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.

Their interactive session, titled “Staying Connected Without Losing Touch: Fatherhood in the Digital Age,” offered practical strategies for fathers navigating parenting in an increasingly digital landscape. The presentation was tailored to fathers of children ranging from toddlers to teenagers, addressing both the challenges and opportunities that technology presents in modern parenting.

“Many people assume that being online creates disconnection with children,” said Barbara Perkins. “We talked about ways to make connections online with their children, and also how to maintain and teach them about online safety.”

Through engaging discussion and real-life scenarios, Perkins and Miller emphasized the importance of intentional digital engagement, encouraging fathers to use technology as a tool for bonding rather than a barrier. Their message resonated with attendees, many of whom shared their own experiences and concerns about screen time, social media, and online safety.

The FYT team’s contribution to the event highlighted the OU Center for Public Management’s ongoing commitment to supporting families and empowering fathers with the tools they need to thrive in today’s world.