The OU Center for Studies in Democracy and Culture
the university of oklahoma tulsa
"We believe that informed and engaged citizens are the foundation of a healthy and enduring democracy."
Our large luncheon events on the OU-Tulsa campus regularly draw 150-250 attendees and are held most months. These events are open to the public. Smaller events are scheduled with greater frequency.
Coming Activities of The Center
Additional Programming for the Spring Semester Will Be Added in January
Additional Programming for the Spring Semester Will Be Added in January
June
21
The Official Birthday of King Charles III of the United Kingdom. As the home of the British Honorary Consulate in Oklahoma, The Center has begun annually hosting a reception in the King's honor. The King's Official Birthday is the national day of the United Kingdom.
Details to be announced.
jul
15
Historian Russell Cobb: "The Ghosts of Crook County: The Forgotten Crime Behind an Oil Capitol Fortune"
Open attendance luncheon in Founders Hall on the OU-Tulsa campus. Optional lunch available for purchase for $10.
aug
22
Randy Kluver, dean of the international studies school at Oklahoma State University, will speak on "“The US in China’s Eyes: How China Perceives the US". (This is the first in a special two part back-to-back series on China.)
Open attendance luncheon in Founders Hall on the OU-Tulsa campus. Optional lunch available for purchase.
sept
4
Jonathan Stalling, interim dean of the international studies college at the University of Oklahoma, will speak on "How China Became Chinese". (This is the second in a special two part series on China.)
Open attendance luncheon in Founders Hall on the OU-Tulsa campus. Optional lunch available for purchase for $10.
oct
25
The Center will partner with the Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice for their annual awards dinner.
Contact the OCCJ for ticket information.
nov
18
(topic to be announced)
Open attendance luncheon in Founders Hall on the OU-Tulsa campus. Optional lunch available for purchase.
dec
16
(topic to be announced)
Open attendance luncheon in Founders Hall on the OU-Tulsa campus. Optional lunch available for purchase.
Don't miss out! To be added to our invitation list,
simply send an email to the Center's Director, Prof. Rodger Randle .
simply send an email to the Center's Director, Prof. Rodger Randle .
Tulsa Studies
Every city is different. Each is a product of the experiences of history that formed its culture and character, but cities are always dynamically changing. New forces from within, as well as broader societal influences from outside, are producing constant transformations.
Tulsa, however, is a city with a striking story to tell. In these studies we look at Tulsa from various different perspectives. Looking backwards, we review examples of how we became the Tulsa we are today. Looking at today's Tulsa, we search for new trends and directions that are shaping our city now …and that are shaping the Tulsa we will become in the future. For each of these objectives we are using multi-media formats.
"The Human Family"
"The Human Family" is our primary photography project and it is designed to stimulate appreciation for the universal human values that unite people and cultures. This documentation of other cultures (“ethno-photography”) is also a contribution to promoting greater interest in the world beyond America’s borders and beyond the daily news headlines.
Photography is also extensively used to illustrate articles on our website about Tulsa and Oklahoma. Photography has the power to extend beyond words, inviting the viewer to imagine places, scenes, and different times. Photography is also used to educate the viewer to see our city as a place historically rooted, but living and changing.
Photography is also extensively used to illustrate articles on our website about Tulsa and Oklahoma. Photography has the power to extend beyond words, inviting the viewer to imagine places, scenes, and different times. Photography is also used to educate the viewer to see our city as a place historically rooted, but living and changing.
Oklahoma Studies
We have launched a new project to preserve a selected record of details of Oklahoma legislative processes and politics from several periods of modern Oklahoma history. This collection will be a sampling of permanent historic value.
Understanding our roots is the key to understanding modern Oklahoma. Our project is two parts: (1) preserve records that are being lost, and (2) make these records accessible to the general public through the Center’s website.
This history is difficult to preserve because it is currently mostly oral. Our collection is designed for the general public, but it is also designed to create a record that will be of long lasting value to researchers as well.
Past Events 2024 - 2025
May 27
Nearly 250 people attended the Center's luncheon on the OU-Tulsa campus:
"Is the Free Press in America Really in Danger?"
Long-time Washington Post reporter and Tulsa native, Gary Lee, led the program, along with former Reuters editor and reporter, Emily Kaiser.
"Is the Free Press in America Really in Danger?"
Long-time Washington Post reporter and Tulsa native, Gary Lee, led the program, along with former Reuters editor and reporter, Emily Kaiser.
May 26
The Center Director spoke on NATO and European Security to Great Decisions in Tulsa.
May 23
The Center's Circle of Honor was hosted at a luncheon in OKC. The Circle is made up of current and past state government leaders and is a program sponsored by the Center.
April 28-29
The British Consul General for our region of the country visited Oklahoma City and Norman on a trip organized by the Center.
