Economics chair Dr. Lex Holmes and inaugural Professor for a Day
Dennis McLaughlin

T.W. Adams Professor for a Day

When T.W. Adams was a young man, the whole world fascinated him. His interest in people and places far away led to a unique career in business and government service after he earned his master’s and doctoral degrees in political science from OU. He became a noted expert on the country of Cyprus and authored several books and articles on the issues facing the small island nation.

He fits the profile of the accomplished OU alumni the College of Arts and Sciences will bring back to campus through the Dr. T.W. Adams Distinguished Alumni Lecture Program established through his endowment gift.

“This program will be very valuable to departments in the college, both by bringing to campus invigorating speakers who will enhance the intellectual and cultural life of the college, and by providing departments with opportunities to recognize and involve their successful alumni,” said Dean Bell.

The lecture program will bring alumni back in two formats. The Adams Professor for a Day will allow distinguished alumni to return to campus for talks to classes and student groups. The Adams Lecturer will feature a formal public presentation in addition to classroom visits. Academic departments can apply for funds through the dean’s office, and they may use the funds for the speaker’s travel expenses, publicity and events for the speaker and students to interact. No honoraria may be paid through the program. “We are grateful to Dr. Adams for his recognition that there are many accomplished OU alumni who can be a source of information and inspiration to our students,” Dean Bell said. “We look forward to welcoming home many of our alumni who have gone on to lives and careers of distinction and who will serve as role models for our current students.”

Dr. T.W. Adams and Dean Bell