Gary Ridley Construction Residency and Training Center to expand partnership of OSU, ODOT

OSU News Media Media Contact: Tanner Holubar May 30, 2025

The partnership between Oklahoma State University’s College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation will be expanded thanks to the Gary Ridley Construction Residency and Training Center, set to be constructed on OSU’s campus.  

The $10 million facility will further modernize a partnership that has lasted for more than 50 years. Construction will begin in early winter and will take two years to complete. The center is named after Gary Ridley, Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation from 2009-17 and ODOT director from 2001-13.  

Students will get first-hand exposure to ODOT engineers, providing a central location for idea sharing and for students to see how the lessons they learn in the classroom are applied in the workforce.   

“ODOT is thrilled to partner with OSU on this one-of-a-kind facility,” said Tim Gatz, ODOT executive director. “This is a great example of the long-term partnership between ODOT and OSU and will be an asset to the state of Oklahoma, our private sector partners and OSU students for years to come. Former Secretary Gary Ridley was a champion for Stillwater and OSU and having this new Construction Residency and Training Center and the I-35/SH-51 interchange named in his honor will continue to highlight his passion for the area.” 

The new facility will increase the usable space for ODOT on campus, as well as the involvement of CEAT students.  

View the full article: News.OKState.edu