Poll results:

We received 251 votes on the Wednesday poll, “Should Oklahoma consider making major changes to its state constitution?”

16 said, “Yes. It’s long overdue.”
93 said, “No. Leave it alone.”
142 said, “Maybe, but I’d need to know what would change.”

New poll question at the bottom of today’s newsletter. (You can also suggest a poll question by emailing me at [email protected].)

Oklahoma’s only public liberal arts college is at war with itself

Students learn figure drawing on Sept. 8, 2026, with Jacquelyn Knapp, professor of art and coordinator of the art department at the University of Science and Art of Oklahoma. (Brent Fuchs/Oklahoma Watch)

By Andrea Eger, Oklahoma Watch
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A dispute over the future of the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma has erupted into an unusually public confrontation between faculty and the university’s administration, with professors warning that proposed changes could fundamentally alter the state’s 118-year-old public liberal arts college.

On Sept. 3, USAO faculty voted overwhelmingly to adopt a resolution of no confidence in President Kayla Hale and Vice President for Academic Affairs Makenna Garrison. The vote was 40 in favor, one opposed and four abstentions.

That resulted from mounting concerns over a slate of proposed policy and structural changes faculty leaders say would lead to larger and more online classes, greater reliance on adjunct instructors, the elimination or consolidation of academic programs, changes to USAO’s distinctive academic calendar and a transfer of authority over the curriculum from faculty experts to administrators.

Those proposals, and the elimination of tenure not just for new hires as required by a new gubernatorial executive order, but of all references to tenure in school policy, are on the agenda for a Thursday meeting of the USAO Board of Regents.

Faculty members recognize that the university’s administration must contend with politically motivated changes being imposed by both state and federal officials and to update an outdated faculty handbook. But they describe the slate of new policy proposals as excessive and draconian.

“I’m not saying our ideas are right or their ideas are wrong,” said Jeannette Loutsch, professor of biology and president of the USAO Faculty Association. “But without that transparency to be able to work together to come up with the solution, it’s not going to be well received. Until 6 months ago, we had that voice.

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The Oklahoma Rundown 📰

Editor’s note: Links requiring subscriptions have an *.

Here’s what’s happening in Oklahoma today:

Scattered thunderstorms and cooler temperatures forecast for Oklahoma (KOCO)
Edmond police find 15-year-old boy dead after responding to reported shooting (KOCO)
Local partnerships with ICE result in record number of immigration arrests in Oklahoma (Oklahoma Voice)
Flock Camera concerns aired at Tulsa Town Hall (Pubic Radio Tulsa)
Two men allegedly embezzle $1.4M from Edmond technology business (KFOR)
'Yeah, I did that': Man arrested after attempted abduction at Tulsa Walmart (KJRH)
Man dies after lumber yard attack; coworker faces charges (KXII)
Police in Ponca City respond to Robin Hood Flour Mill for report of subjects throwing rocks at vehicles (Kay News Cow)
Community, scientist disputes Oklahoma water agency finding that dams not to blame (Oklahoma Voice)
GRDA officials dedicate new natural gas project in Chouteau (Tulsa World)*
Owasso adds 24/7 pet microchip stations to help lost animals get home faster (KJRH)
Jilted developer of Guardian System 2.0 files countersuit against Ethics Commission (NonDoc)
This program helps put Tulsa teachers on the path to homeownership. It’s expanding. (Tulsa Flyer)
Tulsa Public Schools enrollment data shows wide divide between its fullest and emptiest schools (Tulsa Flyer)
Class size concerns take center stage at first TPS community meeting (Tulsa World)*
Edmond launches monthly 'Parent Café' to build community, share mental health resources (OPMX)
You can track Tulsa’s progress on parks projects through new live dashboard (Tulsa Flyer)
Oklahoma musician plans benefit concert to help fund his kidney transplant (News 9)
Naija Wife Kitchen closes early; owner hints at future plans (The Oklahoman)*
Who was the mysterious guitarist at the Oklahoma Sooners football season opener? (KOSU)