New VP Marsh looks to enrich student experience and show care for Cowboy family

New VP Marsh looks to enrich student experience and show care for Cowboy family

Thursday, November 6, 2025

Media Contact: Kaitlyn Henry | Marketing Strategist | 405-744-6263 | [email protected]

When Dr. Brent Marsh accepted the role of vice president for student affairs at Oklahoma State University, he didn't just step into a leadership position; he stepped into a community that lives by a creed - one he knows all too well.

"When I was looking into the position and beginning to do research, I ran across the Cowboy Code and thought, 'This is a fantastic list of really important tenets we can live by here," Marsh said.

Although he has called Stillwater home for all of two months, in that time, he has recognized how the Cowboy Code reflects not only the loyal and true spirit of OSU, but also his own life philosophy. With the pillars of his life rooted in faith, family and a tireless work ethic, Marsh's approach to leadership has been defined by perseverance, humility and service - all distinct representations of the Cowboy character.

Having grown up in a farming environment near Emporia, Kansas, Marsh knows a thing or two about meaningful work and the heavy responsibilities that come with it.

"From an early age, I had chores and responsibilities that were up to me to get done," Marsh said. "My parents providing those opportunities instilled in me a good work ethic."

It wasn't until his junior year as part of his high school's marching band that Marsh truly recognized the leadership qualities he possessed. He quickly began to understand the role he could play and the impact he could have on his classmates.

"At some point, I think I recognized [that] I can be looked to to provide leadership, and [I] just wanted to get out there, work hard and set a good example for everybody else to hopefully follow," he said.

This hunger for influence continued into Marsh's college years, as he took on resident assistant and drum major positions for Kansas State University. While "The Pride of Wildcat Land" was something he took pride in during his years in Manhattan, his position in the residence hall fortified his calling to leadership.

After completing three and a half years pursuing a sociology degree on a pre-law track alongside natural resources and environmental sciences, something shifted for Marsh. In the later part of his senior year, he was offered an assistant hall director position for KSU - the decision to hop on board would soon change the trajectory of Marsh's entire career.

"Within just a matter of weeks of getting that opportunity, everything shifted for me to head, no longer to law school, but to get a master's degree and continue to learn more about and invest in the field of student affairs," Marsh said.

In the midst of this new opportunity, Marsh was traveling to Topeka, Kansas, a couple of times a week for an internship at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment - a position that would assist him in pursuing his original desire for policy and natural resources. However, something was missing.

"I fulfilled my requirements, but it wasn't really fulfilling [to me]," Marsh said. "It wasn't that exciting … and I was having a blast (at KSU) doing the housing stuff, so I just started to think about the things that are life-giving and energizing."

Marsh continued to serve KSU's residential life for another two years before serving stints at McMurry University, Abilene Christian University, Bowling Green State University, Howard Payne University, Rogers State University and the University of Mississippi.

While his path to higher education wasn't direct, Marsh has exemplified honorable leadership qualities for decades. His practices have been put on display at OSU as he created a list of "Things Near and Dear to Brent's Heart," sharing how each piece of the Cowboy Code plays a role in his leadership style and personal expectations.

Through teamwork, communication and humor, Marsh emphasizes a cohesive environment for the culture he intends to build within the Division of Student Affairs.

"You have to be your authentic self," he said. "I think being able to laugh first at ourselves, but then to find the humor in situations can help us all get through hard things together."

While the department's name highlights students, Marsh understands the meaningful, tireless work staff members contribute every day. His leadership style reflects his pursuit of motivating others and creating a positive work environment.

"While yes, we are all about enriching the student experience, we want to make sure we take care of our people as well," Marsh said. "They put in long hours, and it's hard work, and sometimes, it's thankless work."

Focusing on staff and students simultaneously can be a tall task, but Marsh's vision for the Division of Student Affairs is clear.

"You think about how much time students spend inside versus outside the classroom, and there's a lot more time that's being spent beyond the walls of the classroom," Marsh said. "We need to make sure that it's a really robust, rewarding and fulfilling experience - that the service at any and every place students go is top quality … that we're meeting needs, taking care of students and giving them great opportunities to get involved."

Under Marsh's leadership, student affairs is focusing on expanding programs like Pete's Eats food pantry and launching more initiatives like the Career Closet - a program set to launch in spring 2026, which will provide students with professional clothing for interviews and jobs. These are tangible expressions of the Cowboy Code for Marsh, ensuring every student feels supported, respected and equipped to succeed.

Outside of work, Marsh finds joy in the simple things - running, swimming and cheering on his daughter's high school basketball team. Amidst these activities, his dedication to the Cowboy community still shines through.

"I enjoy the chance to plug in and serve the community," he said. "I know as we move ahead here in time, I'll find those opportunities."

Marsh credits Stillwater and OSU's "town-gown relationship," recognizing the importance of giving back through local food banks and OSU's annual Into the Streets initiative - all programs he aspires to build on.

As Marsh continues to settle into life at OSU, his vision for the Division of Student Affairs mirrors his path from Emporia to Stillwater: rooted in faith, family and hard work. These values have shaped the way he serves students, supports his staff and connects with the community.

The Cowboy Code is more than just an adoption of ideas for Marsh; it's a commitment to encourage the next generation of Cowboys to always do the right thing, even when it's hard.

Story By: Kenzie Kraich | [email protected]