Dr. Charla Lewis

Oklahoma Panhandle State University proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Charla Lewis as Vice President of Academic Affairs. With her dedication to academic excellence and recent service as Dean of the College of Arts and Education, Dr. Lewis has been instrumental in shaping the academic landscape at OPSU. This new chapter for the university is exciting as it continues its mission to provide quality education and foster student success.

“Dr. Lewis has a proven track record of leadership and a deep commitment to the mission of OPSU. Throughout her years here, she has demonstrated unwavering dedication to our university, continually growing and evolving as a leader,” stated Dr. Julie Dinger, University President. “Dr. Lewis is a lifelong student who embraces opportunities to strengthen her skills, deepen her connections across campus, and foster engaged collaboration. I am confident that her loyalty to OPSU and her passion for learning will guide us forward as we work together to achieve our mission.”

Dr. Lewis’s journey at OPSU began with her role as Dean, followed by her time as Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs, where she demonstrated her commitment to driving academic innovation and faculty development. Dr. Lewis brings a comprehensive vision for educational excellence to her new role, built upon her years of leadership and experience. She earned a Bachelor of Music Education with a vocal emphasis and an instrumental endorsement from OPSU, a Master of Music Education from Emporia State University, and a Doctor of Education from Bradley University focused on Educational Leadership in Higher Education.

“I am truly honored to serve in this role and continue to work alongside the incredible faculty and staff at OPSU. Together, we are building an academic environment that fosters growth, innovation, and opportunities for our students,” said Dr. Lewis.

Dr. Lewis’s vision is rooted in a goal of overt academic excellence, which includes updating degree plans, improving transparency in course descriptions, and adding internships as required courses to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world application. Her work will focus on facilitating quality teaching workshops, expanding access to online programs, and increasing collaboration opportunities with industry experts. She aims to empower adult learners by removing barriers and offering lifelong learning opportunities, such as upskilling and professional development.

Dr. Lewis will spearhead curriculum changes in her leadership role, ensuring that OPSU’s degree programs remain competitive and aligned with industry needs. She will submit curriculum updates to the Oklahoma A&M Regents, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, and other accreditation bodies to ensure continuous academic growth.

Dr. Lewis also emphasizes the importance of research and scholarly activities for students and faculty. By promoting research projects, supporting faculty in publishing articles, and presenting at conferences, she aims to cultivate a thriving academic community at OPSU.

Under her leadership, faculty recruitment and retention will be key priorities. Dr. Lewis is committed to attracting top talent by promoting OPSU’s unique culture and mission. She plans to establish a faculty recruitment plan with comprehensive onboarding processes and timely communication throughout the hiring journey. Additionally, faculty will have access to continuous professional development opportunities, focusing on career advancement, work-life balance, and wellness programs.

Dr. Lewis’s vision extends beyond faculty, emphasizing a supportive environment for all OPSU staff. Her staff retention plan includes onboarding programs, mentorship opportunities, and professional development. Dr. Lewis strongly advocates promoting wellness through flexible scheduling and stress management workshops. Her leadership philosophy centers around building an inclusive, positive workplace culture where open communication and teamwork are paramount.

Dr. Lewis’s appointment as Vice President of Academic Affairs signifies OPSU’s commitment to academic excellence. Her strategic vision will undoubtedly shape the university’s future as she embarks on this next career chapter. “I am excited about the journey ahead,” she stated. “Change can be good. If we are not changing and evolving, we are not growing. My commitment to OPSU is to make it a collaborative environment where students, faculty, and staff can thrive and achieve their full potential.”