OSU names Dr. Jim Hess as interim President
STILLWATER, Okla. (KFOR) – On Friday, the OSU/A&M Board of Regents named Dr. Jim Hess as interim president of Oklahoma State University, ensuring a smooth transition following the sudden resignation of Dr. Kayse Shrum.
The announcement was made following a special board meeting Friday in Stillwater, according to OSU.
'The board is confident that Dr. Hess will provide the steady leadership needed to continue advancing OSU's momentum and its land-grant mission,' the OSU/A&M Board of Regents said in a statement. 'His deep institutional knowledge and dedication to student success make him the ideal choice to guide the university during this time. Dr. Hess has a proven track record of leadership and innovation, and his ability to drive meaningful progress will serve the university well in the months ahead.'
OSU A&M Board of Regents accepts President Kayse Shrum's resignation
Hess, a native of Henryetta, Oklahoma, previously served over 43 years in the higher education system and is a 2023 inductee of the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame. Hess began his higher education career at Rogers State College in 1981.
Dr. Hess's work and accomplishments include:
Served as vice provost for graduate programs at the OSU Center for Health Sciences
COO of the Center for Health Sciences
Serve as the CEO of the OSU Veterinary Medicine Authority
Designated as a Riata Faculty Fellow in the OSU School of Entrepreneurship
Rogers University, where he served as VP for Administration
OSU, serving as VP and COO for OSU-Tulsa
Dr. Hess resides in Owasso, Oklahoma, with his wife Angela.
OSU says the board is expected to move forward with a search for the university's next president as Dr. Hess takes the OSU presidency immediately.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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