Durant, Oklahoma -- Southeastern Oklahoma State University dedicated the Dr. Charla R. Hall Labyrinth in a ceremony Friday morning.
Dr. Hall is a licensed psychologist who served for 24 years as a faculty member in Southeastern’s psychology and counseling departments and was repeatedly recognized by her colleagues for her excellence in teaching and service.
“[Dr. Hall] has been a huge part of creating safe, comfortable, welcoming spaces for all of those not only on the Southeastern Oklahoma State University campus, but for all of those in the city of Durant who come to visit and want to experience what great things our community has to offer,” said Southeastern president Dr. Thomas W. Newsom, “especially in those experiences that you can have outside, not only maybe alone in meditation, but with others. I think that really tells a lot about who Charla is and what Charla has meant to this university for so many years, not only in the classroom, but outside the classroom.”
Her influence extends beyond the classroom, as she led professional development workshops for faculty and staff which focused on stress management and overall wellbeing. She has also volunteered for numerous committees and foundations in the Durant community.
While teaching at SE, Dr. Hall regularly conducted labyrinth walks as part of her psychology courses, using a portable version which she would locate in the Ballroom.
Located between the Fine Arts Building and Dunlap/Montgomery Street, the Labyrinth was constructed in June of 2017 as part of efforts led by Dr. Hall to improve mindfulness resources for students and community members.
“We started having meetings [in 2016-17] specifically about ‘How do we make something out of nothing?’ The coolest part about that project was that there were no barriers to that project. Everybody said, ‘Sure, we can figure that out. Yes, let's do it,’” said Liz McCraw, vice president for student affairs at the dedication ceremony.
“If we came across any hard spot, any place in the road that we needed to figure it out, we would just go around. We didn't have to blast through it. We just figured out another pathway that included donors, many of which are here today, who helped us come together with the money for the labyrinth planning and hire a labyrinth expert.
Student groups and community members regularly use the labyrinth as part of classes, orientation situations, and personal reflection time.
More information about the Dr. Charla R. Hall Labyrinth can be found at www.se.edu/labyrinth.
About Southeastern
Founded in 1909, Southeastern Oklahoma State University provides an environment of academic excellence that enables students to reach their highest potential. By having personal access to excellent teaching, challenging academic programs, and extracurricular experiences, students will develop skills and habits that promote values for career preparation, responsible citizenship, and lifelong learning. Our over 6,000 students include 50% first-generation students and 28% students of Native American descent, with 82% receiving financial aid. Southeastern ranks amongst the most affordable schools in the region thanks to out-of-state tuition waivers and is proud of its exceptional affordable accredited MBA program, stellar aerospace and teacher education programs, and outstanding national ranking in graduating Native American students.
