Dr. Evan Burkala named Vice Provost at OSU-OKC

OKLAHOMA CITY (August 7, 2024) – A new vice provost at OSU-OKC will help continue the school's Polytech mission and aid its push into additional STEM education.  

   Dr. Evan Burkala, Dean of the School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), will step into the role of Vice Provost of Academic Affairs for Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City pending Oklahoma State University A&M Board of Regents approval.

   Dr. Ronna Vanderslice, Vice Provost of Academic Affairs of the OSU System and OSU-Oklahoma City Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, said Burkala’s promotion will allow increased support for the OSU-OKC campus as Oklahoma State’s Polytech initiative continues to grow.

   “Dr. Burkala has been instrumental in the development of programs in the School of STEM, both as a department head and Dean,” said Vanderslice. “He has established positive relationships with the Chamber and our industry partners. As a result, he will be in the best position to further those partnerships for the entire campus.”

   Dr. Burkala grew up in Perth, Australia, where he completed a B.Sc. in Biotechnology at Murdoch University. He went on to complete a Ph.D. in Veterinary Studies at Murdoch studying viral infections of cattle. In 2001, he moved to the USA and performed research at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln on HIV infection. He then moved to Montana to perform research at the University of Montana in Missoula on viral infections in cougars and other genetic studies. The move to Oklahoma brought him to the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center to research HIV and immunity until he gained employment at OSU-OKC in the Science Department. Dr. Burkala was the Lead Instructor for Microbiology and was the Department Head of Science from 2012-2022. Dr. Burkala is currently Dean of the School of STEM and has served in that position since 2022.

   Burkala will remain involved with growing the STEM programs as Tiffany Smith steps in as interim dean of the School of STEM. Smith will continue to serve as Dean of the School of Human Services in addition to having responsibilities as Interim Dean of the School of STEM for this academic year.

 

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Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City (OSU-OKC) is part of the modern land-grant system of Oklahoma State University. OSU-OKC is a two-year public institution, offering more than 40 degrees and certificate options. Through quality education, a supportive environment, leadership training and service opportunities, OSU-OKC trains students to work and educates them to lead. OSU-OKC graduates are found throughout the community serving as police officers, firefighters, nurses, teachers, healthcare professionals and business owners. More information is available at www.osuokc.edu.