Provost Dr. Gary Sandefur announces plans to retire March 31

Thursday, January 7, 2021

Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Gary Sandefur announced his plans this week to retire effective March 31. A native of Madill, Oklahoma, and member of the Chickasaw Nation, Dr. Sandefur has served in this position since July 1, 2014 after serving at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for 30 years.

“I have deeply appreciated the opportunity to serve as provost at Oklahoma State University. President (Burns) Hargis has been a great leader to work with and support. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the wonderful staff in the provost’s office, Senior Vice President Joe Weaver, the deans, Faculty Council and others across the university.”

Through his leadership as the chief academic officer at OSU, Dr. Sandefur helped the university make significant advances in undergraduate and graduate education, faculty recruitment and retention, and research. 

“OSU was fortunate to bring Dr. Sandefur to our campus six and a half years ago,” said OSU President Hargis. “His extensive experience and passion for academic excellence and connecting with students has helped to shape our campus in countless ways. His leadership and contributions will be missed, and I wish him well on a much-deserved next chapter of retirement.”

Vice Provost Dr. Jeanette Mendez will serve as interim provost until a national search for a new provost is conducted.