OU dedicated an administrative building to a retired vice president and former dean who made great strides in OU's College of Liberal Studies.
James Pappas, former vice president of university outreach and dean of the College of Liberal Studies, was honored March 6 at a dedication ceremony for the building, according to a press release. The James P. Pappas University Outreach Administration Building is located at 1700 Asp Ave.
“The naming of the Administration Building at the Oklahoma Center for Continuing Education recognizes the lasting contribution of Jim Pappas as the leader of OU’s educational outreach programs,” OU President David Boren said in a press release. “His positive influence will be felt for years to come.”
Pappas retired in January 2017 after 30 years of service to the university. He oversaw the University Outreach Advanced Programs, which provided degree programs to military bases around the world and contributed to the graduation of 5,000 servicemen and women who were able to earn masters' and doctoral degrees, according to the release.
Pappas served as dean of the College of Liberal Studies, now the College of Professional and Continuing Studies, which offers degrees in administrative leadership, criminal justice, human and health care and other programs that can be completed online or in a blended format.
Enrollment in university outreach programs quadrupled and funding for the programs tripled under Pappas' leadership. Pappas is the longest serving dean in OU history.
