Dr. Rebekah Wagenbach

The Oklahoma Humanities Council recently named Dr. Rebekah Wagenbach a member. Dr. Wagenbach is the Associate Dean for the College of Arts and Education and an Assistant Professor of History and Political Science at Oklahoma Panhandle State University. She is a leader in both education and the arts, bringing her deep-rooted passion for history, political science, and community engagement to this influential role. She plans to enhance cultural opportunities for the Panhandle region.

“Dr. Wagenbach’s appointment to the Oklahoma Humanities Council is an important milestone for her and our university,” stated University President, Dr. Julie Dinger. “Her passion for the humanities and her dedication to enriching the lives of others through education make her an outstanding choice for the Council. I’m excited to see her bring her unique perspective and reflect the values of OPSU in her work with the Council.”

“Dr. Rebekah Wagenbach has been an invaluable asset to our university, demonstrating exceptional leadership and commitment to both education and the arts. Her recent appointment to the Oklahoma Humanities Council is a testament to her dedication to fostering cultural and intellectual growth in our region,” stated Dr. Charla Lewis, Vice President of Academic Affairs. “Dr. Wagenbach’s efforts to bring humanities-related programming to the Panhandle, alongside her work in historical preservation and community engagement, continue to enrich our institution and the broader community. We are proud of her accomplishments and excited to see the positive impact she will continue to make.”

As a member of the Oklahoma Humanities Council, Dr. Wagenbach will contribute to fostering dialogue about the state’s cultural and historical narratives. With a focus on the Oklahoma and Texas Panhandles, she is eager to bring new programming to underserved areas. “My goal is to bring humanities-related programming here to the Panhandle to provide more cultural opportunities for our citizens,” she explained. “The arts and humanities are crucial to our communities’ intellectual and cultural growth.”

Dr. Wagenbach has contributed to initiatives that promote the arts and humanities. One of the most recent is launching “Our Nowhere: Panhandle Histories,” a project celebrating the research of the Oklahoma and Texas Panhandles alongside many faculty leaders. This initiative and several lecture series focused on research conducted within the College of Arts and Education reflect her dedication to preserving and promoting regional heritage.

“I am honored to serve on the Oklahoma Humanities Council and to have the opportunity to advocate for the role of the humanities in enriching our communities,” Dr. Wagenbach shared. “The arts and humanities are essential to understanding the world and cultivating empathy, creativity, and critical thinking. I look forward to serving my state and community.”

Dr. Wagenbach’s academic background in history and political science aligns seamlessly with her work on the Oklahoma Humanities Council. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication and a Master of Art in American Studies from Northwestern Oklahoma State University and a Doctorate in Public Policy and Administration from Walden University.

“History and political science are my areas of expertise,” she said. “But I’m equally passionate about community theater and musical performance, and I’ve led organizations that produce cultural events in these areas,” said Wagenbach.

Her work outside of OPSU highlights her commitment to the humanities. As the former President of the Mulvane WildActs, a community theater in Wichita, Kansas, and a collaborator with the No Man’s Land Historical Museum through podcast projects, Wagenbach has consistently sought ways to engage the public in meaningful cultural experiences. Her part in the Voice of the Santa Fe Trail lecture series is another example of her drive to make history accessible and engaging for all. As a historical interpreter for Old Cowtown Museum in Wichita, KS, she brought history to life by telling the story of the settlement of the Great Plains region.

Dr. Wagenbach joins a distinguished group of scholars, educators, and leaders dedicated to enhancing Oklahoma’s cultural landscape. The community is welcome to attend the Oklahoma Humanities Council’s literature talk at the Guymon Public Library on November 1^st with Dr. Shawn Holliday which is part of their “Let’s Talk About it” book club program.