Friday, February 6, 2026
Payton Little, The O’Colly
On Feb. 7, 2025, Jim Hess was named the interim president of Oklahoma State University.
365 days of Hess
Caleson Coon
Hess, following the resignation of former president Kayse Shrum, was named interim president before it became official. However, his Jim Hess has been Oklahoma time at OSU began well before his State University’s 20th president for presidency, with him earning a 365 days. doctorate from OSU and going on ASSISTANT NEWS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR
to work in higher education for 40plus years. In 1975, Hess’ first employed role at OSU was shoveling stalls at the College of Veterinary Medicine. He later became vice president and chief operating officer for OSU-
Tulsa from 1999 to 2003, when he doubled enrollment and launched the Big Orange Bus shuttle service in 2001. In 2023, Hess was inducted into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame on Nov. 6.
See HESS on page 7A
IRSA brings awareness Caleson Coon
know, fighting with their life and bare hands,” Salehiyan said. “And just, you know, paying for the basic freedom The Iranian Student Association with their life, unfortunately.” of Oklahoma State University hosted The crisis in Iran began as Iranians an awareness event to inform others protested changes in the economy, about the crisis still occurring in Iran. but has since evolved into a protest President of IRSA, Ahmad for a regime change to replace the Salehiyan, said IRSA is trying to let Islamic Republic with a democratic others know what is happening in government. Iran, as he hopes this is the last time a The protests have led to more than tragedy such as this one occurs in his 36,500 deaths of Iranians at the hands country. of its government. “We try to be the voice of the people who are in Iran, and you See IRSA on page 2A
ASSISTANT NEWS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR
Chance Marick, The O’Colly
Jesse Butler pleaded no contest on Aug. 25. in Payne County Court.
Judge orders evidentiary hearing in Jesse Butler case over victims’ rights challenge Bryson Thadhani
those disputes, Kulling ordered an evidentiary hearing beginning April 13. A Payne County judge has scheduled The hearing stems from a verified an evidentiary hearing in the case of motion filed by attorneys for the Jesse Butler after victims filed a motion victims seeking enforcement of alleging their constitutional rights were their rights under Marsy’s Law, violated during court proceedings. an amendment to the Oklahoma During a scheduling hearing Constitution that guarantees crime Tuesday, District Judge Michael victims the right to be notified of court Kulling found there were significant proceedings, consulted before plea factual disputes between attorneys agreements and treated with fairness representing the state, the defense and respect. and the victims regarding how the case was handled. Because of See BUTLER on page 2A CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Bailey Schmitz, The O’Colly
Ahmad Salehiyan helped lead the “Voices of Iran” event on Feb. 4.
WHAT’S INSIDE 3A
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2026 National Women in Sports Day