Kent Lashley selected to lead Oklahoma’s regional university system
The longtime higher education administrator will oversee a system of six universities serving more than 40,000 students.
The Regional University System of Oklahoma Board of Regents selected Kent M. Lashley as its next chief executive officer. He will begin Sept. 1.
Lashley currently serves as executive vice president and chief financial officer at Rose State College, where he helps guide institutional policy, governance, legal matters, and strategic planning. He also oversees a $38 million operating budget and approximately 350 full-time employees.
As CEO, Lashley will manage RUSO’s daily operations and serve as the principal link between the Board of Regents and the leaders of its six universities. The system governs East Central University, Northeastern State University, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, and the University of Central Oklahoma.
Lashley said one of his priorities will be strengthening the pathways connecting students with Oklahoma employers. RUSO graduates fill critical roles across the state as teachers, health care professionals, business leaders, and other members of Oklahoma’s workforce.
Lashley joined Rose State in 2009 and held leadership roles spanning finance, legal affairs, institutional operations, and capital planning. Before entering higher education, he practiced corporate law with The ServiceMaster Company.