April 10
Dr. James Armstead: Update on the Situation in Ukraine
April 2
Dr. David Goldenberg: Myths of the Great Depression (major program in Founders Hall on the OU-Tulsa campus)
February 25
Black History Month special presentation with Dr. LaVerne Ford Wimberly, Rebecca Marks Jimerson, and Vanessa Adams-Harris (major program in Founders Hall on the OU-Tulsa campus)
January 21
Hank Carillo: The History of the organ in sacred music in Western culture.
January 14
Michael Wallis: Route 66 in American mythology ...stories from the road.
December 22-23
British Consul General Sujeevan Satheesan made his first visit to Oklahoma as Consul General. His region covers Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. (The Center is the home of the British Honorary Consulate in Oklahoma, one of only 17 British honorary consulates in the United States.)
December 3
The Circle of Honor met for a luncheon in Oklahoma City. The Circle of Honor is a group sponsored by The Center and made up of a select group of notable current and former Oklahoma state leaders and officials. Former Gov. Frank Keating was the guest of honor, and several members spoke about the life of former U.S. Sen. Fred R. Harris.
December 3
Ken Levit, Executive Director of the George Kaiser Family Foundation and and former President of OU-Tulsa, spoke on challenges facing Tulsa. Mayor Monroe Nichols was the Center's special guest for the program on his first full day in office.
November 29
A U.S. State Department sponsored delegation from Lebanon was hosted by The Center for a briefing/social on governmental ethics and accountability practices.
November 11
Journalist Joseph Carter gave a dinner presentation on the assassination of President Kennedy in Dallas in 1963. Carter was in the Kennedy motorcade at the time of the shooting.
November 7
Dr. Abeda Awais, visiting from Pakistan, spoke on developmental disabilities in children and current trends in care at a luncheon.
November 7
Dr. Syed Awais, visiting from Pakistan, spoke on the political situation in Pakistan at a dinner meeting.
November 6
Dr. Seyed Awais, visiting from Pakistan, spoke on higher education in developing countries.
November 5
Burns Hargis, former president of Oklahoma State University, was joined by former Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Turpin for a program on "American Democracy After Today". (Nov. 5 was presidential election day in the USA.)
October 26
The Center hosted the annual dinner of the OCCJ (Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice ...the former Oklahoma Conference of Christians and Jews) on the OU-Tulsa campus.
October 17
Bob Burke, Oklahoma's most published historian, spoke on the history of presidential elections in Oklahoma to a large luncheon audience in Founders Hall at OU-Tulsa.
October 6
The Center hosted nine higher education leaders from nine different countries to a dinner and program on the cultural formation of Oklahoma. Their visit was sponsored by the State Department.
September 24
Over 200 guests attended a Center luncheon on the OU-Tulsa campus to hear the Rt. Hon. Henry McLeish, former head of the government of Scotland.
September 16
Former Oklahoma Congressman (and professor at Harvard and Princeton and Yale) Mickey Edwards spoke about the balance of power between the three branches of government in Washington.
August 28
Why Are Tulsa and Oklahoma City So Different? Lecture by the Center Director in Oklahoma City.
August 28
Meeting of the Center's Circle of Honor in Oklahoma City on current issues in state government.
August 27
Why Are Oklahoma City and Tulsa So Different? Luncheon program on the OU-Tulsa campus. 200 guests in attendance.
August 15
Why Are Tulsa and Oklahoma City So Different? Lecture by the Center Director at Zarrow Pointe in Tulsa.
August 14
The History of Tulsa: The Modern Era (This is the second part of two programs on Tulsa history.)
July 12
The Center jointly hosted a program at OU-Tulsa in the Reconciliation in America National Symposium series commemorating the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.
July 4
The Center hosted an election night watch party for the 2024 British general election.
July 3
American Unhappiness" was the luncheon program in Founders Hall featuring OU-Tulsa faculty member Linda Barnum, Ph.D. in psychology. The program explored the roots of the declining levels of happiness in our country. (A recent global Gallup poll showed that for the first time America had fallen out of the list of the 20 happiest countries.)
July 2
"A Long Distance Call to Great Britain" was the theme of a special Zoom conference with the Rt. Hon. Henry McLeish in Scotland for a first-hand report on the British elections.
June 15
The Center hosted Tulsa commemorations of the King's Official Birthday, the national day of the United Kingdom.
June 7
The Center hosted a limited attendance luncheon event with stars of the cast of Tulsa's 2024 Chautauqua series.
June 4
Program on federalism in the USA for a large group of international visitors sponsored by Tulsa Global Alliance from Serbia, Kyrgyzstan, and the Gambia.
May 20-24
The Center hosted Dr. Zidane Zeraoui, note Mexican professor of international relations for a series of activities in Tulsa and OKC.
May 13
Oklahoma Historian Bob Burke entertained a luncheon crowd of 250 on the OU-Tulsa campus with stories of Oklahoma political history.
