Dr. Kenneth Evans is the 19th president of Oklahoma City University, a position he assumed in 2021. He is a nationally recognized academic leader with extensive experience in higher education, administration and marketing, and his years of experience have made him a dynamic leader for a university that has been a pillar of the Oklahoma City community for 120 years.
OCU is one of Oklahoma’s brightest gems: a world-renowned talent hub, featuring notable alumni in entertainment, politics, sports and business. If you ask Evans why OCU alumni shine so brightly, he immediately credits the outstanding faculty. “One of my highest responsibilities is cultivating the most excellent faculty possible and making OCU an incredible place to work,” he said.
Two recent developments have made it clear that Evans is succeeding in his endeavors to enrich the campus and the community of Oklahoma City: In May, a $25 million Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center renovation and modernization campaign began, funded in part by a $13 million lead gift from Kirkpatrick Philanthropic Partners.
“The facility is about 100 years old,” Evans said. “I am so excited about what this means for the students and for the community; the university’s performing arts students will have a facility that matches their level of excellence. We expect to have performances there by fall of 2028. The project will completely renovate and upgrade the historic performing arts facility, including improvements to the stage system, acoustics, backstage areas and patron experience.”
Oklahoma City University was also selected to serve as the Satellite Village for the LA28 Olympic Softball and Canoe Slalom competitions. More than 170 athletes and officials from all over the world will call the OCU campus home while athletes compete in the summer of 2028.
Evans said, “We are honored to be able to support the LA28 Games and Team OKC. We’ll be providing support staff and volunteer opportunities as well, which will be fun.” He also added that OCU officials look forward to working closely with Team OKC and LA28 officials in the coming months.
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce has announced a more than $100 million investment in Oklahoma City’s LA28 Olympic venue preparations through the state’s Business Expansion Incentive Program. The investment will support major improvements at three key Olympic-related sites in Oklahoma City. OCU’s planned improvements include fitness center renovations, residence hall upgrades, road improvements, cafeteria enhancements and campus beautification projects. The upgrades will help prepare the campus to welcome international athletes and officials during the Games.
“We are excited to collaborate with state leaders and receive funding so that we can ensure athletes and visiting officials enjoy the best experience possible as they compete and stay in Oklahoma City,” said Evans. “This is a historic moment, and we are ready to show the welcoming spirit that Oklahoma is famous for.”
The Opening Ceremony for the LA28 Games is set for July 14, 2028. Additional information about community engagement opportunities, volunteer initiatives and event-related activities will be shared as the countdown to 2028 continues.
We are thankful that OCU is in the hands of Dr. Kenneth Evans and continues to shine brightly in Oklahoma. We watch in joyful anticipation for the preparation of good things to come in 2028.
