OSU/A&M Regents to conduct national search for the next president of Oklahoma State University

Friday, October 23, 2020

Regents announce framework for an inclusive and wide-ranging presidential search process

Moments after Oklahoma State University President Burns Hargis announced his plans to retire at the end of this academic year on July 1, 2021, OSU/A&M Board of Regents Chair Rick Davis said the regents would conduct a national search for the next president.

“President Hargis has led OSU and the system through a time of historic growth and change for nearly 13 years. He seized many opportunities to transform our campuses, academic programs, and research endeavors while confronting many challenges, the latest being the COVID-19 situation. His continued leadership over the next several months will ensure we can conduct a purposeful, wide-ranging process to find the right person who can build on the current momentum and lead OSU for years to come,” Davis said.

Buffkin/Baker, a national search firm steeped in university presidential search experience, will be assisting the regents and search committee in conducting a thorough, open and inclusive process.

The search process will include broad outreach to the OSU community, including faculty, students, staff, alumni and other dedicated supporters that can offer valuable input.

“We will bring together many individuals from across our university community to form a search committee, which will play an essential role in assisting the regents in identifying and selecting the best-qualified person,” Davis said. “The committee will be diverse and include representatives from faculty, staff, students, alumni and the regents.

“We will provide details in the next few weeks on the search committee, search process and ways people can convey their thoughts and ideas on the qualifications for the next president. As we begin this important endeavor, the regents welcome the advice, inputs and insights from people across the OSU community.”

The regents expect to appoint the next president of OSU before President Hargis’ retirement officially takes effect July 1, 2021.

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