Latest news with #KayseShrum
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Kayse Shrum's resignation letter says she wants to return to OSU medical school after sabbatical
Former Oklahoma State University President Kayse Shrum's resignation letter to the OSU/A&M Board of Regents indicates she wants to return to OSU's faculty after a sabbatical. The Oklahoman obtained the letter, dated Feb. 3, and a copy of her contract via an open-records request. The newspaper still has a large open-records request for information connected with Shrum's resignation pending with the university and the board of regents, which governs the school. Both entities are funded by taxpayers. OSU officials, including regents' Chair Jimmy Harrel, have refused to discuss the circumstances surrounding Shrum's departure from the university presidency after less than four years or why they waited until Feb. 5 to announce her resignation. OSU officials kept secret Shrum's situation from some of the state's top education officials, who learned of what had happened via media reports. Shrum's departure was especially curious, given her popularity with students, faculty and state lawmakers, who all have been vocal in support of her since news of her resignation became public. Shrum has not returned multiple messages seeking comment. In her letter, she told regents she requested that she begin an official sabbatical on Feb. 3, which would run through June 30, the end of the academic year. 'Following this academic year, I will return to the tenured faculty at the OSU Center for Health Sciences per my contract, effective July 1, 2025,' she wrote. 'It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as the President of Oklahoma State University. I believe during my tenure I have set the university on a course to a bright future.' The only hint given by OSU officials about why Shrum resigned came on Feb. 7, when they released a list of motions approved by regents during a Jan. 31 meeting. The motions concerned a review of the OSU Innovation Foundation, a favored project of Shrum that was rebranded in 2023 from its former name, the Oklahoma State University Research Foundation. Shrum said then the foundation was 'a crucial pillar of our We Are Land-Grant strategy' she forged during her tenure. One of the motions approved Jan. 31 indicate regents were reviewing transfers of funds appropriated by the Legislature involving the Innovation Foundation. Along with Shrum, one of the Innovation Foundation's executives, Elizabeth Pollard, also resigned. Shrum, 52, became the first woman to lead one of Oklahoma's two research universities when OSU/A&M regents chose her to succeed Burns Hargis, effective July 1, 2021. Shrum, a doctor of osteopathic medicine, previously had been president of OSU's Center for Health Sciences. She graduated from OSU's medical school in Tulsa in 1998 and returned there in 2002 to teach and practice pediatric medicine. She became the youngest, and first female, dean and president of an Oklahoma medical school when she was promoted at the Center for Health Sciences in 2011 and 2013, respectively. Her current OSU contract, dated July 1, 2024, includes a clause noting that Shrum 'shall retain her faculty appointment in the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences Department of Pediatrics (the 'Department') with tenure. Should this Contract be terminated prior to its expiration date and Dr. Shrum elects to return to and actively assume such academic service, such service shall be governed by the policies and rules applicable to the Department and her total compensation shall be equal to the highest-paid faculty member in the Department.' As president, Shrum received an annual base salary of $650,000, along with a $20,000 annual automobile allowance, use of the president's on-campus home, usual OSU employee benefits and memberships at both the Stillwater Country Club and Karsten Creek Golf Club. OSU also paid $75,000 annually into a retirement plan for Shrum. On Feb. 7, the regents announced the selection of James Hess as OSU's interim president. Hess most recently has served as vice president for graduate programs at the OSU Center for Health Sciences, where he has worked since 2003. The Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame inducted Hess in 2023. He is from Henryetta and has spent 43 years in Oklahoma higher education. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Kayse Shrum wants to return to OSU medical school after sabbatical
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
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.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
OSU A&M Board of Regents accepts President Kayse Shrum's resignation
STILLWATER, Okla. (KFOR) – The Oklahoma State University A&M Board of Regents has accepted the resignation of Dr. Kayse Shrum. The Board released the following statement on Wednesday, February 5: 'We extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Shrum for her dedicated leadership, unwavering commitment to students, and significant contributions to the OSU System. 'Dr. Shrum has led with passion and vision, championing key initiatives in academics, research and innovation while advancing OSU's land-grant mission. During her tenure, Oklahoma State University has experienced record enrollment, student retention rates, research funding, and philanthropic support setting the stage for a bright future. From the outset of her presidency, she was thrust into a critical role of navigating the disruption within the Big 12 Conference. Dr. Shrum worked tirelessly to help stabilize the league and protect OSU's athletic programs, ensuring the university remained competitive on the national stage. 'Under her leadership, OSU has strengthened its impact in health care and STEM education while expanding access to higher education – ensuring that students of all backgrounds can find opportunities and a home at OSU. 