OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) – A high-ranking University of Oklahoma administrator is the new chancellor of the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education.
The Oklahoma State Regents selected Sean Burrage, who is currently vice president for executive affairs and chief of staff at the University of Oklahoma, to serve as the next State System of Higher Education chancellor, according to officials with the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
Burrage will succeed current chancellor Allison Garrett when he takes office on Dec. 2, a day after Garrett’s retirement. Garrett began her tenure as chancellor in November 2021.
“Selecting the next Chancellor is a serious responsibility, and I thank the board for their thoughtful deliberation during the national search process,” said State Regents’ Chair Dennis Casey. “We are confident Chancellor-Elect Burrage is the right leader to advance Oklahoma’s state system of higher education as we work to execute the bold strategies in our Blueprint 2030 strategic plan, including aligning programs and services to meet Oklahoma’s changing workforce needs.”
The State Regents, which are the constitutional coordinating board for the 25 public colleges and universities of the Oklahoma state system of higher education, praised Burrage’s vast higher education, state legislative and private sector experience.
Burrage was formerly president of Southeastern Oklahoma State University (SEOSU) in Durant. He led the way in streamlining operations at SEOSU, including establishing a shared vice president position with Murray State College and significantly increasing both undergraduate and graduate enrollment.
He was a state senator for two terms, representing approximately 80,000 constituents across Rogers and Mayes counties and serving as minority floor leader from 2011-14. He authored or co-authored more than 50 bills that were signed into law, and served on several legislative committees and task forces, including the Oklahoma’s Promise task force in 2008.
Burrage was also a managing partner with the Taylor Burrage Law Firm in Claremore.
“I am honored to have this opportunity to serve Oklahoma,” said Burrage. “Oklahoma public higher education must continue to adapt to ensure our graduates are equipped with the skills required to thrive in the modern workforce. I look forward to working with the State Regents, our institutions, and other stakeholders to create more educational and career opportunities for all Oklahomans.”
The State Regents created a search committee to fill the chancellor position once Garrett retires. The committee was comprised of Casey, Regent Jeffrey Hickman, Regent Steven Taylor and Regent Courtney Warmington, who developed the position profile that outlined the qualifications sought in the next chancellor and conducted the national search.
Chad Warmington, president and CEO of The State Chamber of Oklahoma, said Burrage will be an incredible asset in helping build Oklahoma’s future workforce.
“We have a great relationship with Sean and look forward to working with him, particularly in advancing the regents’ Blueprint 2030 strategic plan to align education with workforce needs,” Warmington said. “The future is bright for higher education reform and innovation with Sean in the lead role.”
Burrage has served on numerous boards and committees, including the State Regents’ Blueprint 2030 Strategic Planning Committee and the 2017 Task Force on the Future of Higher Education; Gov. Mary Fallin’s Education Advisory Committee; the Rogers State University Foundation; the University Hospitals Authority and Trust; and the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence.
He was also an associate bar examiner for the Oklahoma Bar Association and was recognized as one of the Best Lawyers in America and as a Super Lawyer, both designations bestowed upon him by his peers. He was a Litigation Counsel of America Fellow and an Aspen-Rodel Fellow in Public Leadership. And he was voted the Higher Education Alumni Council’s “Best Newcomer Legislator of the Year” in 2007.
