Meet the Graduate College Staff: Matriculation

The matriculation staff guides the academic process for current students and handles inquiries related to plan of study, thesis and dissertation deadlines, electronic forms, and graduation.

Richard Shepard

Matriculation and Program Specialist

Mr. Shepard joined the Graduate College in summer 2006. He is responsible for coordinating all aspects of graduate student academic progress (e.g., Plans of Study and Graduation Clearance) with students, faculty and staff. He also manages the Graduate Faculty Database and serves as the academic advisor for non-degree seeking students. Mr. Shepard earned a BS in Economics and Philosophy from Oklahoma State University.

Chelsie Taylor

Matriculation and Program Specialist

Ms. Taylor joined the Graduate College in fall 2017. She is responsible for all aspects of graduate student academic progress (e.g., Plans of Study, Graduation Clearance, Thesis/Dissertation Review, etc.) with students, faculty, and staff. Ms. Taylor earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management (with a minor in Spanish) at East Central University.

Frances Smith

Matriculation and Program Specialist

Ms. Smith joined the Graduate College in the summer 2015. She is responsible for assisting graduate students with their academic progress. The process entails reviewing Plans of Study and Graduation Clearance forms, along with thesis and dissertation formatting. She also assists Oklahoma State University program faculty and staff with questions pertaining to academic progress. Ms. Smith earned a BA in Sociology with a minor in Psychology from Wake Forest University and her MS in Sociology from North Carolina State University.

Patricia Rich

Graduate Operations Support Specialist

Ms. Rich joined the Graduate College in Spring 2018. She serves as an administrative support assistant for the matriculation team. Ms. Rich earned a BS in Family Relations and Child Development from Oklahoma State University.