New chancellor of higher education sworn in

OKLAHOMA CITY — Sean Burrage was sworn in as the new chancellor of higher education Thursday. 

Burrage will lead the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, the body that oversees the state’s public colleges and universities. 

He was hired by the regents in October to replace Allison Garrett who previously served as chancellor for three years. Burrage’s starting annual salary will be $415,000.

Former U.S. District Judge Michael Burrage offered his son the oath of office. 

Burrage was emotional as he offered many thanks to his friends, family and colleagues for their confidence in him and encouraging him to apply for the position. He also thanked the regents and Garrett for the smooth transition between chancellors and for “laying the work out for him.”

He said accountability and transparency will be key to his work ahead as chancellor and that he took this position because he believes in public education. 

“I want everybody in this room to know that accountability will be central to the work ahead,” he said. “…We’re going to be accountable for dollars, appropriation of deeds, and all the private investors and higher education. We do have Blueprint 2030, which is our true north, but our goal is ensuring more Oklahomans earn college degrees.”

Many of Burrage’s goals closely align with Blueprint 2030, which is the strategic plan by the regents to produce workforce-ready graduates, focus on student success and improve system efficiency and effectiveness. 

Among his goals are helping more Oklahomans earn college degrees, strengthening relationships with business and workforce leaders, focusing on retaining graduates in the state’s workforce and incentivizing students to earn degrees in critical occupations like teaching and nursing. 

Burrage most recently served as the vice president for executive affairs and chief of staff at University of Oklahoma. He has also served as president of Southeastern Oklahoma State University and from 2011 to 2014 he was minority floor leader of the Oklahoma Senate. Burrage was elected twice to represent Rogers and Mayes Counties. He was a managing partner with Taylor Burrage Law Firm in Claremore. 

“Chancellor Burrage’s visionary leadership will guide our ongoing efforts to implement our Blueprint 2030 strategic plan, including expanding Oklahoma’s workforce in critical occupations,” Chair Dennis Casey said in a statement. 

Burrage is an Oklahoma native and has a bachelor’s in accounting and a law degree from OU. He is a member of the Choctaw Nation.