OSU-CHS’ Jim Hess to be inducted into Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame

Friday, August 11, 2023

Media Contact: Sara Plummer | Communications Coordinator | 918-561-1282 | sara.plummer@okstate.edu

In recognition of 40-plus years of academic excellence and commitment to higher education, Jim Hess, Ph.D., vice provost of Graduate Programs at Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, will be inducted into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame in November. 

With a career spanning more than four decades in higher education and 20 years at OSU-CHS, Hess' contributions have left an enduring impact on students, faculty and staff across northeast Oklahoma.

Hess started his administrative career at Rogers State University, then OSU-Tulsa before coming to OSU-CHS in 2003 where he has served as a professor of family medicine and health care administration, chief executive officer of the OSU Medical Authority and the OSU Physicians Group, chair and director of the School of Health Care Administration, and chair of the School of Forensic Sciences. He now serves as vice provost of graduate programs supervising academic program directors, admissions, new program development and evaluation.  

Along with 11 other leaders and administrators, Hess will be inducted into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame on Nov. 6 on the University of Central Oklahoma campus in Edmond. His induction comes as no surprise to those familiar with him and his career. 

“Throughout his tenure at OSU Center for Health Sciences, Dr. Hess has played a pivotal role in shaping and growing the institution's graduate programs while also fostering a nurturing environment for learning and research,” OSU-CHS President Johnny Stephens said. “His impact on our campus and campuses across northeastern Oklahoma will be felt for decades to come.”

Hess said working in higher education is both rewarding and challenging, but the best part is the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of other people.

“There is absolutely no other job like it. It’s been exciting to have an impact on the direction and vision of an institution, affecting change and serving with great leaders,” he said. “I have been blessed to work with great people — it’s the most rewarding aspect of my career. Without those people, this recognition would not have been possible, so this induction into the Hall of Fame really belongs to them.”

Hess said he is honored to be among those being inducted into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame this year.

“I know many of the current and previous inductees, and it is humbling to be included in that group. I have reflected on all the people who helped me along the path of my career, and I owe so much to them,” he said. “There were so many who invested in my future, believed in me and saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. I shall forever be in their debt.”

Inductees this year include:

• Terry D. Britton, president of Rose State College, 2006-13
• Cheryl Evans, president of Northern Oklahoma College, 2011-21
• Pamela Martin Fry, president of Oklahoma State University-Tulsa, 2019-22
• Loy “Jay” Helm, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, 2013-22; Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents 2001-13
• James Hess, vice provost for Graduate Programs at OSU Center for Health Sciences
• Adolph Linscheid, president of East Central University, 1920-49
• Joseph L. Parker Jr., Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education since 2005
• William Radke, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs at the University of Central Oklahoma, 2005-13
• Liesa Richter, Floyd & Martha Norris Chair in Law and George Lynn Cross research professor at the University of Oklahoma College of Law
• Jeanetta Davis Sims, professor and dean emeritus, Jackson College of Graduate Studies at UCO
• John Cameron Muhlenberg Starkey, late professor at Wimberly School of Religion at Oklahoma City University
• Steve Turner, president of Northeastern State University since 2012