(STILLWATER, Okla., Jan. 30, 2026) — Oklahoma State University’s Horizon Scholars program, set to welcome its first cohort of incoming freshman scholars in the fall, is already making a significant impact.
Launched last year, the program now boasts $15 million in commitments from 15 generous donors, underscoring OSU’s mission to expand access and opportunity for high-achieving students.
Interest in the program has surged even before its official start, with about 2,300 students nationwide applying for Horizon Scholars scholarships in its inaugural application cycle.
OSU President Jim Hess said the overwhelming response highlights the critical need for financial support and mentorship opportunities that empower students to pursue their academic and leadership goals.
“The Horizon Scholars program is about more than scholarships. It’s about opening doors and creating pathways for students to thrive,” he said.
“The enthusiasm from both donors and students demonstrates the power of investing in education and the future of Oklahoma. The Horizon Scholars program reflects our land-grant mission at its best — creating pathways for students to lead and serve.”
Dr. Hess recently appointed Tashia Cheves as the program’s full-time director to build a hands-on, high-impact model in time to welcome students this fall.
The program was designed to attract exceptional in-state and out-of-state students by providing renewable scholarships, leadership development, experiential learning opportunities and a top-tier, academically rigorous OSU experience that challenges scholars to excel. These elements align with OSU’s land-grant mission to broaden access to higher education while preparing graduates to lead in their communities and industries.
In addition to attracting exceptional students, the Horizon Scholars Program looks to select student leaders whose character reflects the Cowboy culture codified by the Cowboy Code. By using this as an added selection criterion, the hope is that these scholars will model the values that have defined OSU’s culture since its inception to their peers and colleagues.
The Horizon Scholars program is a priority within OSU’s $2 billion comprehensive campaign, The Code Calls. OSU Foundation President Blaire Atkinson said the university hopes to award 100 students annually by recruiting a total of 20 donors to complete funding for the Horizon Scholars program.
“Momentum is building for The Code Calls campaign and our efforts to expand the prestigious Horizon Scholars program,” she said. “The Code Calls brings the Cowboy family together to invest in OSU and create opportunities that will ripple across Oklahoma and beyond. We are beyond grateful for the 15 donors who have committed to our vision for the Horizon Scholars program.”
As the program grows, OSU remains committed to expanding its reach and impact. Additional donor support will allow more students to benefit from this life-changing initiative, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of talent and ambition.
The program offers substantial benefits to scholars, including:
- $7,500 per year scholarship, renewable for four years
- $5,000 one-time award toward a study abroad experience
- $5,000 one-time internship or work experience stipend
- In-state tuition for all students outside of Oklahoma
- Premier academic experience that pairs high-impact learning with meaningful leadership development
- Personalized connections with OSU’s president, campus and industry leaders, as well as scholarship donors
- Ability to combine with other aid packages to ensure comprehensive support for students.
The Code Calls. To find out how you can make a difference, visit osugiving.com/the-code-calls.
Horizon Scholars Donors
The cohort of Horizon Scholars donors are all hard-working, resilient and entrepreneurial alumni and friends who represent the best of OSU.
Each of the following 15 philanthropic partners has had remarkable success leading high-impact organizations while adhering to the Cowboy Code. They’re giving back to the next generation, because that’s what Cowboys do. And they’re challenging fellow OSU alumni to do the same.
- Monica and Joe Eastin (’92 Business Administration); Dallas
- Jessica (’95 Family Relations and Child Development) and Bryan Begley (’94 Mechanical Engineering); Southlake, Texas
- Jennifer (’81 Finance) and Mark Allen (’81 Finance); Charleston, South Carolina
- Gina (’79 Elementary Education) and Tucker Bridwell; Abilene, Texas
- Angie (’93 Middle School Mathematics) and Brian Callahan (’94 Accounting); Dallas
- Julie (’99 Management Information Systems, ’00 MBA) and Claude Connelly; Dallas
- Lucina (’81 Marketing) and Kyle Thompson (’81 Accounting); Dallas
- Helen Hodges (’79 Accounting); San Diego
- Shelly (’88 Business Administration) and Gant Lambertz; Oklahoma City
- Janet McGehee and Bryan Close (’66 Hotel and Restaurant Administration); Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Gail (’80 Home Economics Education and Clothing & Textile Design) and Rick Muncrief (’80 Petroleum Engineering Technology); Edmond, Oklahoma
- Ann (’87 Chemical Engineering) and Bill Oglesby (’89 Finance); Bartlesville, Oklahoma
- Jamie (’98 Management Information Systems) and Darton Zink (’94 Accounting); Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Ketchum Charitable Foundation; Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Anonymous
About The Code Calls
Oklahoma State University’s most transformational comprehensive campaign, The Code Calls, is in motion — a bold $2 billion effort to transform lives, fuel innovation and strengthen the Cowboy legacy. Rooted in the Cowboy Code of character, grit and generosity, this movement is about more than philanthropy — it’s about turning dreams into reality, driving progress, and shaping leaders for generations to come.
About the OSU Foundation
The Oklahoma State University Foundation serves as the private fundraising organization for OSU, as designated by the OSU Regents. Its mission is to unite donor passions with university priorities to elevate the impact of OSU.
About Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma State University is a premier land-grant university that prepares students for success. Through teaching, research and Extension, OSU engages communities and empowers servant-leaders to meet society’s most pressing challenges. OSU is the largest university system in Oklahoma and has more than 36,000 students across its five-campus system and more than 27,000 on its combined Stillwater and Tulsa campuses, with students from all 50 states and more than 127 nations. Established in 1890, OSU has graduated more than 300,000 students to serve the state of Oklahoma, the nation and the world.
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