Dear Friends of the Oklahoma Arts Institute, it is with mixed emotions that we announce the departure of our esteemed President & CEO, Rob Ward. After two years of influential leadership, he has decided to step down from his role and will remain at the helm until a new successor is found.  

Under Rob's guidance, OAI has made incredible achievements, such as receiving the J. Jerry Dickman Award for Excellence at the ONE Awards and the Community Impact Award from the Harding Fine Arts Academy Foundation, establishing the Transformative Teacher Awards, achieving a record number of applicants for our Fall Arts Institute, and launching the OAI Quartz Preview Days outreach initiative. His passion, dedication, and strategic vision have been instrumental in shaping OAI's success and culture. 

While we are saddened by Rob's departure, we are grateful for the two decades of commitment he has given to OAI — starting as an OSAI student, returning as a counselor, and then moving from OSAI staff, to faculty, and finally to President & CEO. His legacy will continue to inspire us as we embark on the next chapter of our journey, and we will continue to work together to shape OAI's future.  

The Chair of the Board of Directors, Jose Luis Hernandez said, “Under Rob’s leadership, we developed a new strategic plan that emphasizes outreach and diversity and strengthened key statewide partnerships that will sustain our programs into the future. The board is deeply thankful for all his contributions and service.”  

Please join us in expressing our heartfelt gratitude to Rob and wishing him the very best in his future endeavors. Thank you, Rob, for your leadership, guidance, and unwavering commitment. #QMRocks 

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