Don Betz

President Emeritus, University of Central Oklahoma, Interim Executive Director for Global Initiatives for AASCU; IAUP Exec Committee.

[Don Betz @DonBetz]

“Without facts, you can’t have truth. Without truth, you can’t have trust. Without trust, we have no shared reality, no democracy and it becomes impossible to deal with our world’s existential problems”. Maria Ressa, 2021 Nobel Peace Prize honoree.

[Don Betz @DonBetz]

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing is changed until it is faced”. James Baldwin

[Don Betz @DonBetz]

Many indelible moments from Inauguration Day. Among them were the inspired words of poet Amanda Gorman:

“For there is always light if only we’re brave enough to see it, if only we’re brave enough to be it”

Amanda Gorman, “The Hill We Climb”.

[Don Betz @DonBetz]

On this Martin Luther King, Jr holiday and day of national service, his counsel and vision are as clarifying and relevant as when he articulated his message beginning over 60 years ago. Among his many lessons, he reminded us that “The time is always right to do what is right.”

[Don Betz @DonBetz]

I was reminded of this timely thought by a dear friend.
“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others”.
Marcus Tullis Cicero
How appropriate for this Thanksgiving in this time of COVID. The power of gratitude can change lives. Utilize it broadly.

[Don Betz @DonBetz]

“Nothing can dim the light which shines from within”.
Maya Angelou

[Don Betz @DonBetz]

Overnight, we said goodbye to a 5’6” American giant. Godspeed, John Lewis, and thank you. You modeled the pathway of moral leadership for us. Your example is as potent and timely as it has ever been. Your focused passion will continue to challenge and inspire us.

[Don Betz @DonBetz]

“The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.”

Albert Einstein

[Don Betz @DonBetz]

I applaud Kari Watkins, Bob Ross, OKC Memorial Museum team, and all who collaborated to produce today’s most memorable 25th Anniversary program. We were unable to meet at the Memorial reflecting pool to read the victim’s names, but gathered together via this telecast. Thank you.

[Don Betz @DonBetz]

@BrookingsInst

Brookings offers insightful and sobering analysis on the impact of the pandemic on vital international cooperation.

[Don Betz @DonBetz]

We are learning more each day about the multifaceted challenge before us, and about ourselves. Some offer that we now have a greater appreciation for self reliance, and a more profound recognition of our interdependence. Let’s include embracing the restorative power of resilience

[Don Betz @DonBetz]

https://t.co/CCjnEZv4vN

[Don Betz @DonBetz]

This is a poignant perspective from Rosalyn Carter shared by Krista Tippett today.
“There are only 4 kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who need caregiving.” Caring connects us

[Don Betz @DonBetz]

@jkersey13 Hi Jerod. Several to mention. Presidents at War by Michael Beschloss; Jon Meacham’s The Hope of Glory; Kim Ghattis, The Black Wave Iran-Saudi relations over 40 years, and OKC author Imad Enchassi’s Cloud Miles. The last one currently in progress is John Steinbeck Sea of Cortez.

[Don Betz @DonBetz]

Some who have spent extended periods of time in isolation counsel never to forget this moment when “our collective well being is dependent on the good will and behavior of others, and act accordingly”. What kindnesses are we offering those more vulnerable than ourselves?

[Don Betz @DonBetz]

@martintadlock Thank you, Martin. I hope you, LaRae and USF are well.

[Don Betz @DonBetz]

Message from Chengdu, China today: People wearing masks all the time. Every bldg doorway has security guard with a log book and a thermometer, and bleach-soaked mats for you to walk across. Kids not in school since Feb 25 Buses allowing a few riders at a time.

[Don Betz @DonBetz]

A day seems like a month now. Our devices vibrate with unsettling disruptions, from global to local. What will be our hierarchy of priorities when we emerge from this trial? In this age of populism, we are reminded that we are inextricably interwoven, more than we imagined.

[Don Betz @DonBetz]

It has been weeks since our last connection. In the interim our world has dramatically morphed. We are coping with circumstances unforeseen weeks ago, and not experienced in anyone’s memory. In this time of challenge and change, effective, compassionate leadership is critical.

[Don Betz @DonBetz]

UCO’s talented and determined women’s soccer team, under the leadership of Coach Mike Cook, repeated their 2018 achievement as the 2019 MIAA Champions. This consistent, superior performance is testimony to dedicated athletes, team solidarity and exceptional coaching. BRAVO!!