Legal Currents: Kershen Charts the Course for Water in Oklahoma and Beyond
Although retired, Earl Sneed Centennial Professor Emeritus Drew Kershen remains a dynamic force in the field of water law. His recent engagements demonstrate his continued commitment to advancing understanding and dialogue on critical water issues in Oklahoma and beyond.
In early 2025, Professor Kershen delivered a presentation titled “Water Law 101” to the Water Working Group of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau. This group, composed of approximately 25 members, benefited from his expertise during two sessions—first in person, and later via Zoom—in January and February. His clear, foundational approach provided agricultural stakeholders with a crucial framework for navigating water rights and regulations.
Most recently, on April 16, 2025, Professor Kershen participated as a lightning speaker at OU Water Day, hosted by the School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science in the Gallogly College of Engineering. In his five-minute talk, “Water for 2060 Act: Oklahoma Conservation Challenge?”, he explored the long-term vision and policy implications of Oklahoma’s landmark water conservation initiative.
Professor Kershen’s impact on water law has also been recognized with prestigious honors. In November 2023, he was named a “Water Pioneer” by the State of Oklahoma. Following that, in May 2024, the U.S. Department of the Interior awarded him the Citizen’s Award for Exceptional Service. These accolades celebrated his significant contributions, particularly his “Legal Review of Water Rights and Adaptation Strategies: Issues, Constraints and Options,” which was instrumental to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s Upper Red River Report and Upper Washita Basin Report. This comprehensive review analyzed water rights associated with four key reservoirs in western Oklahoma: Fort Cobb, Foss, Lugert-Altus, and Tom Steed.
The full legal review is available online at:
🔗 https://www.usbr.gov/gp/otao/westokbasinstudies_academiclegalrevidew.pdf
Professor Kershen’s continued engagement exemplifies the enduring influence of OU Law faculty, whose work resonates far beyond the classroom and retirement.