March 29
The Center hosted a luncheon discussion of China with OSU Dean of Global Studies, Dr. Randy Kluver
March 26
The Center hosted a meeting of the Circle of Honor, and association sponsored by the Center that meets in Oklahoma City.
March 26
A reception was co-hosted by the Center at the Summit Club honoring Urs Broennimann, Consul General of Switzerland (Atlanta)
March 13
Dr. Ebony Johnson spoke to a crowd of over 200 at a community luncheon on the OU-Tulsa campus about public schools in Tulsa.
March 4
Dr. James Armstead spoke to a limited attendance luncheon on Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.
February 26
Dr. Ebony Johnson spoke at a small luncheon of community leaders. The luncheon organized and hosted by the Center.
February 21
The Center Director spoke on the formation of Tulsa culture at the Downtown Rotary Club in Tulsa.
February 9
The Center's Cercle d'Honneur met in Oklahoma City for a program on current political trends.
February 5
Charles Garrett, CEO of Cherokee Nation Businesses, and Bryan Warner, Deputy Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, spoke at a large luncheon on the OU-Tulsa campus.
january 26
The Center hosted a Robert Burns Supper, one of the most traditional annual celebrations of Scottish culture.
january 21
The Center provided the kickoff lecture in the 2024 Great Decisions series sponsored by the Friends of the Tulsa City-County Libraries.
january 12
The Center hosted a forum on polarization in American politics featuring Oklahoma Labor Commissioner Leslie Osborn (Republican) and State Rep. Melissa Provenzano (D-Tulsa)
What's New at The Center...
Field Report: The Peace Corps 2025
Children walk to school along a dirt road in remote rural Nepal in a photo taken by the Center Director as part of a project documenting the experiences of current and past Oklahoma Peace Corps Volunteers. This is an example of projects in which the Center participates in addition to community events.
(Photo made during a field trip in spring 2025.)
(Photo made during a field trip in spring 2025.)
Michael Wallis, the Man That Popularized Route 66, Spoke on January 14
Author Michael Wallis spoke at a Center luncheon with over 200 guests on January 14. The topic was Route 66 and he previewed the famous highway's coming centennial celebrations in 2026.
The New British Consul General Makes His First Visit to Oklahoma
The highlight of the visit to Tulsa of Sujeevan Satheeson, the new British Consul General for this region of the USA, was the time he spent getting to know Tulsa's new Mayor, Monroe Nichols. Satheeson's visit was organized by the Center.
Presidential Elections in Oklahoma Was the Luncheon Topic for Historian Bob Burke
Bob Burke, Oklahoma's most published historian, relaxes following his luncheon speech in Founders Hall at OU-Tulsa with Laura Chalus, CEO of the Tulsa Garden Center, John Croisant, member of the board of Tulsa Public Schools, and Jacob Mauldin of the Tulsa Port of Catoosa.
The Center Hosts Nearly Two Dozen
for Lunch with Chautauqua Stars
for Lunch with Chautauqua Stars
Supporters of the Center shared lunch with presenters in the 2024 Tulsa Chautauqua series in early June. Pictured above are Rebecca Marks-Jimerson (Coretta Scott King) and Dr. Leslie Goddard (Lady Bird Johnson) from the Chautauqua cast and former District Judge Martha Rupp Carter, luncheon guest.
Students from Kyrgyzstan and Serbia
Participate in Briefing on American Government at the Center
Participate in Briefing on American Government at the Center
The Center frequently receives international guests for cultural events or briefings. The most recent group, in early June, was a State Department visitors learning about adaptive sports programs in the United States.
A Gala Brunch Was the Centerpiece of the Center's Celebration of the Official Birthday of King Charles III
Home of the British Honorary Consulate in Oklahoma, the Center hosted a celebration of the the King's Official Birthday, the national day of the United Kingdom. Pictured above on the left is Iris Lebeck who was born in Great Britain. In the middle is Dr. Dyal Meshri, born in what then was British India, and Candace Frates who is a native born American.
The Center, On the Scene in Rio de Janeiro
Participating with the Instituto Maria Quitéria, the Center Director participated in July in an extensive program on international relations focused on Brazil and Africa. (In the photo students are visiting the Brazilian National Archives to review immigration resources.) .
About You, About Us
You are at the center
of all we do.
We are based on the American ideal that citizens are the foundation of our democracy, and we create opportunities for people of all types and backgrounds to come together, to learn together, and to share together.
of all we do.
In addition to organizing events and activities for you, we publish on the web. In our “Tulsa Studies” section you will find a variety of articles and reflections about our city. In our “Ethno-Photography” section you will find illustrated articles about other peoples and cultures. These articles are part of our efforts to connect Oklahoma and the world.
