State of Orange: OSU celebrates inauguration of Dr. Kayse Shrum

Friday, August 26, 2022

Media Contact: Mack Burke | Associate Director of Media Relations | 405-744-5540 | mack.burke_iv@okstate.edu

Hundreds of Cowboy faithful packed Gallagher-Iba Arena on Friday to celebrate the inauguration of Oklahoma State University President Kayse Shrum.

The inauguration ceremony, which was delayed due to pandemic precautions, included speeches from Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, Sen. James Lankford, Rep. Frank Lucas and Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby. On July 1, 2021, Dr. Shrum made history, becoming the first woman to lead a Tier 1 research institution in the state and Friday, she was formally installed. 

“Ultimately, while I have the opportunity to stand behind this microphone, Today is not about me. It’s about us,” Shrum said. “And it’s about how we can take this remarkable place and leverage it to create the opportunity for the next generation of servant-leaders.”

That excitement and future-facing optimism dominated the State of Orange event, which served as a ceremonial milestone in Shrum’s presidency. 

“Today, I invite all of you to join me in embarking on a new era of ambitious progress at Oklahoma State University,” Shrum said to the crowd. “Here at OSU, we know we belong to the land. 

“I invite you to join me as we go where no land-grant has ever gone before.”

Since taking office, Shrum has led OSU through conference realignment, a pandemic and the strategic planning process. Shrum has also crafted bold new partnerships, paving the way for the creation of the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education (OAIRE), the Hamm Institute for American Energy at Oklahoma State University and the new OSU Academic Medical District in Tulsa.

Stitt emphasized her many accomplishments, both as OSU president and as president of the OSU Center for Health Sciences.

“Kayse Shrum is also always the smartest person in the room, but she never acted like it. She is always more eager to listen than to speak,” Stitt said. “This university is so lucky to have someone that is innovative, is a hard worker and above all else, what I love about her, she has a get-it-done attitude. And that is Oklahoma.”

Dr. Ki Cole, Faculty Council chair, thanked Shrum for her leadership and for serving as an inspiration to both students and faculty. 

“When [Shrum] shared her story [at convocation], she noted one professor’s guidance that completely changed the course of her life. It is a reminder that we have the opportunity to be that person, to inspire and make a lasting impact on the students we serve,” Cole said.

Riley Pritzlaff spoke on behalf of the student body, highlighting Shrum’s candor and passion for supporting students. 

“President Shrum has shown through action that we have a team in our administration that will make decisions with students in mind,” said Pritzlaff, Student Government Association president. “Students are drawn to her energy and positive spirit. It is clear that she loves the students, and it is equally clear that we love Dr. Shrum.”

Students at the ceremony echoed that sentiment.

“I just love Shrum. She's just so iconic,” said Anna Hemm, a sophomore majoring in accounting. “I support her in everything she does.”

Hemm said she was looking forward to more events and seeing Shrum on campus. 

“Even getting a popsicle one time [from Shrum], I think that it is pretty cool that she's able to interact with the students in that way, even though there's so many of us,” Hemm said.

During the event, Anoatubby expressed excitement for the future of OSU and the ongoing partnership the university has with tribal nations.

“For many years, the Chickasaw Nation and Oklahoma State University have worked in partnership for the benefit of higher education in our state. This is a working relationship which we have enjoyed,” Anoatubby said. “We have seen the impact on countless students, faculty and staff. And now, we are excited for the future of Oklahoma State University under the capable leadership of President Shrum.”

In November 2021, Shrum announced a process to guide the university in obtaining land-grant preeminence.

In the latter half of the 1800s, Vermont congressman Justin Smith Morrill recognized the need for a new model of higher education. President Abraham Lincoln agreed, signing the historic Land-Grant College Act of 1862, better known as the “Morrill Act,” which established the land-grant university system. 

“I am here today because our forebearers dared to dream what a land-grant university might do,” Shrum said. “... And in the coming days we intend to seize on that very vision to carry Lincoln’s ideal forward with renewed energy and fierce commitment.”

After months of listening, hundreds of hours of information gathering and diligent service from the steering committee and working groups, the plan is nearly complete, Shrum announced.  

“We are land-grant — and that means we step into a singular tradition,” she said. “Through teaching, research and Extension, we steward a timeless responsibility.”

Lankford said that responsibility can aid in many areas throughout the state and nation.

“We need leaders coming out of this university that will solve a lot of issues like food insecurity across the world, the future of aerospace and health care professionals coming to places where we desperately need quality health care,” Lankford said. “We need innovators in energy, we need well-equipped teachers, we need research scientists and artists, and leaders in Oklahoma hospitality … to solve some of the toughest problems we face in the world.

“As a dad of a recent Oklahoma State graduate … to know that there was another role model that was here that was pushing and asking someone to dream, is a great gift to my family and families across the state.”

Lucas said he is looking forward to what will emerge from OSU during Shrum’s “amazing tenure.” 

“Madam President, I can't imagine anyone else sitting in your shoes right now," Lucas said. "But I will pledge to you — and I think pledge on behalf of the federal delegation — we will do what is necessary to help you and all of our Oklahomans.”

Shrum said land-grant universities have persevered through challenges throughout their history, and now it is OSU’s time to become the nation’s preeminent land-grant institution. 

“It is the privilege of a lifetime to serve as your president,” Shrum said.