The next topic for discussion for the OSU Institute of Technology virtual Diversity Learning Series will be How Communities Shape Us on March 31 at 2:30 p.m.

The OSUIT Diversity & Inclusion Committee is proud to welcome T.W. Shannon, CEO of Chickasaw Community Bank and former Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

This is a free event available to all OSUIT students, faculty and staff.

“I think discussing the topic of community is important because I see what it not only has done for T.W. and myself but others that were raised in a community that took care, pushed, supported and loved their youth,” said Chef Aaron Ware, OSUIT faculty member and Diversity Committee member. “I hope this discussion will encourage community and the building and support of our youth but also encourages youth to aspire in building other communities.”

Shannon is an accomplished leader with diverse experience in business, public service and community engagement. Today he leads one of the most unique banks in the country. The Chickasaw Community Bank based in Oklahoma City is a remarkably successful enterprise that is wholly owned by the Chickasaw Nation. Prior to his tenure as CEO of Chickasaw Community Bank, Shannon made history by becoming the youngest Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, as well as being the first Chickasaw and first African American to hold the post. 

He currently serves as a board member of CURE, the Center for Urban Renewal and Education in Washington DC. In addition to his position with CURE, Shannon is a member of the board of Trustees for Oklahoma City University, a Commissioner of the State of Oklahoma Transportation Commission, and a board member for the Civic Center Foundation, Leadership Oklahoma, Oklahoma Bankers Association, and Oklahoma Hall of Fame. He has a Juris Doctor degree from Oklahoma City University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Cameron University. Additionally, he is a Harvard University IOP Fellow and an Aspen Institute Rodel Fellow. 

The committee is planning for the Diversity Learning Series to be a once-a-month event via Zoom. They anticipate the series will continue through the spring trimester, at some point resuming in-person events.

For more information about the speaker or to RSVP, please visit the Diversity & Inclusion website page.