McAfee & Taft attorney and director Jennifer Callahan was unanimously approved by the Oklahoma State Senate to serve an eight-year term on the Board of Regents of the Oklahoma Agricultural & Mechanical Colleges, effective immediately. Founded in 1944, the nine-member board is responsible for managing and overseeing Oklahoma State University, the largest university system in the state of Oklahoma, as well as Langston University, Panhandle State University, NEO A&M College, and Connors State College.
Speaking before the Oklahoma Senate’s Education Committee, Callahan emphasized her commitment to providing students who grow up in Oklahoma with educational opportunities that will encourage them to not only earn their undergraduate degrees here, but to also stay in Oklahoma to pursue careers and contribute to the state’s economy.
“I am very passionate about agriculture,” said Callahan, who also owns and operates ranching operations in the state. “Our country’s economic engine has been built on a strong agriculture base, and I see our success as a country continuing to depend on healthy and vibrant agriculture.”
Callahan earned her undergraduate degree in agricultural business from California Polytechnic State University, her master’s degree in accounting from Oklahoma City University, and her Juris Doctor from the University of Oklahoma College of Law.
In addition to her tax and executive compensation law practice, Callahan serves on the firm’s board of directors and is a founding member and co-leader of the firm’s Agriculture and Equine Industry Group. She is also a member of Oklahoma Farm Bureau and the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association and has been a champion for the state’s agriculture industry for decades. In 2020, she was honored as Oklahoma Agricultural Woman of the Year at the annual Diamond Hats Gala.
Additionally, she served on the Oklahoma State University Foundation Board of Governors from 2017–2023.
“We are very proud of Jennifer for receiving this honor and appointment,” said managing director Michael Lauderdale. “She will be a tremendous asset to the University.”
Press Release and Photo Courtesy of McAfee & Taft.
