Friday, June 20, 2025
OSU tuition to stay flat for 4th straight year OU tuition increases RAYNEE HOWELL
NEWS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR
The OSU/A&M Board of Regents voted Friday to keep tuition and mandatory academic fees flat for the fourth consecutive year. Oklahoma State President Jim Hess said the vote reaffirmed the university’s commitment to putting students first and fulfilling its landgrant mission. “We are called to widen the doors of opportunity, and by holding the line on tuition, we ensure that a world-class education remains within reach for every Oklahoman willing to work for it,” Hess said in a press release. “This decision supports our mission to educate the next generation of leaders, from the classroom to the community.” OSU/A&M BOR Chair Jimmy Harrel said the vote will maintain affordability and accessibility of college education.
See TUITION on page 2 Courtesy Ann Glasgow Towers Ann Glasgow Towers expressing her views on current tax policies with a sign she created for the “No Kings Day” protest in Stillwater.
‘We live in a democracy’ ‘No Kings Day’ protest unites community B Y R AY N E E H O W E L L
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ne protester at the “No Kings Day” protest in Stillwater felt it was fate that led her to the Payne County Courthouse lawn. Shyann Mills normally works Saturday afternoon, but she got off early and had a feeling. “I felt drawn to go,” Mills said.
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NEWS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR
“I don’t want to just sit back and do nothing. It doesn’t feel right to me.” It also didn’t feel right to do nothing for the couple hundred others who attended the protest of President Donald Trump’s policies and actions. They came waving American flags, pride flags and signs in protest. Inspiration hung in the air
as people continued to arrive, exceeding the expectations of some. “Two-hundred fifty people pulling together at the courthouse lawn on their Saturday afternoon in the rain was impressive,” protester Ann Glasgow Towers said.
See PROTEST on page 4
Payton Little The OU Board of Regents voted to raise tuition and fees by 3% a day before the OSU A&M Board of Regents voted to keep tuition and fees flat.
Landscape services brings beauty to OSU’s campus MJ NYAMDAVAA
STAFF REPORTER
Courtesy Jim Bowen OSU landscape services conceives and designs topiaries — like this one of a cowboy boot — in-house.
On a summer morning in Stillwater, long before most students begin to stir, a quiet transformation is already underway. Sidewalks are edged, turf is trimmed and the blooms in front of the Price Family Garden are carefully inspected for health and harmony. Walk past the Alumni Center and you’ll spot three human-shaped topiaries waving hello. Head toward the library, and a giant cowboy hat made entirely of grass greets you with OSU pride. These whimsical additions are part of a fresh wave of creativity from Landscape Services — an ongoing effort to make the campus not only beautiful but also memorable. At the center of it all is John Lee, Oklahoma State director of Landscape Services, who walks the grounds with pride — not just in the innovative installations or lush greens, but in the team that brings the campus to life, day after day. “We have the greatest team,” Lee said. “Quite literally; we can represent that with two national awards.”
See LANDSCAPE on page 3