'The Board will begin the process of identifying the next leader for Oklahoma State University and will provide updates as that process moves forward. In the meantime, we are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining the momentum of OSU's mission to serve the state of Oklahoma and beyond. 'We thank Dr. Shrum for her service and wish her the very best in her future endeavors.' LOCAL NEWS: Dr. Kayse Shrum expected to resign as OSU President Dr. Shrum has been on the job for less than four years. During her tenure, Dr. Shrum led the way with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and conference realignment, all while bringing new initiatives to the university: the Hamm Institute for American Energy, the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education, the Human Performance and Nutrition Research Institute, and the OSU Student Farm. OSU has also set multiple enrollment records under Dr. Shrum, including the highest undergraduate enrollment, the largest first-time freshman class, and becoming the state's largest university system. The university also set records for non-residents, Honors College, Spears School of Business, Native American, first-generation, online, and new graduate students. According to the Board of Regents, the resignation is effective February 3. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Oklahoma State University President Kayse Shrum has resigned
Oklahoma State University President Kayse Shrum has resigned, the board of regents announced Wednesday. The Oklahoma State University A&M Board of Regents accepted her resignation effective Feb. 3, according to a statement released by the board. 'We extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Shrum for her dedicated leadership, unwavering commitment to students, and significant contributions to the OSU System," the statement reads. Shrum, 52, guided Oklahoma State University in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic but also dealt with conference realignment and multiple public-relations headaches surrounding OSU's high-profile football program. She became the first woman to lead one of Oklahoma's two research universities when OSU/A&M regents chose her to succeed Burns Hargis, effective July 1, 2021. Shrum, a doctor of osteopathic medicine, previously had been president of OSU's Center for Health Sciences. According to the statement, the board of regents will begin searching for the next OSU president and will ensure a "smooth transition" in the meantime. 'We thank Dr. Shrum for her service and wish her the very best in her future endeavors,' the statement read. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma State President Kayse Shrum resigns: What to know
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Dr. Kayse Shrum expected to resign as OSU President
STILLWATER, Okla. (KFOR) — News 4 has confirmed through two independent sources that Oklahoma State University President Dr. Kayse Shrum is expected to announce her resignation on Wednesday. She has been on the job for less than four years. During her tenure, Dr. Shrum led the way with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and conference realignment, all while bringing new initiatives to the university: the Hamm Institute for American Energy, the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education, the Human Performance and Nutrition Research Institute, and the OSU Student Farm. OSU has also set multiple enrollment records under Dr. Shrum, including the highest undergraduate enrollment, the largest first-time freshman class, and becoming the state's largest university system. The university also set records for non-residents, Honors College, Spears School of Business, Native American, first-generation, online, and new graduate students. News 4 spoke with several OSU students on Tuesday who say they are in disbelief after hearing about the news. 'I hope it's not true,' Jordan Mondaine, an OSU student said. Students are trying to fathom the fact that Dr. Shrum is apparently stepping down. 'It feels a little, well, very kind of sad, to be honest,' said Nathan Wolmack, an OSU student. 'It's just like because she's been here about as long as I have. I've been here as long as she has.' Photo Gallery: Dr. Kayse Shrum begins her tenure as Oklahoma State University President They say it feels like Dr. Shrum had just arrived yesterday, giving her speech about what she was going to do to improve the university. 'As a medical student at Oklahoma State University, I would have never imagined this day,' Dr. Shrum said when she was hired. 'I'm so honored and humbled by this appointment. OSU has a special place in my heart and I'm thrilled at the opportunity to lead this vibrant university.' Dr. Shrum became the 19th president of OSU in 2021 and is the first woman to lead the university. 'It was really cool to see her become the first woman president,' Wolmack said. 'It was just like, it was nice. It's like a big accomplishment for OSU as a whole.' So far, no reason has been revealed as to why Dr. Shrum is resigning. 'She always showing support, seeing her always at the football games,' Mondaine said. 'She's great, being in touch with the student base and everything.' Students that News 4 spoke with say they enjoyed their time at OSU while she was president. 'Just having her go would feel very strange because like all of a sudden, like, there might be some shakeups, something might change,' Wolmack said. 'I would hate to see her go,' Mondaine said. 'I'd love to see her stay. And again, I understand things change, but again, we would love if you stayed out here, Dr. Shrum.' News 4 will keep you informed when an official announcement is made. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
