OSU President Kayse Shrum announces leadership team

Friday, July 2, 2021

Media Contact: Monica Roberts | Director of Media Relations | 405-744-4800 | monica.roberts@okstate.edu

As President Kayse Shrum embarks upon her historic presidency at Oklahoma State University, she has named the first three leadership team members who will provide her support and advice.
 
“As I look ahead at the opportunities, it is important to create a strong team of trusted partners who will help advise me on major university initiatives to advance Oklahoma State University to new heights of academic, research and service excellence in the years to come,” Shrum said. 
 
“I am pleased to recommend the appointment of three individuals who are well-acquainted with our university and will bring tremendous experience and distinguished backgrounds to their new positions.” 
 
The appointments are pending OSU/A&M Board of Regents approval during a regularly scheduled meeting on Sept. 10.
 
Kyle Wray has been named interim senior vice president for executive affairs. Wray previously served as the vice president for enrollment and brand management for the Stillwater campus. In this new role, Wray will serve as a chief strategic advisor to the president, and be directly involved with a wide range of activities and initiatives supporting the university’s strategic plan. Wray also will direct the interactions with OSU system officials and work in support of the president’s plans with the OSU/A&M Board of Regents, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and several additional vital partners and constituents.  
 
Dr. Johnny Stephens has been named interim senior vice president for health affairs. In this role, Stephens will oversee and align the OSU System on public health initiatives to protect and improve the health and safety of various university communities. Stephens recently was named interim president of OSU Center for Health Sciences. He will leverage and align the knowledge and research of OSU-CHS with health policies, initiatives and activities to serve the entire OSU system. 
 
Brandee Hancock will serve as interim chief legal officer. In this role, Hancock will serve as the primary legal adviser to the president and lead liaison to the OSU legal team. She will oversee legal matters relative to the president’s office and retain her position as deputy general counsel for the OSU A&M Board of Regents. 
 
“As I name these appointments, I remain honored and humbled for the opportunity to lead the university I love so much and work with talented people across our university community,” Shrum said. “I desire to collaborate with our regents, faculty, staff, students, alumni, supporters and government leaders to pursue great ideas in service of a shared vision to provide a foundation for our students to make a difference for good by living meaningful and productive lives. I will always have an open door and open mind to new ideas and a willingness to work together to achieve our valued land-grant mission to educate, research and serve.”