OU OUTREACH NEWS

University Outreach recently brought together faculty, staff, and leadership from across the college for its annual State of Outreach event, a longstanding tradition that celebrates accomplishments, recognizes outstanding contributions, and prepares employees for the future of work.

The University of Oklahoma’s Medieval Fair Department proudly hosted the 50th annual Medieval Fair of Norman at Reaves Park from April 10–12, 2026. With near-perfect weather—reminiscent of Camelot, where “the rain may never fall till after sundown”—the weekend offered a magical, educational, and entertaining escape for all who attended.

Outreach staff support learners, partners, and communities well beyond our campus, often balancing complex operations with a strong commitment to service. Their work helps extend OU’s mission in practical, visible ways, and it deserves recognition.

On November 12, Eighty-eight Outreach staff from 12 departments participated in a day of hands on professional learning focused on using Co-Pilot to optimize usage of popular Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook, and Teams. The “Ready for Takeoff” event was sponsored by OU Outreach at the National Center for Employee Development Conference Center & Hotel, from 8 AM to 4:30 PM. Full day participants received a certificate of completion from the workshop vendor New Horizons, a training division of Educate360. 

The University of Oklahoma Southwest Prevention Center (SWPC) was honored to be selected to present at the 2026 CADCA National Leadership Forum Coalition Ideas Fair in National Harbor, Maryland held February 2-4, 2026. The Forum, CADCA's premier national convening of prevention professionals, brings together thousands of coalition leaders, researchers, and community partners committed to building safer, healthier communities.

It is always so fulfilling when the life that you are living brings you back to a familiar place, but with a new perspective, clarity, and gained growth. Years ago, Leesa and Leslee, twin sisters, attended the University of Oklahoma. They were the first twins on the cheer squad. Leslee, always having a great love for her alma mater and a passion to serve others, went on to become a teacher and mother. She is the mother of an extraordinary young woman named Drew, whose diagnosis of Down Syndrome at birth has propelled connection, outreach, and positive impact for not only the Down syndrome community and the Indigenous peoples, but also the community of The University of Oklahoma and beyond. 

One hundred fourteen Outreach staff members participated in the 2025 Outreach Winter Event held December 16 at the NCED Conference Center & Hotel in Norman. Another 32 participated via Zoom.

The seasonal celebration and professional learning event theme was “Centering our work on the Science & Power of Hope: Exploring Opportunities & Possibilities”. 

On November 8, 2025, the International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame (IACE HOF) convened its 29th Annual Induction Ceremony and meetings at its home office on the University of Oklahoma campus in Norman, Oklahoma. The occasion marked a significant milestone for the organization, as it was the first time the event was offered in both in-person and hybrid formats. The successful gathering reflected the Hall of Fame’s enduring commitment to excellence, leadership, and service within the field of adult and continuing education.  The events were held at the National Center for Employment Development (NCED) which partners with University Outreach on the postal training contract.

NORMAN, Okla. – Continuing the University of Oklahoma’s leadership in combating suicide, the Southwest Prevention Center (SWPC) at OU Outreach has received a five-year, $50 million grant to head the national Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC). The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) funds the resource center and provided the award.