University of Central Oklahoma taps former lawmaker Jason Nelson for associate VP post
A former state lawmaker has been named the University of Central Oklahoma's associate vice president for public affairs, the head of the university announced today.
Jason Nelson, who served as a Republican State representative from 2008 to 2016, will begin his role at the university April 28, UCO President Todd Lamb said.
'Jason Nelson is a longtime community and state leader. His tenacity, vision and collaborative leadership will be an asset for our university. He will be instrumental as UCO interfaces with community and governmental leaders,' Lamb said in a news release announcing the change.
Lamb said Nelson "brings a varied and distinguished 30-year career in public policy, campaigns, government relations and public service to the role."
More: Oklahoma lawmakers grill mental health agency leader over budget gap
During his tenure in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, Nelson served as majority floor leader. He did not run for reelection in 2016. Nelson also worked as a legislative liaison for then-Gov. Frank Keating and later as chief of staff for Oklahoma County Clerk Maressa Treat, the wife of former Senate Pro Tempore Greg Treat.
Because of his legislative experience, Nelson is expected to work with both state and federal lawmakers and other elected officials.
For his part, Nelson praised UCO, calling it a "special place."
'I know from attending UCO as a student and having a child who is a current UCO student that this university is a special place, playing a vital role in preparing Oklahoma students for the workforce," Nelson said.
Nelson's move puts two former state lawmakers in the school's administration. Lamb served as lieutenant governor and, before that, a member of the Oklahoma Senate.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Former lawmaker Jason Nelson to join University of Central Oklahoma
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