The mission of the OSU Collection of Vertebrates (OSU COV) is to document the vertebrate faunal history and biodiversity of Oklahoma, the United States, and regions around the world where OSU faculty and students conduct research. We aim to maintain these collections under conditions that ensure their long-term preservation and continued use in education and research. These reference collections are available to faculty, staff, and students of the Department of Biology, the broader Oklahoma State University community, authorized researchers from other institutions, and the public.

Natural history collections form the foundation for understanding the diversity, evolution, distribution, and conservation of wild species, as well as the structure and function of natural ecosystems. Like libraries that archive books and recordings, natural history collections serve as repositories for anthropological, botanical, geological, paleontological, and zoological specimens and their associated data. The OSU COV supports the scientific community through in-person visits, specimen loans, and digital data sharing. While the collection does not have public exhibits, we engage with the community through educational outreach, including guided tours for local groups and the provision of specimens for instructional programs.