OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) – State leaders are mourning the death of former four-term Oklahoma Governor George Nigh. The former governor died at the age of 98.
“I’m saddened to hear of the loss of a true Oklahoma statesman and public servant. George Nigh guided Oklahoma through difficult times and led with kindness and humility,” said Gov. Kevin Stitt in a statement. “Sarah and I are praying for his wife Donna and their family and friends as they remember and honor a life well lived.”
Nigh was an Oklahoma native who first worked as a schoolteacher in his hometown of McAlester before transitioning to politics. He became the youngest member of the state legislature when he was elected to the House of Representatives at the age of 23, in 1950. He introduced a bill in 1953 that made “Oklahoma!” the official state song, according to the Oklahoma Historical Society.
He was elected the state’s lieutenant governor in 1958 at age 31, making him the youngest lieutenant governor in Oklahoma history and in the nation at the time.
Nigh lost his bid for governor in 1962, but served as governor for nine days in January 1963 after Gov. J. Howard Edmondson resigned so that Nigh could succeed him and appoint him to fill the U.S. Senate seat left vacant when Sen. Robert Kerr died.
During those nine days, he fired and replaced Oklahoma Planning and Resources Board members to ensure the approval of an agreement with the federal government to build the Arrowhead and Fountainhead lodges on Lake Eufaula, according to the Historical Society.
Nigh was elected lieutenant governor again in 1966.
In 1978, he finally realized his dream of being elected Oklahoma governor, but he assumed the position ahead of schedule when departing Gov. David Boren left office five days early to begin his new job as a U.S. senator. Those few days finishing the remainder of Boren’s term qualified as Nigh’s second term in office. He began in his third term as governor when he was sworn in for his first full elected term.
Nigh was reelected to a fourth term as governor in 1982, winning all 77 counties.
As governor, Nigh focused on promoting Oklahoma tourism, industrial growth and tax cuts. He oversaw 17 tax cuts while governor.
An oil bust hit Oklahoma hard in 1982, sending state revenues spiraling. Nigh responded by cutting state agency budgets by 13 percent. The sudden economic downturn also brought about large tax increases.
“Many believed Nigh’s steady hand during the economic downturn prevented long-range damage to the Oklahoma economy,” the Oklahoma Historical Society said.
Nigh also accomplished the following while governor:
- Increased minority representation on state boards and commissions and in state agency management positions;
- Appointed the first female Oklahoma Supreme Court justices, Alma Wilson and Yvonne Kauger; and
- Oversaw unprecedented highway construction, arts funding and penal system improvements.
Nigh stayed busy after his time as governor, serving as University of Central Oklahoma president. He is credited with rehabilitating and enlarging the college’s physical plant.
Nigh and his wife, Donna, led the Donna Nigh Foundation, a nonprofit organization serving Oklahomans with developmental disabilities. Charitable work was an important concern for George and Donna Nigh. The Oklahoma Children’s Health Foundation honored Nigh with this statement:
“It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of former Oklahoma Governor George Nigh — a true statesman, philanthropist, and lifelong advocate for the well-being of Oklahomans, especially our children.
Governor Nigh, alongside his beloved wife Donna, was a steadfast supporter of the Children’s Health Foundation. Their generosity, leadership, and commitment to improving children’s health care in our state left a lasting impact that will be felt for generations. Whether through direct support or behind-the-scenes advocacy, Governor Nigh’s dedication to our mission never wavered.
We are forever grateful for his tireless service, not only to the State of Oklahoma, but to the countless children and families who have benefitted from his compassion and vision. His legacy of public service and philanthropy will continue to inspire us all.
Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Donna and the entire Nigh family during this time. Governor Nigh’s life was a remarkable example of servant leadership, and we are honored to have been a small part of his incredible story.”
Oklahoma Children’s Health Foundation
Several Oklahoma state and city leaders have posted tributes memorializing Nigh.
Oklahoma has lost a remarkable leader with the passing of Governor George Nigh, who dedicated decades of his life to public service. From strengthening public education and workforce development to playing an instrumental role in the development of our Tourism Department, Governor Nigh’s impact can be felt in every corner of our state.
