To the OU Leadership,

It is absolutely astounding how terribly OU is handling the contract negotiations. Our professors, and their students, deserve better.

In 2010, my Father suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. I was only 19 at the time, and I cannot begin to tell you how supportive my faculty was with the situation. They ALL reached out to me either by phone call, email, or flowers sent when I had to drop all my classes and return home to grieve. Once I was ready to return, they met with me in person to console me and make sure I was ready to come back.

Not only were they amazing in the darkest time of my life, they were also loving and supportive in my passions as well. Not only did I have a passion for music, but I had a passion for photography. They supported me by giving me opportunities to photograph their classes, studios, concerts, and musicals. They always greeted me with a smile and open arms, even when I wasn’t a part of their department. They helped me realize what I was meant to do in my life. They continue to stay invested in my life and will ask how I’m doing at every event and now ask how my baby son is doing as well.

It took me 8 years to go through the program, but they were with me every step of the way.

I have been a proud alum since 2018, but right now I am deeply disappointed by my alma mater.

You need to see the value in OU’s professors and negotiate a contract that suits them in our current, and future, economy.

Sincerely,

Jessica Stasik

BFA ‘18

School of Music, Theatre, and Dance

Winner of the “MTD Award” 2017