Ballmer Group grant expands employment opportunities for young adults in Pontiac
A $300,000 grant from Ballmer Group to the Talent Development Coalition Construction Pre-Apprentice Program is lighting the path to a financially secure future for Pontiac school graduates and young-adult residents in the city and surrounding area as they prepare for employment in the construction trades. Created in 2019 by Oakland University Professor David Strubler, Ph.D., in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County, Oakland County Michigan Works! Pontiac and Pontiac Promise
Oakland University’s Michelle Piskulich recognized as a ‘Distinguished Woman in Higher Education Leadership’
Michelle Piskulich, Ph.D., senior associate provost at Oakland University, has been selected as a recipient of the 2021 Distinguished Woman in Higher Education Leadership Award, which is presented annually by the Michigan ACE Network. It is the highest honor the MI-ACE Network presents. “Receiving this award is so meaningful to me,” Piskulich said. “I really am proud and honored to have my work recognized. I only wish I could have a big party and invite everyone who has contributed to the work —
OU names Elaine K. Carey dean of the College of Arts and Sciences
Following a national search, Oakland University has selected Elaine K. Carey, Ph.D., as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. She will begin her role on June 30, 2021. Dr. Carey currently serves as founding dean of the College of Humanities, Education, and Social Science at Purdue University Northwest, where she has progressed through roles of increasing responsibility since 2017. In her current position, she has focused on a myriad of administrative responsibilities, including strategic planning,
Oakland University launches ‘Ask Grizz!,’ an interactive chatbot, to connect with prospective students 24/7
Oakland University recently launched a new “Ask Grizz!” chatbot feature on the OU website that will provide an opportunity for the university to connect with prospective students and families 24/7, and provide answers to common questions, as well as general OU information. “We felt it was important to offer a resource that was available around the clock, in order to best serve students and families in a time when most are participating in the college search process virtually,” said Shane Lewis,
Oakland University recognized for 8 top degree programs in the U.S.
Oakland University has been awarded top ranking status for multiple degree programs by Intelligent.com. The university was listed among thousands of public institutions in the nation, and the comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 2,277 accredited colleges and universities. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation and post-graduate employment. The 2021 rankings are calculated through a unique scoring system which includes student engagement,
OU Brass Band wins top honors at Kapitol Cory Online Brass Band Championships
The Oakland University Brass Band recently won the University Section of the 2021 Kapitol Cory Online Brass Band Championships, which were held March 12-28. The championship competition consisted of more than 100 bands from around the world, which were broken up into five Adult Sections, a Youth Section, and a University Section. The OUBB was the only American band included in the University Section, and competed 10 other groups from the United Kingdom. Each band was required to submit a
OU faculty recognized for research, innovation and engagement at virtual Town Hall
The Research Office at Oakland University presented awards to several OU faculty members in recognition of their outstanding research and initiative during the Research, Innovation and Engagement Town Hall, which was held on Monday, March 29. The awards were presented virtually this year due to the COVID -19 pandemic. “We are delighted to be able to recognize the hard work and success of our faculty in the area of their funded research efforts,” said Dr. David Stone, vice president for research at
Oakland Esports announces addition of Overwatch for fall 2021
The Oakland University Esports team has announced the addition of Overwatch to the list of games the Golden Grizzlies will compete in, beginning in fall 2021. Oakland currently competes in League of Legends, Rocket League and Super Smash Bros. "We are very excited to add Overwatch to our Esports program," Head Coach Carl Leone said. "It includes many aspects that we look for in a competitive title. To be successful, a team needs to focus on teamwork, communication, strategy, decision making, and
‘OU Outside the Box,’ an outdoor performing arts festival, coming to Oakland University campus
After a year of restricted and virtual events, Oakland University’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance is thrilled to unveil its new outdoor stage for “OU Outside the Box,” a performing arts festival running April 5 – June 27, 2021. The festival will feature performances by SMTD students, artists-in-residence and faculty in a safe, outdoor setting on the OU campus. “We are beyond excited to have this opportunity to safely showcase our students and put their work front and center in this performing arts
OU to celebrate Autism Awareness Month with virtual events
The Oakland University Center for Autism is offering a free virtual event series for Autism Awareness Month in April. The series will highlight various topics, including World Autism Day, jobs in the autism field, personal insights about living with autism, and autism research at OU. Autism Series Kick-off on World Autism Awareness Day Friday, April 2, Noon *This is World Autism Awareness Day* Kick off this virtual series on Autism Awareness Day with former Michigan Lieutenant Governor and current OU
OU recognized as a ‘Voter Friendly Campus’ for back-to-back election cycles
For a second straight election cycle, Oakland University has been designated a “Voter Friendly Campus” by the Fair Elections Center’s Campus Vote Project (CVP) and NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. The designation is valid through December 2022. The mission of the Voter Friendly Campus initiative is to boost efforts that help students overcome barriers to participating in the political process. OU was evaluated based on its plan to register, educate, and turn out student voters
OU professor contributes to international study on how global warming affects glacier-fed river ecosystems
Oakland University Professor Scott Tiegs is a co-author on a new study that examines how glacier loss, driven by global warming, affects glacier-fed river ecosystems. The study was published March 15 in the journal Nature Climate Change. Tiegs was part of an international team of researchers led by the University of Leeds (United Kingdom) that measured organic matter decomposition rates in mountain rivers in six countries and four continents. The study found that as glaciers melt, the rivers downstream
Oakland University’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance announces recipients of 2021 MaTilDa Awards
Every spring Oakland University’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance recognizes distinguished students and community members with MaTilDa Awards, which are named to honor Matilda Dodge Wilson, who donated the land on which Oakland University is built. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s award recipients were announced virtually on Tuesday, March 16 by Dr. Amy Hardison Tully, director of the School of Music, Theatre and Dance (SMTD); and Kerro Knox 3, professor of theatre and associate director
MEADOW BROOK HALL SET TO REOPEN SATURDAY, FEB. 6 FOR WEEKEND SELF-GUIDED TOURING
MEADOW BROOK HALL SET TO REOPEN SATURDAY, FEB. 6 FOR WEEKEND SELF-GUIDED TOURINGThe Great Estate will welcome visitors to explore the house and grounds Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.ROCHESTER, Mich., February 3, 2021. As part of Michigan’s Safe Start Plan related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Meadow Brook Hall will safely reopen its house and grounds on weekends for public touring beginning Saturday, Feb. 6. “Meadow Brook Hall is excited to reopen our doors to the community. We look forward to
