Klabenes announces plans to retire; search begins for new OSU Institute of Technology president

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

(OKMULGEE, OK, Jan 13, 2010) – Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology President Bob Klabenes announced today that he is retiring effective January of 2011. He will remain in his position this year as OSU conducts a national search and then help with the transition of his successor.

Since becoming president in 1983, Klabenes has transformed campus facilities and strengthened OSU Institute of Technology’s programs on a variety of fronts and helped the school expand and enhance its many partnerships with business and industry.

“Bob has done an outstanding job guiding OSU Institute of Technology to new levels of success,” said OSU President Burns Hargis. “The school is a leader in providing students the technical skills they need to excel across many industries. Bob has helped OSU IT form partnerships with numerous industry heavyweights that enable graduates to obtain well-paid jobs.

“We are glad he will remain as president until we find a successor and appreciate his willingness to help with the leadership transition. We will conduct a national search for a new president who will continue our mission of delivering high-quality programs that address emerging educational and labor market needs,” Hargis said.

Under Klabenes’ leadership, OSU IT has expanded its reach and offerings through collaborations with the Green Country Technology Center and the College of the Muscogee Nation, as well as other outreach initiatives, including the establishment of a technical training center located in the MidAmerica Industrial Park in Pryor.

OSU IT is recognized for its leadership in providing highly skilled technicians for the global workforce in a variety of occupational areas. Current and new programs of study are reviewed by more than 600 employers who meet with the faculty and staff on a continual basis to keep each program’s outcomes aligned with the needs of business and industry.

“I am proud of the OSU Institute of Technology team,” said Klabenes. “I deeply appreciate our skilled faculty and staff and commend them for all their hard work and dedication. I look forward to OSU IT continuing its vital work of preparing students to have a competitive edge in today’s global economy.”

Klabenes is a native of Chambers, Nebraska and earned his undergraduate degree from Wayne State College, and his graduate degrees from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. He previously served in a research capacity at The Ohio State University and as President of the Milford Campus of Southeast Community College in Nebraska for 10 years.