Provost and Senior Vice President Dr. Mendez
A first-generation college student, Mendez graduated from Santa Clara University in 1998, receiving a bachelor’s degree in combined sciences. From there, she went to Indiana University, earning a master’s degree in political science in 2000 and a Ph.D. in political science in 2003. She then became an assistant professor of political science at the University of Houston (2003-2005) before joining the OSU political science faculty in 2005.
Mendez was named Provost and Senior Vice President of Oklahoma State University in 2022 following a national search. She serves on President Hess’ OSU Executive Leadership Team and the OSU System Leadership Team.
Mendez has led key initiatives to expand interdisciplinary research across academic colleges and campuses, increase access through online degree offerings and programs, and led efforts to reform general education at OSU.
As the University’s chief academic officer, Mendez provides strategic leadership and alignment across divisions, colleges, and campuses—advancing OSU’s land-grant mission and positioning the University as a national leader among its peers.
Prior to her appointment as Provost and Senior Vice President, Mendez served as vice provost of academic affairs and a professor of political science, interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (2018-2019), associate dean for research and facilities (2017-2018), interim associate dean for research (2014-2015) and political science department head (2011-2014; 2015-2017).
Mendez’s research background is rooted in political information processing, political behavior and political communication. Her work has been published in journals including Journal of Politics; Political Research Quarterly; Social Science Quarterly; Political Psychology; Politics and Gender; Journal of Women, Politics and Policy; PS: Political Science and Politics; Journal of Media Psychology; and the Journal of Political Science.