Lt. Carrie Farris

From Bison Hill to Forensic Science: Lt. Carrie Farris’ Journey of Impact and Achievement

The view from Texas County in the central Oklahoma Panhandle offers a vast horizon.

While Lt. Carrie Farris couldn’t see all the way from her hometown of Hooker, Okla., to Bison Hill, 295 miles, the connection to Oklahoma Baptist University was there.

Her journey has taken her from a small-town high school graduate to an OBU Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Mathematics to supervisor of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation Forensic Science Center Controlled Substances Unit in Edmond, Okla.

A connection with chemistry

Born in Oklahoma City, Farris' roots quickly took hold where she was raised in the community of Hooker. There, her early life laid the groundwork for an unwavering commitment to learning. A 2004 OBU alumna, she excelled in chemistry and mathematics, courses that would define her career trajectory.

Farris’ ties to OBU began through her church connections and a pivotal senior trip that introduced her to the university's engaging community. However, her decision to attend OBU was driven by more than proximity or familiarity. The university’s small size and the potential for close relationships with professors were among the factors that drew her in.

Farris said OBU’s foundation in Christian values resonated deeply, fostering an environment she appreciates even more in hindsight.

Her academic journey at OBU wasn’t without its challenges.

“I remember being in way over my head in General Chemistry I,” she said. “I did not have much chemistry experience in high school.  However, I was able to go to my professor’s office and she helped me understand the lesson.”

She started at OBU as a physics major, intending to go into the engineering field.

“However, I ended up really understanding chemistry and absolutely enjoying chemistry labs,” she said. “I ended up changing my major to chemistry.  I felt like I belonged and fell in love with learning at the college level.”

Blessed on Bison Hill

Looking back, Farris describes her pre-OBU chapters as formative years blessed with insightful teachers and a father whose intellectual support kindled her passion for knowledge. OBU amplified this trajectory, enabling her to explore and solidify her interests.

“I had a wonderful experience at OBU,” Farris said. “I had a small band scholarship and joined the OBU symphonic band from day one at OBU.  This allowed me to make many friends and feel connected.  I remember my Western Civilization teachers having a very strong impact on me through both semesters of Western Civilization.  History and literature came alive for me in those classes and with the Dante readings.”

Farris said the challenges and successes in her chemistry and mathematics classes helped her realize that the opportunities within these areas were numerous – and those possibilities weren’t just for others to achieve.

“So could I, if I worked hard and asked my professors for help when I needed it,” she said. “This opened my mind to career possibilities and built my confidence.”

After graduating, Farris credits OBU with honing her critical thinking and time management skills—abilities she has applied extensively in her career.

“Through challenging classes and time commitments in band and labs,” she said, “I learned how to prioritize tasks and manage my time.  I utilize the math and chemistry I learned at OBU in my career now.  OBU also built on the foundation and example I had modeled for me by my parents.  My dad was the dentist in my hometown for 37 years and always treated each patient with professionalism and care.  My mom assisted Dad in the operatory room and with scheduling and insurance/payments.  They got to know and care for each of their patients.  OBU continued these lessons by treating me and my classmates with respect and true compassion.  This is how I have strived to treat others throughout my career at OSBI.”

Professionally, Farris progressed through the ranks of her chosen forensic science discipline, utilizing her chemistry and mathematics knowledge to navigate and excel in various roles within OSBI.

She now oversees a controlled substances unit. Working with a team of professionals, they receive, analyze and report results on casework from law enforcement agencies from across the state.

Lessons of the past, skills for the present and future

“My foundations in chemistry and math were critical to what I did during my training and even today as we see opportunities to advance technology to identify new drugs,” she said.

Today, she ensures that her team has the instruments and supplies they need to analyze suspected controlled substances submitted by Oklahoma law enforcement across the state. Farris manages personnel, case flow and productivity. She also works cases.

“Oklahoma contains the intersection of I-40 and I-35, which keeps our law enforcement interdiction teams very busy intercepting drug trafficking cases,” she said. “We also have had numerous legal changes to marijuana in the last few years.  In addition, designer drugs come in and out of popularity through the years, requiring us to adjust analytical testing to meet our current needs.  Being able to meet these needs accurately and timely for Oklahoma law enforcement across the state is critical in the judicial process for each case involved.” 

She spoke recently to the “drugs and crime” class of Dr. Paul Donnelly, director of the criminal justice program and professor of criminal justice. 

For Farris, being a "Future Shaper" transcends academic achievement. It encapsulates the collective wisdom, support, and sense of community that have subtly yet powerfully influenced her life's trajectory.

“Future Shaper refers to friendships, people, support and a community that provided numerous organic conversations, lessons, examples, and ideas that seemed small at the time but influenced the trajectory of my life,” Farris said.

On a lighter note, despite the popularity of forensic science shows like CSI during her college years, Farris admits she had little time for television.

“I have been asked on the stand in court if my job is like CSI,” she said. “I had to explain that it is a little bit different.  We have experts in each discipline of forensic science and it usually takes more than 45 minutes to complete a case.”

Donnelly said Farris stands as a powerful example of how an OBU education can launch individuals into impactful careers, shaping their futures and those of the communities they serve.