OSU/A&M Board of Regents welcomes new regent

Friday, September 14, 2007

Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry’s appointee to the OSU/A&M Board of Regents, Andrew W. Lester, was welcomed Friday by his fellow Regents during a regularly scheduled meeting in Stillwater on the campus of Oklahoma State University.

Lester filled a vacancy created when Regent Burns Hargis resigned from the OSU/A&M Board of Regents in July to explore the OSU and System Presidency.

“We are delighted to welcome Andy to the Board,” Regent Chair Lou Watkins said. “Andy is well-respected as a leading scholar on constitutional law and democracy. His experience as an Adjunct Professor for the past 18 years at Oklahoma City University School of Law, where he has taught State and Local Government Law and Employment Law, will be valuable, particularly as it relates to our ongoing pursuit of academic excellence.

“His broad legal experience in civil rights, insurance and international law, as well as his civic involvement in several important events and causes in our state, will benefit the Board as we carry out our duties and responsibilities to the diverse institutions we govern.

“I am honored that Gov. Henry has entrusted me with the responsibility to serve our state as an OSU/A&M Regent,” Lester said. “I want to thank my fellow Board members for their warm welcome today. I look forward to working with them and the leadership at the institutions we govern as we educate our students and maintain stewardship over our resources."

By state law, the Oklahoma State Senate will consider confirmation of Lester’s appointment to the OSU/A&M Board of Regents during next year’s session.