House Speaker Kyle Hilbert and members of his leadership team comment on the resignation of Oklahoma State University President Kayse Shrum.
Speaker of the House Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow:
“Like everyone, I was surprised by the news of Dr. Kayse Shrum stepping down as President. I greatly appreciate her service to the university and our state. She was instrumental as a member of the Governor’s cabinet throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in ensuring tests were available for Oklahomans. Her tenure as president improved rural health care workforce shortages in establishing a nursing program at OSU-Stillwater and a medical school in Tahlequah. She also faced other challenges such as shepherding my alma mater through conference realignment with the Big 12 going from the brink of disaster to emerging as an undisputed top-4 conference in the country. I wish her and Darren the best in their future endeavors.”
House Appropriations and Budget Chairman Trey Caldwell, R-Faxon:
“Dr. Shrum’s resignation is a loss for OSU and our state. In recent years we have invested in building up our state’s research universities and Dr. Shrum and her team utilized those increased dollars to improve our state’s workforce pipeline, especially in medical and STEM fields. We look forward to working with the next OSU leader to continue the momentum we have seen.”
House Postsecondary Education Chairwoman Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin:
“I have known Dr. Shrum for years and was thrilled when she became president of my alma mater. She served with distinction as the first female president of a public research institution in Oklahoma and she has much to be proud of from her tenure. I look forward to working with the A&M Board of Regents as they seek the next university leader. Dr. Shrum’s loss will be felt not only at OSU but by the state as a whole.”
Oklahoma House Rep. Trish Ranson, D-Stillwater, responded to Oklahoma State University President Kayse Shrum’s resignation.
“President Kayse Shrum has shown incredible leadership during her time at OSU,” Ranson said. “She made history as the first woman to lead a public research institution in Oklahoma. She made great philanthropic strides and increased enrollment under her tenure. I have greatly enjoyed working with her and I join all of OSU in sincerely thanking her for her service.”
Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, today released the following statement after the resignation of Oklahoma State University President Dr. Kayse Shrum.
“Dr. Shrum has been a transformative leader, bringing vision and passion to Oklahoma State University,” Pro Tem Paxton said. “Her dedication to students, faculty and staff has left a lasting impact, and we are deeply grateful for her service. Under her leadership, OSU has strengthened its position as a top-tier research university while remaining dedicated to its land-grant mission of service to Oklahoma. Her impact extends beyond higher education. Her leadership in health sciences and innovation has shaped the future of medical education and rural healthcare in our state.
“While I respect her decision to step down, her contributions to OSU and Oklahoma will be felt for years to come. I wish Dr. Shrum the best in her next chapter.”
Sen. Darcy Jech, R-Kingfisher, released the following statement Wednesday following the resignation of Oklahoma State University’s 19th President, Dr. Kayse Shrum.
“Under President Shrum’s leadership, Oklahoma State University has made significant strides in improving rural healthcare, bolstering our state’s workforce, and elevating the university’s position as a top research institution. Her unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions to rural Oklahoma have left a lasting impact that will be felt for generations to come. I extend my sincerest appreciation to Dr. Shrum for her service and commitment to the betterment of the university and our state as a whole. I wish her the best in her future endeavors.”
