Good morning, Norman.

An AAUP survey of Oklahoma faculty (Aug.

4-Sept. 4) found 64% would not recommend working here and some professors reported applying out of state due to academic freedom concerns, while OU faces future changes from a legislative bill and Governor Stitt's executive order that may alter its tenure review process.

OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. outlined plans to support rising enrollment at Norman with upgraded facilities including a 100,000 sqft consolidated lab building + a new 650 space parking garage, along with improved transit solutions through state investments.

He said these changes will boost student experience and campus growth.

During Tuesday's meeting, the OU Board of Regents approved plans to name the new indoor performance center at Kimrey Family Stadium the Toby Keith Family Performance Center—honoring the late country singer—and to advance design for an $80m Engineering Research Building project on campus.

OU football wide receiver Trell Harris suffered an injury against Michigan on Sept.

15 and is expected to miss time, coach Brent Venables said he is out for the foreseeable future. Players including Mackenzie Alleyne and Parker Livingstone are set to see increased roles.

On Tuesday, OU football received a commitment from four-star tight end Connor Arant of Bixby High School, who chose the Sooners after paying three visits and comparing offers from Alabama and Ohio State.

Offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle took responsibility for the Sooners' uneven play after the Michigan loss and will focus on routine plays and a stronger running game in practice ahead of New Mexico.

Arbuckle stressed improvements in protection and execution to help the team bounce back.

The OU Board of Regents approved Sooners coach Brent Venables’ six-year, $63 million contract extension during Tuesday's meeting.

The board also named the Toby Keith Family Performance Center as part of a $49 million upgrade at Kimrey Family Stadium, with work beginning fall 2026 and completion set for spring 2028.

Former OSU and OKC Thunder forward Lindy Waters III, a Norman native, signed with the Beijing Ducks of the Chinese Basketball Association on Tuesday, Sept.

15, adding his extensive experience from college and NBA teams.