January 8, 2026

Oklahoma State University Breaks Ground on Human Performance Complex

News Summary

Oklahoma State University (OSU) has commenced construction on the Boone Pickens Human Performance Innovation Complex, aimed at advancing human performance and health research. Funded by a generous $120 million legacy gift from the T. Boone Pickens Foundation, the complex will emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement to improve health outcomes across Oklahoma. Set to be completed in 2026, this facility underscores OSU’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of Oklahomans through innovative academic initiatives.

Oklahoma City, OK – Oklahoma State University (OSU) is making substantial strides in health and human performance research with the recent groundbreaking of the Boone Pickens Human Performance Innovation Complex. This cutting-edge facility, located north of the Sherman E. Smith Training Center, is designed to significantly advance research in human performance and health, underlining OSU’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of Oklahomans through innovative academic inquiry and community collaboration.

On a vibrant day in October 2025, OSU leadership, including prominent donors and supporters, gathered to celebrate this pivotal moment in the university’s history. The complex is named in honor of T. Boone Pickens, a legendary businessman and philanthropist whose remarkable contributions have left an indelible mark on OSU. With a visionary mission, the Boone Pickens Complex is set to position OSU as a national leader in performance science, fostering initiatives that promise to improve health and resilience for future generations.

A Legacy of Support and Commitment

The Boone Pickens Human Performance Innovation Complex benefits from a generous $120 million legacy gift from the T. Boone Pickens Foundation, with $25 million specifically allocated to the complex. This substantial investment reflects Pickens’ dedication to promoting health and fitness across the state of Oklahoma, aligning perfectly with the complex’s mission to enhance public health outcomes.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration at Its Core

A hallmark of the Boone Pickens Complex is its emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. The facility will serve as a hub uniting OSU’s various academic colleges, sports medicine departments, and athletics programs. This collaborative approach aims to tackle pressing health challenges, optimize physical and cognitive performance, and develop innovative solutions to chronic diseases prevalent in the state. By partnering with industry leaders and engaging communities across all 77 counties, the complex will work to implement practical solutions within Oklahoma’s diverse population.

Funding and Construction Details

The construction of the Boone Pickens Human Performance Innovation Complex is being managed by Manhattan Construction, following the OSU Board of Regents’ approval of a construction manager at-risk agreement. The funding for the complex is derived from a combination of private donations and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, which must be utilized by December 31, 2026, to ensure timely completion. Construction is anticipated to be completed in 2026, marking a significant step forward for health and performance research at OSU.

Impact on Community Health

The complex is set to become a vital resource for the Oklahoma community, instilling a culture of health and wellness throughout the state. By translating research findings into practical applications, the Human Performance and Nutrition Research Institute (HPNRI) based at the complex aims to create significant statewide health impacts that benefit individuals and families. This initiative embodies OSU’s land-grant mission of service and improvement of life through education and research.

Key Features of the Boone Pickens Human Performance Innovation Complex

Feature	Description
Location	North of the Sherman E. Smith Training Center at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
Purpose	To advance human performance and health research through the Human Performance and Nutrition Research Institute (HPNRI).
Funding	A combination of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and private donations, including a $25 million allocation from the T. Boone Pickens Foundation.
Expected Completion	2026.
Mission	To develop evidence-based strategies that address chronic disease, optimize physical and cognitive performance, and deliver statewide impact.

As Oklahoma State University continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of education and research, the Boone Pickens Human Performance Innovation Complex stands as a bold affirmation of its mission to serve its community. With the foundation laid for this transformative project, OSU looks forward to the significant impacts it will bring to the health and well-being of Oklahoma’s citizens.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Boone Pickens Human Performance Innovation Complex?

The Boone Pickens Human Performance Innovation Complex is a state-of-the-art facility at Oklahoma State University dedicated to advancing human performance and health research. It will house the Human Performance and Nutrition Research Institute (HPNRI) and aims to enhance the health and well-being of Oklahomans through cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Why is the complex named after T. Boone Pickens?

The complex is named in honor of the late T. Boone Pickens, a legendary businessman and philanthropist whose nearly $650 million in contributions have significantly transformed OSU. In June 2023, the T. Boone Pickens Foundation provided a $120 million legacy gift to OSU, with $25 million allocated specifically for the Human Performance Innovation Complex. This generous support underscores Pickens’ commitment to health and fitness, aligning with the complex’s mission to improve health outcomes across the state.

When is the complex expected to be completed?

The Boone Pickens Human Performance Innovation Complex is expected to be completed in 2026, marking a significant milestone in OSU’s commitment to advancing health and performance research. The facility will serve as a center for academic and athletic excellence and as a resource for the broader Oklahoma community, fostering a culture of health and wellness throughout the state.

How is the complex being funded?

The project is funded through a combination of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and private donations. The ARPA funds are allocated for expenditure by December 31, 2026. The design and construction are being managed by Manhattan Construction, following the approval of a construction manager at-risk agreement by the OSU Board of Regents in April 2025.

What is the mission of the Human Performance and Nutrition Research Institute (HPNRI)?

The mission of HPNRI is to develop evidence-based strategies that address chronic disease, optimize physical and cognitive performance, and deliver statewide impact. Through strategic partnerships with industry leaders and collaboration across all 77 counties, HPNRI focuses on translating research into accessible, real-world solutions that improve the lives of everyday Oklahomans.