Darrell Strong Jr.
VP of education
Oklahoma Educational Television Authority
Age: 33
In three words: Passionate, intelligent, kind
What colleagues say: In my 25 years at OETA, I have never seen a VP of education do more to elevate our impact on education in Oklahoma.
Darrell has secured funding equivalent to 15% of the total organizational budget through successful grant proposals that incorporated a community-led educational support model and resulted in $370,000 in funding. Darrell conducted extensive studies to reveal community needs and program requirements in the state’s education system.
Even as Darrell works to meet the requirements of existing grant-funded projects, he’s always looking for the next opportunity to improve service to Oklahoma’s children.
As an example of his thoughtfulness in using all OETA’s assets to fulfill our mission, Darrell approached me about using Gallery America, our long-running arts documentary series, to create a summer arts camp for kids during the COVID crisis. He was especially concerned about underserved communities. He applied for and won an Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund grant, which provided the funding for him to create evidence-based summer learning programs.
What Darrell says
Decision to work in public media: I started in public media as a part-time Ready To Learn program coordinator while I was an undergrad. I had a blend of media and community engagement in my background that equipped me with the knowledge and skills required for the position. During that experience, I saw how what I had hoped to accomplish through broadcast journalism could be achieved more effectively through educational media.
Key accomplishments: My key accomplishment is for OETA to be selected for the first cohort of stations in the American Graduate: Jobs Explained intiative. The initiative grew OETA’s presence in the state’s workforce development landscape — building on its trusted brand to introduce social media as a reliable vehicle to engage youth in career exploration opportunities.
Inspired by: I am an avid consumer of media in all its forms. Books, TV, movies, podcasts and music all provide me with perspectives that ultimately lead to broader questions that guide my work.
Advice for young public media professionals: Public media is built on a trust that is powered by a commitment to improving the quality of lives for all Americans. I encourage young professionals in public media to explore their passions, because that is how your commitment will be revealed. Once you’ve found that, never stop pursuing ways to foster your commitment to building a better world.
Advice for public media leaders: The opportunity will come — you just have to be prepared. Real experience creates real opportunities.
