Professorship to benefit research, outreach and instruction of women’s studies

Dr. Jeanine Rhea, a recent OSU retiree who dedicated her classroom to promoting diversity in the workplace, will see her life’s work continued through the fundraising completion of the Jeanine Rhea/Oklahoma International Women’s Forum (OIWF) Endowed Professorship. The professorship, fully funded at $250,000 and eligible for a state match, will provide opportunities for women in leadership roles throughout Oklahoma and across the country.

“We appreciate the support of all the individuals and organizations who have made the Jeanine Rhea Professorship a reality,” said Sara Freedman, Spears School of Business dean.  “The efforts of the OIWF have provided us the opportunity to recognize the wonderful work that Jeanine Rhea did while a professor at the OSU Spears School of Business.”

Inspired by Rhea’s commitment to education, colleagues and organization members united in 2005 to begin fundraising efforts to endow the professorship in her honor. The professorship will support the Women’s Business Leadership Forum, a program led by Rhea for more than a decade, as well as outreach activities, research and instruction in the area of business and leadership, including women’s issues.

From the 1970s to the present, America’s workplace has witnessed the greatest growth in diversity it has ever known, and Rhea has been there every step of the way to facilitate and promote that growth both in the classroom and among working professionals.

“Teaching has always been a passion of mine and I loved walking into that classroom each day. A professorship with my name attached to it is absolutely amazing and the highest of honors,” said Rhea.

Rhea’s work has also attracted individuals from the private sector who are dedicated to women and diversity in the workplace. In 1990 Lou C. Kerr, president of the Oklahoma International Women's Forum (OIWF), and president and vice chairman of The Kerr Foundation, Inc. partnered with Rhea and the Center for Executive and Professional Development in the Spears School of Business at OSU to establish the Women's Business Leadership Program.

“Oklahoma serves as a leader to the nation in being proactive and taking a leadership role by sponsoring this professorship which promotes women in leadership positions.  In this Centennial year, we are proud to note another landmark in Oklahoma and OSU’s history,” said Kerr.

The professorship will support activities surrounding the Women’s Business Leadership Forum, which is currently sponsored by OSU and OIWF. The event has been held annually in Tulsa for the last 14 years and is credited with bringing hundreds of business professionals and students together to network and advance their business and career prospects.

“The Jeanine Rhea/Oklahoma International Women’s Forum Professorship (OIWF) is a wonderful example of partnership between a professional women’s organization and OSU,” said Julie Weathers, director of Center for Executive and Professional Development. “Through the cooperation of many groups, the Spears School of Business will have its first professorship named for a woman who made a difference to hundreds of students and professionals in her 30 years of teaching at OSU and outreach to the community.”

Endowed professorships at Oklahoma State University enhance the university’s ability to attract exceptional educators. Gifts given toward professorships are matched by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education – further extending its educational impact.

Although she will no longer be teaching, Rhea is confident that her mission and passion will carry on through the organizations to serve the state.

"The Oklahoma International Women’s Forum continues to make significant contributions to the State of Oklahoma and establishing this professorship is another example of their great work. Without the efforts and leadership of the Center for Executive and Professional Development and the OIWF this Professorship would still be a dream," said Rhea.

The Oklahoma State University Foundation serves as the private fundraising organization for OSU, as designated by the OSU Regents.  Its mission is to unite donor and university passions and priorities to achieve excellence.

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