OU-Tulsa was created as an urban campus with a special mission of bridging the university and the community. The activities of our Center are in furtherance of this mission.
Here is how you can participate with us:
JOIN OUR INVITATION LIST AND ATTEND OUR EVENTS.
All of our large luncheons on the OU-Tulsa campus are free if you bring your own lunch, but a nominally priced lunch will also be available for purchase.
BIRNG A FRIEND WITH YOU.
We will always have space for one more. Don't forget to add your friend to your reservation.
VOLUNTEER TO HELP AT LUNCHEONS.
There is always a lot of work to be done on the day of an event. If you can come early or stay late, we'll put you to work. Tell the Center Director of your interest by sending an email to Prof. Rodger Randle
MAKE A FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION.
OU does not cover all the expenses of the Center and we are dependent on the generosity of friends. If you are willing to consider making a donation, please contact the Center Director, Prof. Rodger Randle . Contribution are made through the OU Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization.
The Center is the Home of the
BRITISH HONORARY CONSULATE
in Oklahoma.
We organize community events
for you, and much more.
Our events on the OU Tulsa campus regularly draw over 150 guests. These are held more or less monthly, and we sponsor smaller events with greater frequency.
for you, and much more.
The center has existed for a couple of decades, but in recent years our activities and audience have expanded greatly.
Over the years our events have attracted noted academics, national and international journalist including the New York Times and the Financial Times of London, ambassadors and other diplomats, writers and historians, and public officials at the local state and national levels.
We often partner with other organizations for projects and activities, including internationally. We are currently launching a new project with the Instituto Maria Quitéria in Rio de Janeiro. Past activities have included partnership activities in South America, central America, Africa, and Europe.
Prof. Rodger Randlephoto: Tulsa World
Prof. Randle has served in may civic posts, including as nation Chair and President of Sister Cities. He has received recognitions and awards for his public service from Brazil. Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Venezuela (pre-Chávez), and Pakistan.
He is the British Honorary Consul for Oklahoma.
The seal of the Center depicts the island of Rokovoco at sunset. The red and white in the sky are the colors of OU.
Cercle
d'Or
d'Or
The support we receive from our program aprticipants is
essential to do all we do, and we are deeply grateful to each of them.
The members of the Cercle d'Or have distinguished themselves by their exceptional generosity.
essential to do all we do, and we are deeply grateful to each of them.
The members of the Cercle d'Or have distinguished themselves by their exceptional generosity.
Listed alphabetically:
Ronny and Judy Altman, Robin Ballenger, John and Alicia Brock, George and Phyllis Dotson, Jim and Barbara Dunn, Margee and Scott Filstrup, Ramez and Katrine Hakim, Mary Holden, Bill Warnock, and Jane Wiseman and Jim Hodges.
George Krumme (in memoriam)
George Krumme (in memoriam)
Our partners provide additional annual financial support that is essential to our work.
Listed alphabetically:
Margaret Bannochie and Brian Bailey, Louis and Sharon Coleman, Sen. Kevin Easley, Jerry and Julie Gustafson, Vance and Marilyn Hall, Linda Morrissey and John Nicks, David Oligschlaeger, Michael Schooling, Jim and Julie Sluss, Deborah Taggart, Jim and Sally Twombly, Larry and Phillis Wolverton.
Jan Bennett, Lauren and Rob Brookey, Barbara Bucholtz, Ken and Dixie Busby, Lewis and Martha Carter, J.D. Colbert, Harry and Marilyn Cook, Yonna Creason, Germana Creveling, Harry Dandelles, Sue Haskins, Don Hertzler, Felisa and Dan Hilbert, Kirby and Patti Jarolim, Robert and Penny Johnston, Myrna Jones, Donna LaDuke, Patrice Lott, Jan Mays, Sylvia and Bill Nay, George and Susan Palmer, Cathy Smythe, Donald Stout, Betty Swindle, and Fred Welch.
Jan Bennett, Lauren and Rob Brookey, Barbara Bucholtz, Ken and Dixie Busby, Lewis and Martha Carter, J.D. Colbert, Harry and Marilyn Cook, Yonna Creason, Germana Creveling, Harry Dandelles, Sue Haskins, Don Hertzler, Felisa and Dan Hilbert, Kirby and Patti Jarolim, Robert and Penny Johnston, Myrna Jones, Donna LaDuke, Patrice Lott, Jan Mays, Sylvia and Bill Nay, George and Susan Palmer, Cathy Smythe, Donald Stout, Betty Swindle, and Fred Welch.
We are proud to have a distinguished Council of Advisors.
To be added...
Our Council of Advisors is in the process of updating and revision.
Our outdated list is still online here.
Our outdated list is still online here.
the OU Center for Studies in Democracy and Culture
The University of Oklahoma Tulsa
4502 East 41st Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74135
E-mail: randle@ou.edu
Click here to visit our homepage.