Resilience is a key value for OSU-OKC Center for Social Innovation's leader

Resilience is a key value for OSU-OKC Center for Social Innovation's leader

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Greg Van Ness knows it's not if you get knocked down - it's if you get up again.

Van Ness, a seasoned public servant with a background spanning military service, law enforcement, public health and legal advocacy, was recently named director of the Center for Social Innovation (CFSI) at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City.

Outside of work, Van Ness is an avid boxer.

"It's a great outlet, and keeps me disciplined and focused," Van Ness said.

Like in the ring, life can often be about taking what could be a knockout punch and getting back up to your feet. The Center for Social Innovation is geared toward helping individuals who have had a situation in life knock them down - but not out.

"As director of the Center for Social Innovation, I oversee programs designed to help individuals - especially those who have faced challenges such as poverty, justice involvement or other barriers - access education, job training and supportive services," Van Ness said. "My role involves building partnerships with community organizations, guiding students through personal and professional development, and creating pathways that empower them to thrive in their careers and contribute positively to society."

Founded on the belief that education and opportunity can transform lives, CFSI serves students who have experienced systemic and personal obstacles. The program provides wraparound support, career readiness training and leadership development, focusing on long-term success and community engagement.

"The CFSI program focuses on transforming lives through education, workforce readiness and community engagement," Van Ness said. "Success for us is measured not just by graduation rates, but by the personal growth and long-term stability of our participants."

Van Ness brings a unique perspective to the role, shaped by nearly two decades of service. He began his career in the U.S. Air Force in 2006, later working in law enforcement and corrections before transitioning into roles focused on behavioral health, training and emergency preparedness. He also holds a law degree, which informs his work in advocacy and systems change.

"Whether in the military, law, behavioral health or public health, my experiences have given me a deep understanding of resilience and leadership," Van Ness said. "I now apply those lessons to help students overcome barriers and build stronger futures."

Under Van Ness' leadership, the center is expanding its offerings and deepening its community ties. New workshops in leadership, entrepreneurship and civic engagement are being added to the curriculum, and partnerships with local employers are creating direct pipelines to meaningful careers.

"We're building new partnerships with local employers and community organizations, which means more opportunities for our students to get hands-on experience," Van Ness said. "Students aren't just preparing for jobs - they're preparing to be changemakers."

CFSI students receive training in communication, teamwork, financial literacy, technology and career preparation, including resume writing, interviewing and networking. The program also emphasizes personal development and resilience, helping students build confidence and life skills.

"I value balance, resilience and staying connected to the people and things I care about most," he said. "Professionally, I focus on mentoring, program development and bringing people together to solve problems."

CFSI's success is built on strong partnerships with organizations that share its mission. Funders include the E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation, the Inasmuch Foundation, Simmons Bank, the Merrick Foundation and the U.S. Department of Education. These partners provide critical resources that allow the center to offer comprehensive support to students.

"In many ways, they're not just funders; they're true partners in the mission of helping people transform their lives and communities," Van Ness said.

Community involvement is central to CFSI's model. Van Ness encourages individuals and organizations to engage with the program through mentoring, guest speaking, internships and donations.

"People can volunteer their time, share their expertise or partner with us to provide opportunities," he said. "Every contribution helps us grow and serve more people."

Van Ness hopes more people will come to see CFSI not just as a program, but as a movement.

"What makes it special is that success here is contagious," he said. "When one student overcomes obstacles and achieves their goals, they often turn around and uplift their families and communities as well."

For Van Ness, the work is deeply personal.

"This isn't just a job; it's a calling that connects my professional skills with my personal values," he said. "The center restores hope, builds resilience and empowers people to write a new chapter in their lives. What excites me most is knowing that the work we do today will have a lasting impact for generations."