Editor's note: This story was updated at 10:13 p.m. Aug. 12 to add a statement from Belinda Biscoe and Miloš Savić.
James Pappas, former vice president of Outreach and dean of OU’s College of Liberal Studies, now called the College of Professional and Continuing Studies, died at 86 on Aug. 2.
Pappas earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Utah, master’s degree in counseling psychology from the University of Ohio and a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Purdue University before returning to the University of Utah where he worked for 20 years.
Pappas held several roles during his tenure at the University of Utah including professor, associate director of the counseling center, director of academic advising, associate dean of general education and associate dean of continuing education.
In 1987, Pappas accepted a position as vice provost of continuing education and public service at OU. Pappas worked at OU for 30 years in various roles, retiring as vice president of Outreach and dean of the College of Liberal Studies, which is now called the College of Professional and Continuing Studies.
As vice president of Outreach, Pappas helped manage state and federal grants, tripling the amount of grant funding received, according to a press release announcing his retirement. Pappas retired in 2016, making him the longest serving dean in OU history.
According to his obituary, enrollment in the College of Liberal Studies increased by 500% during his tenure as dean and rose to be ranked the third best program in the country. Pappas also developed five new degree programs and moved the college into its own building. His administration also helped re-establish the aviation program at OU, which is now ranked the nation’s top aviation program.
Pappas served as the president of the University Professional Continuing Education Association and the Association for Graduate Liberal Studies Programs. He also served as an officer for the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities, the Association of Continuing Higher Education, the Association of Academic Administrators and the American Association of Counseling and Development, formerly the American Personnel and Guidance Association.
Pappas was also involved in local affairs, including his time as chair of the Convention and Visitors Bureau and Norman Arts and Humanities, now known as the Norman Arts Council. He also served on the Norman Economic Development Coalition, the Red Cross board and OU United Way Campaign.
Pappas received many awards and recognitions, including being inducted into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame in 2008 and the International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame, where he would later serve as executive director.
In 2018, OU dedicated an administrative building to the former dean, naming it the James P. Pappas Administration Building.
OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. wrote in a statement Friday that it was an honor to work alongside Pappas during his tenure at the university.
“His visionary leadership helped transform OU’s outreach and online learning efforts, impacting thousands across the globe,” Harroz wrote. “We are deeply grateful for the legacy he leaves: one defined by purpose, compassion and a belief in the power of education to change lives.”
Kelly Damphousse, former dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, wrote in a post on X Friday that he was honored to be one of Pappas’ fellow deans at OU.
“I have had a lot of people mentor me over the years, but few had the kind of impact that (James) Pappas had on me,” Damphousse wrote. “He was the quintessential higher education entrepreneur and innovator.”
Belinda Biscoe, senior associate vice president for University Outreach, wrote in an email to OU Daily Tuesday that Pappas’ work was more than a career.
“It was a calling to open doors, create opportunities and transform lives,” Biscoe wrote. “He showed us that education is not just about knowledge, it is about dignity, hope and the courage to dream.”
Miloš Savić, dean of the College of Professional and Continuing Studies, wrote in an email to OU Daily Tuesday that Pappas helped move the college into the 21st century.
“Pappas moved the college into the 21st century, focusing on students for whom, because of their families, jobs, and situations, needed to have an online space for an OU education,” Savić wrote. “I am honored to be in the same position as Dr. Pappas once had, and I hope to leave a fraction of the impact that he provided for the OU community.”
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the James P. Pappas scholarship fund at the International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame.
This story was edited by Ana Barboza and Natalie Armour.
