Retired Art Professor “Crafts” a Legacy for OSU Art Education Former OSU art professor and art education advocate, Audrey Oaks, remembers the golden days as a young child playing teacher on the front porch of her upstate New York residence.  “My older sister and I would set a desk on the porch and invite the entire neighborhood over for ‘school,’” recollects Oaks. Oaks did not immediately pursue her dreams of becoming an educator.  Forced to work full-time during the day, she attended class at night and saved to ensure she could finish her degree.

Audrey Oaks

Through personal sacrifice and resiliency, Oaks has led quite an accomplished life.

Even at the young age of 81, Oaks has never officially retired.  As a highly respected professional in her field, she was recently inducted into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame and previously served on various state and national art education organizations. 

In 2003, at the age of 78, she was named Retired Art Educator of the Year by the National Art Education Association.

And now the university is taking its turn to honor Oaks.

Efforts to establish a professorship in her name, OSU and the College of Education (COE) will pioneer new programs and ensure Oaks’ legacy continues.

“This endowed professorship will allow the COE to hire a permanent faculty member who will grow the art education program,” said COE Dean Dr. Pamela Fry.  “In addition to honoring Dr. Oaks, the professorship will also acknowledge her past generosity to our art education program.” 

Spearheading the efforts to raise funds starts with two of Oaks former students, Pam Ehlers and Isolete DeAlmeida, both of whom recall colorful memories of their mentor.

Ehlers, ’77 secondary education alumna and current director of OSU’s Career Services, worked with Dr. Oaks for three years as a graduate assistant and shares the same passion for creative arts. 

“Audrey was certainly tough and a task master, but I have profound respect for her,” said Ehlers. “You knew she cared about you and sincerely wanted you to be better.  I am successful today because of her.”

DeAlmeida, ’83 art alumna and a former graduate assistant, is now professor of arts at the University of Central Oklahoma.  She witnessed firsthand Oaks’ dedication to art advocacy.

“She established the National Art Educators Association chapter at OSU and also worked diligently to bring art teachers to the elementary schools in Stillwater,” remarked DeAlmeida.  “She never quit; even through disappointments.”
 
Currently, the COE has raised nearly $65,000 toward this endowment and the goal is to raise an additional $60,000 by December 31, 2006.  This amount will be matched by Dr. Oaks for a total of $250,000 to endow this professorship.

For more information on the Dr. Audrey Oaks Professorship, or to make a gift, please contact Dr. Brenda Solomon at (405) 744-7188 or bsolomon@osugiving.com.

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