Buchert Chosen to Direct Oklahoma State's Academic Master Plan Building

Friday, October 27, 2006

Mike L. Buchert, P.E., of Tulsa, was named director of Oklahoma State University’s long-range facilities planning by the Oklahoma State/A&M Regents during their meeting at OSU-Tulsa today.

As director, Buchert will be in charge of overseeing the non-athletic build-out of the university’s $826 million initial development master plan, as well as other projects.

“We are embarking on an unprecedented period of growth that will transform Oklahoma State University and we are delighted to have an alumnus direct our efforts.  We are confident Mike will provide the leadership and coordination we need for such a huge undertaking,” said Dr. David J. Schmidly, OSU System CEO and President.  

 Buchert received his B.S. degree in civil engineering in 1975 and his master’s degree in civil and hydrologic engineering in 1980, both from OSU.

Since 1990, he served as the assistant public works director of the Tulsa Public Works Department where he has been responsible for directing and implementing high priority programs and projects, including the development of a $240 million annual department policy and budget. From 1985-90 he was the chief of the Project Management section of the City of Tula Engineering Department.

From 1981-85, he was chief of the General Engineering Section of the U.S. Corps of Engineers in the Tulsa District, where he was responsible for projects such as the Mingo creek Local Flood Protection Project and Public Works projects for military bases.

Prior to this, he was a private consultant/hydraulic engineering in Tulsa. He also has been an instructor at Tulsa Junior College since 1981, where he has taught hydrology, hydraulics, structures, soils, materials, suburban development and construction management courses.

He has served as president of Southside Tulsa Rotary Club and the Oklahoma and Tulsa chapters of the American Society of Civil Engineering, and in 1989 was named the Outstanding Engineer of the Year by the Tulsa chapter of the Oklahoma Society of Professional Engineers.

He is a member of the American society of Civil Engineers, National and Oklahoma Societies of Professional Engineers, American Public works Association, American Water Works Association, and Up With Trees.

Buchert and his wife have two children.