The basic purpose of our effort is to strengthen communities of transformational leaders who are dedicated to and committed to the authentic leadership required for the 21st Century. In order to achieve this basic purpose, a comprehensive network of collaborators and associates assist as needed.

We serve as a resource and educational outreach initiative in support of programs that inspire leadership, organization development, and human resource development. The initiative has three primary objectives: 1) To help stimulate transformational change; 2) To enhance system wide and open systems planning in major organization development and change initiatives; and 3) To inform and improve developmental processes and programs committed to transforming organizations.

Historically, organizations have faced difficult and multiple forces that affected their growth, success, and even survival. However, organizations today, both public and private, oftentimes find themselves in highly turbulent environmental conditions. In such a complex framework, it is necessary to understand organizations as open systems capable of organizational learning and transformation. In this reality, it is essential to view the interrelationships of individuals, groups, and development processes needed for frequent organization revitalization. Revitalization, in this context, requires purposeful, planned, and systematic change.

Transformational change requires thinking and commitment beyond the confines of an individual’s own area of responsibility and demonstrates ways to lead toward higher levels of organizational learning, identity, and action. It also assists in focusing on challenges of organizational change by providing continuing opportunities for professional and personal growth in the development of the next generation of leaders.

On July 1, 2014, Dr. Larry Minks was confirmed as President Emeritus and Distinguished University of Leadership, and began planning and development of a comprehensive Transformational Leadership Program. Following his retirement in 2017, Dr. Minks formed Lawrence C. Minks and Associates to continue his commitment and dedication to transformational leadership and change.

Minks has been engaged in higher education for over 40 years. During that time he has developed a reputation for teaching, economic and community service, organizational change and leadership development. Throughout his career, he has taught and advised thousands of students.

On July 1, 2009, he was appointed Interim President and on January 21, 2010, became the 19th President of Southeastern Oklahoma State University following the institution's centennial celebration. Since that time Southeastern entered into a period of stabilization through organizational transformation and leadership development processes and is well positioned for the future. Highlights during this time include:

Formation of an executive team engaged in the development of leadership and decision making, expanding participation by key constituencies including the Administrative Council, Faculty Senate, American Association of University Professors, Student Government Association, and Southeastern Staff Association.

Formation and implementation of a major organizational transformation and reorganization initiative through the Southeastern Professional Development Program assisted by faculty from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the establishment of the Southeastern Organizational Leadership Development Program (SOLD).

Reversal of enrollment declines in Fall 2009 and Spring 2010 representing 23 and 16 year highs, respectively, through integration of a strategic marketing plan, enrollment management plan, and recruitment strategies plan.

Significant improvements in the financial condition of the University, including increasing reserve requirements from 2.7% to 8.3%; expanding the Southeastern Foundation asset base to $20.7 million; receiving over $20 million in grants since 2009; increasing endowed and foundation scholarships which now total $14.1 million; awarding a total of $1.3 million in foundation scholarships to students in the past five years; and achieving a record number of Presidential Partners (70).

Integration of a $1.9 million, five year Native American grant through the U. S. Department of Education facilitating initiatives targeting graduation and retention efforts and consolidating the Academic Advising and Outreach Center, the Native American Center for Student Success, the Learning Center, the Writing Center, and the Office of Freshman Programs into a newly renovated Center for Student Success Building.

Strengthening academic planning and programming with over 60 program modifications and several new program offerings. A record 25 of 51 programs are currently accredited. New specialty accreditation was achieved with the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business-International and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, while other speciality accreditations were maintained/reaffirmed with the Aviation Accreditation Board International, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, and National Association of Schools of Music.

Successful turnaround of the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center in 2012 with full accreditation without conditions. In 2011, Minks was awarded the Oklahoma State Star by the Association of Small Business Development Centers.

Entry into the Great American Conference from the Lone Star Conference for Southeastern's 12 Division II athletic teams. During fall 2013, culminating a two-year process, the successful introduction of a new official university mascot, imagery, and logo.

Implementation of an annual E3 Summit as part of the Making Place Matter project by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education(OSRHE). This represents a collaborative partnership involving entities throughout southeastern Oklahoma and north central Texas.

Extensive campus beautification projects and landscaping involving the Southeastern Foundation, Alumni Association, and the Student Government Association. Dedication of the Bloomer Sullivan Arena and the Glen D. Johnson Student Union projects. Renovations include the theatre building, the McCurtain County Branch Campus, the General Classroom Building, Science Building Research Laboratories, Hallie McKinney, the Health & Counseling Center, Montgomery Auditorium, Fine Arts/Russell Corridor, Paul Laird Field, Library Facility Improvements, ADA Projects, and the Campus Center Loop.

In recent years, Minks has served on OSRHE's Council of Instruction and Council of Presidents; as Chair of the Economic and Community Development Committee (2012-2013); and as Chair of the Presidents' Council of the Regional University System of Oklahoma (2011-2012). He also served on the Durant Area Chamber of Commerce Board, the Economic Development Council of the Durant Industrial Authority, the Durant Community Facilities Authority, and was influential in the establishment and development of the Partners in Education Program for the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce. 

Career

Minks began his career at Southeastern in 1976 with initial appointment as an Assistant Professor until 1981 and Associate Professor from 1981 to 1983. He was also responsible for the establishment and development of the Center for Organizational Effectiveness and served as its Director. From 1984 through 1988, he served as Executive Director of the Longwood Business Innovation Center and Professor of Business in Farmville, Virginia. From 1988 to 1996, he served as Professor and Division Chair of Business and the Graduate Program Director at Brescia University in Owensboro, Kentucky.

Minks then returned to Southeastern in 1996 where he served as Professor of Management and Marketing, Chair of the Management and Marketing Department and MBA Program Director until 1999. From 1999-2008, he served on an executive administrative team transitioning Rogers State University in Claremore to regional university status and was the Vice President for Academic Affairs (2005-2008), Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs (2002-2005), and Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs/Instruction (1999-2002). Returning to Southeastern in 2008, he served as the Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs prior to his appointment as Interim President.

Prior to beginning his career at Southeastern, Minks served for five years at Miles Laboratories, Inc. in progressively responsible positions in senior product management, new product development, marketing research, and sales management.

Minks began his academic career as an Instructor in the College of Business and Economics at Ohio Northern University.

Achievements

His many achievements include national selection as a site team participant for the Graduation Rate Outcomes Project by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (2005); recipient of the 1998-1999 Faculty Senate Recognition Award for Meritorious Service to the University and Profession at Southeastern; and recipient of the Outstanding Business Faculty Honorarium Award at Brescia University for each year from 1993-1996.

He was the recipient of the 1985-1986 Longwood University Faculty Recognition Award, given by students of the institution in recognition of "professional excellence and devoted service to students" and was also a presidential nominee for the State Council of Higher Education Outstanding Faculty Award for Teaching, Research, and Public Service in the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1987. In 1993, Minks was one of 70 invited participants in the first "Teaching by the Case Method Symposium," sponsored by the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He has also been active across multiple institutions in establishing and assisting faculty involved in The Art and Craft of Discussion Leadership Program sponsored by Harvard Business Publishing Seminars.

President Emeritus Minks received his B. B. A. and M. B. A. degrees in business administration from Eastern New Mexico University and a doctorate in business teaching from the School of Business at the University of Northern Colorado. He has completed the Institute of Educational Management (IEM) and the Harvard Seminar for New Presidents (HSNP) at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.