course technology designed for connected learning. The company also provides a full suite of learning design and video production services. Founded in 2011, NextThought works with a number of leading universities and professional education organizations around the world. The company is located in Norman, Oklahoma, and employs approximately 40 developers, course designers, content specialists, and video production professionals.
