Innovators in Education: OPSU Employees Lead with Expertise and Vision

Oklahoma Panhandle State University employees gathered for the Spring 2025 Welcome Back In-Service event, focused on professional development and fostering a culture of growth. The day was marked by presentations from university leaders and experts in their fields, highlighting approaches to student success, technology integration, and organizational improvement.

“As we enter this new year, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible faculty and staff who lead the way in professional development and exemplify expertise in their fields,” stated Dr. Julie Dinger, University President. “These sessions show our dedication and shared commitment to continuous growth. The future of AI is here, and we must face it head-on. I am confident that our team is prepared to embrace and leverage these advancements to enhance our mission of delivering exceptional education and support to our students.”

Jerome Ortiz, Director of Information Technology, provided insights into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace and higher education. As a member of the AI committee for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, Ortiz shared emerging trends and OPSU’s plans to integrate AI tools into academic and administrative practices, ensuring the university stays at the forefront of technological advancements. Additionally, Associate Professor of Computer Information Systems, Steve Martin explored integrating AI tools to enhance internal operations. He demonstrated how AI generators can assist employees in streamlining duties, improving efficiency, and fostering innovation across campus functions.

These technological advancements align seamlessly with OPSU’s focus on improving student retention and success. Erin Moore, OPSU Registrar, led a session on nonattendance reporting and dropout detection. By identifying and supporting enrolled students who do not attend classes earlier in the semester, OPSU aims to reduce barriers to student success, providing timely interventions and resources that keep students on track toward graduation.

Complementing these student-focused initiatives, Cheyenne Hetzel, Director of Human Resources, emphasized the importance of organizational growth and leadership development. She presented a new Core Competency Model that will strengthen job recruitment, role identification, and employee development, ensuring OPSU’s organizational structure evolves alongside its educational innovations.

Andy Ramirez, Chief of Campus Police, hosted a vital training session on the “Run, Hide, Fight” protocol, delivered by Keith Stewart, Southeast Regional Manager of the Oklahoma State School Institute (OSSI). This training ensures employees are prepared to respond effectively in emergencies, reinforcing OPSU’s commitment to campus safety.

The Spring 2025 In-Service set a collaborative and forward-thinking tone for the semester, emphasizing OPSU’s dedication to student success, employee development, and operational excellence. As the semester unfolds, these initiatives will continue to shape the university’s commitment to innovation and growth. Additional photos from the Spring Employee Welcome Back and the Years of Service awards can be found HERE.