Karen Bauer

Bauer moved to Guymon with her husband in 2003 where they have set roots down with their family. During the first few years in the area, she worked in the banking industry for several years before she decided to go back to school. She pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in biology which she graduated in 2008. It was during this time that she developed a desire to work for Panhandle State.

She commented, “After graduating in 2008, I worked a few different jobs, but I always wanted to work at OPSU. In 2020 a job opening in the Financial Aid department became available and I knew immediately it would be a position I would enjoy.”

Bauer started with OPSU as a Financial Aid Counselor in the fall semester of 2020 before her promotion in July. In both positions, she assists students every day to help them with any financial aid questions.

When asked about her favorite thing about Panhandle State, she stated, “My coworkers and their willingness to help each other and the students.”

When she is not helping students in her office, Bauer loves to spend time with her family. She has been married to her husband, Eric, for 14 years. Together they have 3 sons, Zeke, Murphy, and Miles. Zeke is 10 years old while Murphy and Miles are 5 years old. Karen has a passion for decorating, particularly decorating her home for all the different holidays.