STILLWATER, Okla. (OBV) — Dr. Kayse Shrum resigned from her position as Oklahoma State University president.
The Oklahoma State University A&M Board of Regents accepted Shrum’s resignation of Monday.
The Board of Regents confirmed Shrum’s resignation in a statement issued on Wednesday. That statement is as follows:
“We extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Shrum for her dedicated leadership, unwavering commitment to students, and significant contributions to the OSU System.
Dr. Shrum has led with passion and vision, championing key initiatives in academics, research and innovation while advancing OSU’s land-grant mission. During her tenure, Oklahoma State University has experienced record enrollment, student retention rates, research funding, and philanthropic support setting the stage for a bright future. From the outset of her presidency, she was thrust into a critical role of navigating the disruption within the Big 12 Conference. Dr. Shrum worked tirelessly to help stabilize the league and protect OSU’s athletic programs, ensuring the university remained competitive on the national stage.
Under her leadership, OSU has strengthened its impact in health care and STEM education while expanding access to higher education – ensuring that students of all backgrounds can find opportunities and a home at OSU.
The Board will begin the process of identifying the next leader for Oklahoma State University and will provide updates as that process moves forward. In the meantime, we are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining the momentum of OSU’s mission to serve the state of Oklahoma and beyond.
We thank Dr. Shrum for her service and wish her the very best in her future endeavors.”
Shrum did not release a statement on her resignation. She last posted on social media on Saturday, welcoming the OSU Police Department’s new chief. There was no mention of an intention to resign.
Oklahoma legislative leaders issued statements praising Shrum’s work in her nearly four years as OSU’s president.
Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton’s statement:
“Dr. Shrum has been a transformative leader, bringing vision and passion to Oklahoma State University. Her dedication to students, faculty and staff has left a lasting impact, and we are deeply grateful for her service. Under her leadership, OSU has strengthened its position as a top-tier research university while remaining dedicated to its land-grant mission of service to Oklahoma. Her impact extends beyond higher education. Her leadership in health sciences and innovation has shaped the future of medical education and rural healthcare in our state.
While I respect her decision to step down, her contributions to OSU and Oklahoma will be felt for years to come. I wish Dr. Shrum the best in her next chapter.”
Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton
Oklahoma House Speaker Kyler Hilbert’s statement:
“Like everyone, I was surprised by the news of Dr. Kayse Shrum stepping down as President. I greatly appreciate her service to the university and our state. She was instrumental as a member of the Governor’s cabinet throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in ensuring tests were available for Oklahomans. Her tenure as president improved rural health care workforce shortages in establishing a nursing program at OSU-Stillwater and a medical school in Tahlequah. She also faced other challenges such as shepherding my alma mater through conference realignment with the Big 12 going from the brink of disaster to emerging as an undisputed top-4 conference in the country. I wish her and Darren the best in their future endeavors.”
Speaker Kyle Hilbert
