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WHO WE ARE

OU Outreach

The University of Oklahoma Outreach is a recognized leader in lifelong learning, offering high-quality educational opportunities beyond the traditional classroom. As the University of Oklahoma’s dedicated outreach and engagement division, we support individuals, organizations, and communities through innovative programs, applied learning solutions, and collaborative initiatives.

Our purpose is to extend the university’s expertise to meet the evolving needs of learners at all stages of life. Through workforce training, continuing education, and community partnerships, OU Outreach expands access to education, equipping individuals with practical knowledge and skills to navigate today’s challenges.

By bridging academia with practice, we create opportunities that inspire personal growth, workforce development, and contribute to meaningful societal initiatives—reinforcing the university’s commitment to service and lifelong learning.

Our Mission

The University of Oklahoma Outreach is a lifelong learning organization dedicated to helping individuals, businesses, groups, and communities transform themselves through knowledge.

OU Outreach Image

Our Values

OU Outreach holds these as our core values, guiding everything we do: 

Lifelong Learner

The lifelong learner is at the core of every activity in which we are engaged.

Lifelong Learning

As an organization involved in the educational enterprise, we will engage in those activities that foster lifelong learning.

Change Agent

We provide leadership for societal change by enhancing and enriching the communities with which we are involved.

Respect, Civility, Social Responsibility

Respect, civility, and social responsibility are fundamental to all of our interpersonal interactions.

Stewardship

We strive to be effective stewards of the resources we manage to ensure they are leveraged for maximum efficiency.

Culture Inclusion

All of our activities and programs reflect the high value we place on cultural inclusiveness.

Trust

Trustworthiness and cooperation are characteristic of all our work relationships.

Knowledge Sharing

We value sharing knowledge and information that enables us to transcend organizational barriers, communicate ideas, and bette serve our constituents.

Continuous Improvement

In response to changing environments, we strive for continuous improvement in our staff development, corporate capacity, and service to others.

Our History

In 1957, Dr. Thurman J. White secured one of 12 grants given by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation for creating university-based residential conference centers around the world. The grant, the largest the university had received to date, was used to build the Thurman J. White Forum and other structures that collectively formed the Oklahoma Center for Continuing Education (OCCE). The Association for Continuing Higher Education and the International Association of Continuing Education Hall of Fame are housed on the OCCE campus.

OUTREACH SUPPORT SERVICES

Marketing and Communications

Marketing and Communication manages the Outreach website and produces the annual report, newsletters for various audiences, and other publications and promotional materials.

Sponsored Programs

We provide sponsored programs administration and compliance assurance services throughout the life cycle of OU Outreach’s externally funded grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements. .

Training and Research Center

TRC is a full-support service center that provides goods and specialized services to internal university departments. We provide personalized solutions to meet customers’ diverse requirements.