OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) – The new chancellor of the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education is now in office following a swearing-in ceremony, and expansion of the state’s workforce is one of his top priorities.
Sean Burrage was sworn in to serve as the new chancellor on Thursday. He succeeds Allison Garrett, who had served as chancellor since September 2021. Burrage is the 10th chancellor of the State System of Higher Education.
Burrage will lead the State System of Higher Education, implementing a blueprint for the future of higher education in the state, including workforce expansion, according to State Regents’ Chair Dennis Casey.
“We remain focused on supporting student success and increasing college degree completion in high-demand fields,” Casey said. “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.”
Burrage pledged to champion students and colleges and universities throughout Oklahoma.
“It is my honor to work with the State Regents, our state system colleges and universities, elected officials and the business community to expand educational opportunities for all Oklahomans,” Burrage said. “Oklahoma public higher education will continue innovating and adapting to produce the graduates this state needs to compete successfully on a global stage.”
State Regents conducted a national search for the new chancellor. They announced their selection of Burrage in October 2024.
Burrage previously served as vice president for executive affairs and chief of staff at the University of Oklahoma. He was also president of Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant and a managing partner with the Taylor Burrage Law Firm in Claremore.
He was a two-term state senator, representing Rogers and Mayes counties; he served as minority floor leader from 2011-14. He previously served on Gov. Mary Fallin’s Education Advisory Committee and the State Regents’ Task Force on the Future of Higher Education and Blueprint 2030 strategic planning committee. He has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a juris doctorate from OU.
The State Regents are the coordinating board for the 25 public colleges and universities of the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education. Their functions are as follows:
- Prescribing academic standards of higher education;
- Determining functions and courses of study at state colleges and universities;
- Granting degrees;
- Requesting appropriations on behalf of state system institutions;
- Setting tuition and fees;
- Approving institutional allocations;
- Providing, upon review, final approval of institutional budgets following governing board approval and submission; and,
- Managing numerous scholarships and special programs.
The governor appoints the nine citizens who comprise the board, and their appointment is confirmed by the State Senate. They serve nine-year terms.
