OSU Nursing Program Dedicates Mary K. Chapman Nursing Simulation Laboratory

OSU Nursing Program Dedicates Mary K. Chapman Nursing Simulation Laboratory

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Media Contact: Jennifer Kinnard | OSU Foundation | 405-334-1022 | jkinnard@OSUgiving.com

The nursing lab on Oklahoma State University's Stillwater campus has been dedicated as the Mary K. Chapman Nursing Simulation Laboratory.

The College of Education and Human Sciences unveiled the name Tuesday at an event celebrating the project's major gift donors.

The lab is located in the former Scott-Parker-Wentz cafeteria, which has been transformed into a state-of-the-art facility. It has been in use since early 2025, ensuring students are prepared to meet the dynamic health care needs of individuals, families and their communities.

A four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree began being offered at the Stillwater campus in the 2023-24 academic year. The program is crucial for Oklahoma, which is facing a critical shortage of nurses. Students in the program have hands-on experience with both rural and urban settings, including 600 hours of clinical experience.

"Thanks to the generosity of donors and the work of our incredible faculty and students, the future of OSU Nursing is very bright," said Dr. Jon Pedersen, College of Education and Human Sciences dean. "We are truly grateful to the Chapman Foundation, the Pedigo family and the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma. They are providing first-class facilities, top-of-the-line equipment and scholarship support for students, and their early commitment has been vital in building momentum for the program."

The H.A. and Mary K. Chapman Foundation supported the initiative with a $1.5 million gift. Mary K. Chapman was born in Oklahoma where she worked as a nurse, later establishing the Tulsa-based foundation before her death in 2002.

"The H.A. & Mary K. Chapman Foundation is honored to support Oklahoma State University's Nursing Simulation Lab, continuing our longstanding dedication to advancing health care in Oklahoma," said Craig Willis, Chapman Foundation program officer. "As a former nurse, Mrs. Chapman deeply valued the profession, and this grant reflects our commitment to training the next generation of medical professionals. We hope this state-of-the-art facility provides students with the hands-on experience and confidence needed to deliver exceptional patient care in our communities."

Rick and Terri Pedigo, whose daughter attended OSU, were also early investors in the Stillwater nursing program. Pedigo Products Inc., a medical equipment manufacturer, donated more than $100,000 in equipment to outfit the new lab - including stretchers, IV poles and more.

"We are proud to support the new OSU Nursing program by providing state-of-the-art medical equipment that will directly transform the educational experience of future health care professionals," Rick Pedigo said. "Nurses offer invaluable insights into how medical products can revolutionize patient and staff safety, improve clinical outcomes and streamline delivery.

"With this substantial donation, we're not just providing equipment - we're supporting the professionals who will save lives, comfort patients and care for our families. It's an investment in patient care, health care innovation and the next generation of nursing excellence."

Additionally, the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma donated more than $250,000 to support the lab, including funds to purchase several high-fidelity simulation manikins.

Along with honoring major donors, a ribbon-cutting event featured remarks from OSU Interim President Jim Hess and Pedersen. Attendees were offered tours of the simulation lab, getting a first-hand look at the experiential learning opportunities it provides students.