Courtyard fountain named for President Emeritus Howard Barnett

OSU-Tulsa's courtyard fountain was named in honor of Howard Barnett, president emeritus, at an event on Tuesday, Sept. 24. Barnett stepped down as OSU-Tulsa's president in July 2019 after serving in the role for nearly a decade.

OSU-Tulsa President Pamela Fry said that Barnett had left an indelible mark, forging partnerships locally, within the university and at the state level that have greatly benefited OSU-Tulsa.

"Howard, it gives me great pleasure to dedicate this fountain in your name in the hopes it inspires us for decades to come," Fry said.

OSU System President Burns Hargis praised Barnett's tireless work to raise OSU-Tulsa's profile in the Tulsa community and extended his appreciation to Barnett's wife Billie for her enthusiastic support.

Jay Helm, Oklahoma State Regent for Higher Education, further thanked Barnett for his work with the University Center at Tulsa Trust and the OSU Medical Authority and Trust.

"The courtyard fountain is the centerpiece of OSU-Tulsa's campus, much like we want OSU-Tulsa to be the higher education centerpiece of our community," Brett Lessley, chairman of the OSU-Tulsa Board of Trustees, said.

"To commemorate the progress made toward this goal during Howard's presidency, it is fitting that we name the fountain in his honor. It is well deserved and will serve as inspiration to all of us as we continue the important work of guiding this institution."