Unprecedented times! Administrative challenges associated with continued growth of an entomology program

Continued growth of entomology programs at institutions of higher education were challenged significantly by the 2020 Pandemic. Several factors limited student and faculty engagement and needed to be addressed to continue the growth potential seen in the previous eight years at Oklahoma State University. Likewise, several challenges are on the horizon for multiple instutitions that ignore the opportunities that the Pandemic presented. In addition, cultural differences among students, related to stress factors brought on by the Pandemic must be examined to reduce or eliminate biased approaches to online learning. Faculty incentives for distance education must be preserved as a viable model for increasing diversity and providing equal opportunities for all students interested in entomology.