Oklahoma State University governing board appoints new president to 3-year term

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma State University’s governing board on Friday appointed Jim Hess to serve as the school’s 20th president for the next three years.

Oklahoma State University A&M Board of Regents said in a statement that Hess, who had been serving as interim president, has proven he’s the right person to lead the state’s second largest university. 

The board’s statement did not say why Hess was appointed for only a three-year term.  

“Dr. Hess has proven himself as the right leader at the right time for Oklahoma State University,” said Board Chairman Jimmy Harrel. “His deep understanding of OSU’s land-grant mission gives our board complete confidence in his ability to lead the university forward.”

The board had tapped Hess to serve as interim president in February following the abrupt resignation of Kayse Shrum, the university’s first female president. Officials have not said what led Shrum to step down after slightly more than three years at the helm. 

“While we could have spent an entire year searching for a new president, seeing Jim’s work up close over the past months has provided a level of insight and confidence that no interviews with outside candidates would have yielded,” said Rick Walker, the board’s vice chair. “His positive impact across the OSU community has been swift. He immediately took action on key issues and legislative priorities, and his engagement with OSU’s students, faculty, and staff has restored much-needed connections and stability throughout the institution.”

Hess brings 43 years of experience working in higher education to the role. He most recently served as vice provost for graduate programs at the OSU Center for Health Sciences. 

He earned a bachelor’s and master’s from Northeastern State University and a doctorate in education from OSU.

Hess said he was honored and excited about the university’s future.

“We launch this journey with an urgency of purpose and the confidence that we can change lives, transform education, and pave the way for the next generation of Cowboys,” Hess said.