Interviews Set for Dean of Online College Position

Oklahoma Panhandle State University has named two finalists for the Dean of Online College position. This position was opened internally on June 22. Under the direction of the Provost, this position works to enhance the online learning environment and student experiences. Interviews will begin on July 14.

The finalists for the position are:

Dr. Kristy Calloway, Director of Nursing

Mr. Tyler Stephens, Director of Criminal Justice, Instructor of Psychology

Dr. Kristy Calloway, Director of Nursing

Dr. Kristy Calloway, originally from Boswell, Oklahoma, started her time at Oklahoma Panhandle State University, serving as an adjunct professor in 2019. She then took the reins as the Director of Nursing in April 2020.

Dr. Calloway began this career path by earning a Bachelor of Nursing from East Central University, a Masters in Nursing Education from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, and a Doctorate in Nursing Education from the University of Northern Colorado.

In 2009, Dr. Calloway started her teaching career at East Central University School of Nursing. She taught the pre-licensure program and RN to BSN program. She then became the Program Coordinator for the Durant campus and Interim Director for Nursing for all three ECU campuses.

In 2018, Dr. Calloway helped develop a hybrid RN to BSN program for Grayson College in Denison, Texas. She played a vital role in this program, which now has one of the first bachelor degrees for community colleges in Texas.

Although Dr. Calloway is in a remote position, she has felt the close family feel of the university. She stated, “OPSU represents all of the things I love about education: an eye to the future through the embracing of technology while maintaining a personal relationship with students.”

“I feel that my vision aligns with OPSU’s vision of “Progress through Knowledge.” In working hard with all of the colleges to bring classes and programs online to meet the needs of a growing body of students, my goal is to embody this vision.” Dr. Calloway continued, “I hope to help OPSU remain relevant in the global community and be a leader in programs that combine the convenience of online courses with the feel of a small, tight-knit university setting.”

She and her husband, Nathan, together have six children with three still at home, and have two grand-daughters with another one on the way.

Mr. Tyler Stephens, Instructor of Psychology

Originally from Fowler, Colorado, Tyler Stephens is entering his second year as a faculty member at Oklahoma Panhandle State University. Tyler is the Director of Criminal Justice and an Instructor of Psychology.

Tyler graduated from OPSU with a Bachelor of Psychology and Criminal Justice. He earned his Master’s in Forensic Psychology from the University of Denver and will continue working towards a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology in the Fall.

Before his career at Panhandle State, he was a Forensic Psychotherapist in Arvada, Colorado. He specialized in working with individuals convicted of domestic violence, who also have histories of trauma and substance abuse.

Tyler has always been drawn to the people here at OPSU. He stated, “I love working in the capacity I do because I have amazing colleagues who support my personal and professional growth. The relationships I gained as a student and maintained after graduation were a huge reason for my return to Goodwell.”

Tyler stated, “I’m interested in this position because it provides a unique opportunity to benefit the University in a previously unforeseen way. As the world around us has been forced to adapt to the challenges presented by COVID-19, so many parts of our lives have shifted online. I believe that we, as faculty, have a responsibility to meet students where they are in these situations.” He continued, “My goal since returning to OPSU has always been to make our quality education accessible to new students who may not otherwise be able to attend college.”

“I bring a unique lens to my work, given my prior professional experiences. Because I tend to think systemically and analytically, I’m able to see patterns in students and groups, and then I know what needs should be addressed.” He continued, “I believe that I, as an educator, have the privilege of working alongside students as they learn skills necessary to grow far beyond the classroom, and I use skills from my clinical psychology practice to validate and support those whom I work with while they get to learn new and exciting things.”

Tyler and his partner, Hunter, enjoy traveling, exploring new places, and spending time cooking.