Oklahoma State University Athletics
Photo by: Oklahoma State University
Middlebrook retiring from OSU Athletics
August 28, 2026 | General
STILLWATER – After more than 30 years with Oklahoma State Athletics, Marilyn Middlebrook is retiring in December of 2026.
While Middlebrook's professional title is Associate Athletic Director for Academic Affairs, generations of OSU student-athletes simply refer to her as "Mom" because of the level of care she provided.
When she first moved into her current role leading OSU Athletics' academic efforts, athletic departments nationwide primarily viewed student-athletes based on their performance in competition. At the time, she was in her 10th year as Director of Academic Services for the OSU College of Education, but in the wake of an academic scandal that resulted in 10 top football players being ruled academically ineligible in August of 1997, then-university president Jim Halligan moved Middlebrook to athletics to make things right.
Along with the steady hand of long-time academics partner Agatha Adams and others, Middlebrook built and grew a culture that revolved around the person over the player. In doing so, she became an important figure in the lives of countless OSU student-athletes and one of Oklahoma State University's top ambassadors.
A fan of sports, but not consumed by them, a significant element powering Middlebrook's effectiveness was that she was less interested in what was happening in competition than she was in what was happening in the lives of student-athletes. She saw potential in student-athletes from all backgrounds and family situations and led each one toward that potential.
The legacy that Middlebrook leaves with OSU Athletics is rooted in caring for people.
There will be a national search for her replacement.
While Middlebrook's professional title is Associate Athletic Director for Academic Affairs, generations of OSU student-athletes simply refer to her as "Mom" because of the level of care she provided.
When she first moved into her current role leading OSU Athletics' academic efforts, athletic departments nationwide primarily viewed student-athletes based on their performance in competition. At the time, she was in her 10th year as Director of Academic Services for the OSU College of Education, but in the wake of an academic scandal that resulted in 10 top football players being ruled academically ineligible in August of 1997, then-university president Jim Halligan moved Middlebrook to athletics to make things right.
Along with the steady hand of long-time academics partner Agatha Adams and others, Middlebrook built and grew a culture that revolved around the person over the player. In doing so, she became an important figure in the lives of countless OSU student-athletes and one of Oklahoma State University's top ambassadors.
A fan of sports, but not consumed by them, a significant element powering Middlebrook's effectiveness was that she was less interested in what was happening in competition than she was in what was happening in the lives of student-athletes. She saw potential in student-athletes from all backgrounds and family situations and led each one toward that potential.
The legacy that Middlebrook leaves with OSU Athletics is rooted in caring for people.
There will be a national search for her replacement.
Wednesday, August 26
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