Hargis resigns from Regents, will explore OSU presidency

Monday, July 16, 2007

OSU/A&M Board of Regent Burns Hargis tendered his resignation from the Board on Monday, July 2, 2007, so he could openly and clearly explore the Oklahoma State University presidency.

Fellow Board members and Interim OSU System CEO and President Marlene Strathe issued the following statements in response to Hargis’ announcement:

Lou Watkins, Chair, OSU/A&M Board of Regents
“It was a pleasure working with Burns. He has been a valuable and committed member of the Board and he has served with distinction.  His leadership, insights and ideas will be missed by the Board and the colleges and universities we govern.”   

Doug Burns, Chair, OSU Presidential Search Committee
 “I have enjoyed serving alongside Burns and appreciate his leadership and vision. The OSU Presidential search process is underway and we are now accepting nominations and applications. As a matter of practice, the search committee refrains from commenting on potential candidates, nominees or applicants in order to preserve the integrity of the process. We can say we are encouraged by the level of interest in the position at this stage and we have every reason to believe we will have an exceptional pool of candidates to consider at the appropriate time.”

Dr. Marlene Strathe, Interim OSU System CEO & President
“We appreciate Regent Hargis' service on the Board of Regents the past five years. He has provided important guidance on a number of fronts to OSU and the OSU System. We admire his dedication and the professional way in which he has always carried out his responsibilities as a Regent.”