President Shrum, Regent Callahan issue statements on passing of former President James Halligan

Tuesday, October 25, 2022

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

Former OSU President James Halligan (right) and his wife, Ann

Statement on the passing of former Oklahoma State University President James E. Halligan by Oklahoma State University President Kayse Shrum:

“I was deeply saddened this morning to learn former Oklahoma State University President Jim Halligan has passed away. He faced and overcame many challenges as president of our beloved university, reversing a trend of declining enrollment and resetting our future on a more positive track. Jim and his wife, Ann, led with compassion and strength. Their kind leadership was most evident when they led our Cowboy family through the devastating loss of 10 basketball team members in 2001.

The Oklahoma State family is forever indebted to Jim and Ann for their service to Oklahoma State and Oklahoma. On behalf of the OSU family, I send our deepest sympathy and prayers to Ann and the family.”

Chair of the OSU/A&M Board of Regents, Jarold Callahan:

“The passing of former Oklahoma State President Jim Halligan is met with great sadness by the OSU/A&M Regents. President Halligan’s steady and confident leadership during challenging times enabled our university to turn the corner and set the stage for years of growth. Regents who worked with President Halligan speak of his time with respect. He will be forever remembered with great affection and admiration for leading us through one of our darkest moments when we lost 10 basketball family members in a plane crash. We send our condolences to Ann and the family.”

Interim President of OSU-Tulsa and President of OSU Center for Health Sciences Dr. Johnny Stephens:

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Oklahoma State President Jim Halligan. Among his many contributions to OSU, it was President Halligan's visionary leadership that led to the creation of OSU-Tulsa. He also supported the expansion of OSU’s medical school campus to become a true Center for Health Sciences during his tenure as president.

We are grateful for President Halligan’s vision and guidance during such a pivotal time in the history of OSU’s institutions in Tulsa. The Cowboy family at OSU-Tulsa and OSU-CHS sends its condolences to President Halligan’s wife, Ann, and their family.”