OU OUTREACH NEWS

The Southwest Center for Human Relations Studies (SWCHRS) continues to advance its work connecting higher education, research, and practice through applied learning and dialogue. This spring reflected strong momentum across the Center’s programs, with a focus on equipping professionals with tools to navigate complex institutional and social challenges.

Jennifer Quillian, Early Learning Quick Assessments (ELQA) Project Director at the Center for Early Childhood Professional Development (CECPD) and Dr. Craig Van Pay, Senior Data Analyst/Researcher at the Early Childhood Education Institute (ECEI) were tapped by the Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principals to present a session at their 2026 Leadership Conference on Wednesday, February 25, in downtown Oklahoma City. The annual conference is consistently one of the most highly attended state professional gatherings for elementary school decision-makers.

Staff members from the OU Center for Public Management's Forge Your Trail program presented at the Wellspring Fatherhood Event, held Sept. 6 at the Embassy Suites in Tulsa. The event brought together fathers, families, and professionals for a meaningful exploration of the evolving role of fatherhood in today’s digital age. Among the featured presenters were Barbara Perkins, Program Administrator of the Forge Your Trail (FYT) Program, and Dylan Miller, FYT Coach and Program Facilitator, both representing the OU Center for Public Management.

This school year, EDUTAS (EDUcation Technical Assistance Services) is celebrating its 10th year providing high-quality Professional Learning opportunities for Oklahoma school administrators and has launched a new leadership development opportunity for Teacher Leaders. More than 300 school administrators have been sponsored through state funding in the past.