OSU names Barnett to oversee all academic, medical operations in Tulsa

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

(STILLWATER, Okla., February 19, 2010) -- Oklahoma State University has named Howard Barnett, current OSU-Tulsa president, as president of all the university’s operations in Tulsa. He will serve as president of both the OSU Center for Health Sciences campus and OSU-Tulsa. The move is subject to approval by the OSU/A&M Board of Regents.

“This is a positive step for OSU and the Tulsa community,” said Burns Hargis, OSU President. “A single leadership voice will strengthen OSU’s academic and medical mission in Tulsa. It will help us streamline functions and efficiency, which means we will more effectively serve our students and the community.”

Hargis praised the job Stanley Grogg, D.O., has done as interim head of the OSU Center for Health Sciences. He will remain in that role while OSU undergoes a national search for an individual to serve as both dean of the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine and provost of the Center for Health Sciences.   

Hargis emphasized that the medical education and training programs at the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine, which is part of the Center for Health Sciences, will not be affected by the change. “Our nationally recognized medical school will remain focused on our mission of producing primary care physicians for rural and under-served Oklahoma,” he said.

Because of Barnett’s talents and background as a private businessman, public servant and community leader in Tulsa, Hargis said the move will strengthen both OSU campuses and simplify both operations.

Barnett was the chief negotiator for the OSU Medical Center Trust in its acquisition of the OSU Medical Center, giving him a strong appreciation and understanding of the vital work done by the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine.

“I have great respect for the life-changing work being done by the Center of Health Sciences and the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine.” Barnett said. “I am excited about this new responsibility and the promise it presents for OSU. We have strong, caring employee teams at both campuses and I look forward to working with them to improve the work we do and the value we provide.”