His time as Lieutenant Governor especially inspired me—the way he tirelessly championed Oklahoma, building trust and bringing people together. And I’ve been honored to work with him in recent years on many Tourism projects. He led not with ego, but with empathy, humility, and a deep belief in the potential of our state. My prayers are with Donna and the entire Nigh family as we honor a life that helped shape Oklahoma’s modern history.
Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell
“It is with great sadness that former Governor George Nigh has passed away,” Pro Tem Paxton said. “Oklahoma is a better state because of his distinguished career in public service. Having been a member in the House of Representatives, lieutenant governor and as governor, he celebrated many accomplishments throughout his distinguished career.
A committed public servant through-and-through, he began his career as a teacher after college. After his career in government, he went on to lead the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond as president, where the university center still bears his name at the Nigh University Center.
The impact and legacy Governor Nigh left on the state will not be forgotten. My wife Misti and I share our sympathies and prayers with the Nigh family and his loved ones during this difficult time.”
Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton
“Today, we mourn the loss of Governor George Nigh. He represented the Oklahoma Standard through decades of service, from reforming the executive branch and modernizing state agencies to declaring Oklahoma! the official state song. His work helped shape the direction of our state and will be remembered. My thoughts are with his wife, Donna, and the entire Nigh family during this time.”
Oklahoma House Speaker Kyle Hilbert
“Oklahoma lost a legend today. Governor George Nigh defined what it was to be an Oklahoman. He led with dedication, passion, and kindness. I first met Gov. Nigh as a student in a leadership class at the University of Central Oklahoma, and he was my first phone call when I decided to run for office. He always remembered me and supported me, and I would not be where I am today without his guidance. Gov. Nigh was always passionate about encouraging Oklahomans to get involved in leadership in their communities, especially women and younger people. He increased the number of women and minorities serving on state boards and commissions and appointed the first two women to serve on the Oklahoma Supreme Court, paving the way for people like me to serve in public office. My thoughts and prayers are with Donna and the rest of the Nigh family as we remember and honor this great man.”
Oklahoma House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson
“I am greatly saddened to learn that George Nigh, one of Oklahoma’s most noble and admirable leaders, has passed away. Few public servants have had the impact on our state that Gov. Nigh demonstrated. Through multiple terms as Governor and Lieutenant Governor, he led with kindness and impeccable integrity. His contributions to our development and advancement as a state are too numerous to name. And his devotion to serving Oklahoma inspired new generations to take up the mantle of public service through the George and Donna Nigh Public Service Scholarship.
I ask every Oklahoman to join me in honoring one of the finest men to ever lead our state and to pray for the loved ones he leaves behind. I hope they have white hats in Heaven.”
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond
“The UCO family, along with the State of Oklahoma, lost a legend today. The Hon. George Nigh passed away this morning at age 98 surrounded by his family. Throughout his distinguished and storied career, he exemplified servant leadership in both action and word.
He served as the 17th and 22nd Governor of Oklahoma, the 8th and 10th Lt. Governor and the 18th President of UCO. While in the legislature, he made “Oklahoma” the official state song. He and his wife of 61 years, Donna, left a lasting impact on the UCO campus, as well, with the university center and scholarships bearing the Nigh name.
On a personal note, Gov. Nigh encouraged me throughout my public career. I enrolled at UCO because of him. He regularly stopped by my state Capitol office and was an advisor and frequent visitor after I became UCO President. It was particularly special to have him as a part of the UCO Presidents panel during my inauguration week. I will miss his advice and counsel. How blessed we were to have him as a part of our story.
Please join me in sending our condolences to Donna and the Nigh family and prayers for peace and comfort to Donna, family, friends and all of those impacted by this loss as they remember a life well lived.”
University of Central Oklahoma President Todd Lamb
“Gov. George Nigh’s legacy is immense & it spans 75 years of service. The greatest legacy is his style of leadership. Gov. Nigh brought people together to get things done. Ideology & party was secondary to results. That’s how we do things in OKC & we will remain inspired by his example.”
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt
