Beth Wallis
StateImpact Oklahoma Education ReporterBeth Wallis holds a journalism degree from the University of Oklahoma. Originally from Tulsa, she also graduated from Oklahoma State University with a bachelor's degree in music education and a master's degree in conducting performance. She was a band director at a public school for five years.
Beth is an alumnus of the Carnegie-Knight News21 Fellowship and NPR Next Generation Radio. She's been recognized for her work by the Hearst Awards, the Society of Professional Journalists, the Associated Collegiate Press and the Oklahoma Broadcast Education Association. She was awarded Best Podcast from the Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists for her series "At the Seams," which explores Norman's relationships with political division, police funding and its own racial history.
Beth enjoys hiking, playing with her four dogs and discovering new favorite musical artists.
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An audit of the State Department of Education under former Superintendent Joy Hofmeister, requested by Gov. Kevin Stitt, found no evidence of financial wrongdoing. -
Mustang Public Schools has suspended 122 students for demonstrating against ICE during the school day. -
State Superintendent Lindel Fields and Secretary of Education Dan Hamlin responded Friday morning to an open letter from lawmakers calling for an investigation into student-led ICE protests. -
A group of lawmakers urged State Superintendent Lindel Fields to take action on student-led protests against ICE.
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Board members said they were bound to follow the St. Isidore ruling from the Oklahoma Supreme Court, despite some doing so begrudgingly. -
Gov. Kevin Stitt signed two executive orders Thursday that call for reforms at Oklahoma institutions of higher education. -
The coalition, including the ACLU and Oklahoma Appleseed Center, claims the theoretical school would "indoctrinate its students in Jewish religious beliefs." -
The Oklahoma Legislature is back in session for 2026, with thousands of bills up for consideration. StateImpact Oklahoma focuses on health, education, science and the environment. Logan Layden talked with the team about what they’ll be watching. -
Public comment is now open for Oklahoma’s new social studies academic standards. And, this year’s version is markedly different from the standards put out by former State Superintendent Ryan Walters’ administration. -
Education was a major theme of this year’s State of the State address from Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt. He focused on five major education topics:
