Lankford Comments on Passing of Former Gov. Nigh
“I’m saddened to hear of the passing of former Governor George Nigh, a statesman who dedicated his life to serving Oklahoma. His legacy of leadership, optimism, and public service will be forever cherished. Our prayers are with his family and loved ones,” Senator James Lankford said.
Drummond comments on passing of former Gov. George Nigh
Attorney General Gentner Drummond made the following remarks about former Gov. George Nigh, following Nigh’s passing this morning. “I am greatly saddened to learn that George Nigh, one of Oklahoma’s most noble and admirable leaders, has passed away. Few public servants have had the impact on our state that Gov. Nigh demonstrated. Through multiple terms as Governor and Lieutenant Governor, he led with kindness and impeccable integrity. His contributions to our development and advancement as a state are too numerous to name. And his devotion to serving Oklahoma inspired new generations to take up the mantle of public service through the George and Donna Nigh Public Service Scholarship. “I ask every Oklahoman to join me in honoring one of the finest men to ever lead our state and to pray for the loved ones he leaves behind. I hope they have white hats in Heaven.”
State Treasurer Todd Russ Responds to the Passing of Former Governor George Nigh
State Treasurer Todd Russ joins the state of Oklahoma in mourning the loss of former Governor George Nigh, a statesman who helped shape our state’s identity and guided Oklahoma through pivotal years of progress and unity. “Governor George Nigh was a gracious, principled, and devoted public servant who led Oklahoma with optimism, civility, and a deep commitment to all Oklahomans. His impact on our state’s history and his example of bipartisan leadership will be remembered for generations. He helped shape my early political perspective as a gentleman and a leader, and I’ve always admired the way he served with both dignity and humility. We take comfort in the words of Scripture: ‘Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.’ (Matthew 20:26). My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all who were inspired by his life of service.”
— Oklahoma State Treasurer Todd Russ
Senate Democratic Leader Kirt comments on passing of former Governor George Nigh
Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt issued the following statement on the passing of former Governor George Nigh. “When I learned that Governor George Nigh had passed, I was filled both with deep sadness at his passing and profound gratitude for his incredible life and service to the people of Oklahoma. He was a life-long public servant as an educator, legislator, former lieutenant governor, governor, and president of the University of Central Oklahoma. “Governor Nigh was a visionary and a true statesman, beloved and admired by elected officials on both sides of the aisle. My thoughts and prayers are with Donna and the Nigh family, and I know our entire state joins them in mourning this tremendous loss.” – Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City.
Sen. Mann recounts the impact of Governor George Nigh’s life and service
Sen. Mark Mann, D-Oklahoman City, issued the following statement honoring the life and mourning the passing of former Governor George Nigh on Wednesday. “I have known Governor Nigh for over thirty years and was proud to have his support in my recent election. His example of servant leadership has inspired me and countless others to live a life of service. Nigh’s deep love for Oklahoma transcended partisanship, setting an example for how we all should serve. “In June, I had the opportunity to see the governor and hear him speak. His words were as powerful as ever. His message was simple: a life in service is a life well lived, and Governor Nigh certainly lived a long and meaningful life. “As we reflect on his life and achievements, we are reminded of the power of public service and the enduring influence of a true statesman. His work will continue to inspire and guide Oklahomans, ensuring that his legacy remains relevant and cherished for years to come.” – Sen. Mark Mann, D-Oklahoma City.
Pro Tem Paxton Comments on the Passing of Former Governor George Nigh
Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, today released the following statement after the passing of former Oklahoma Governor George Nigh. “It is with great sadness that former Governor George Nigh has passed away,” Pro Tem Paxton said. “Oklahoma is a better state because of his distinguished career in public service. Having been a member in the House of Representatives, lieutenant governor and as governor, he celebrated many accomplishments throughout his distinguished career. “A committed public servant through-and-through, he began his career as a teacher after college. After his career in government, he went on to lead the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond as president, where the university center still bears his name at the Nigh University Center. “The impact and legacy Governor Nigh left on the state will not be forgotten. My wife Misti and I share our sympathies and prayers with the Nigh family and his loved ones during this difficult time.”
House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson comments on passing of former Oklahoma Gov. George Nigh
Oklahoma House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, released the following statement of condolences after the passing of former Oklahoma Gov. George Nigh at 98. “Oklahoma lost a legend today,” said Leader Munson. “Governor George Nigh defined what it was to be an Oklahoman. He led with dedication, passion, and kindness. I first met Gov. Nigh as a student in a leadership class at the University of Central Oklahoma, and he was my first phone call when I decided to run for office. He always remembered me and supported me, and I would not be where I am today without his guidance. Gov. Nigh was always passionate about encouraging Oklahomans to get involved in leadership in their communities, especially women and younger people. He increased the number of women and minorities serving on state boards and commissions and appointed the first two women to serve on the Oklahoma Supreme Court, paving the way for people like me to serve in public office. My thoughts and prayers are with Donna and the rest of the Nigh family as we remember and honor this great man.”
Senator Pugh Honors the Life and Legacy of Governor George Nigh
Senator Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, today issued the following statement on the passing of former Governor George Nigh, reflecting on his impactful leadership as both a statesman and president of the University of Central Oklahoma, located in Edmond. “Governor George Nigh embodied what it means to be a public servant,” Senator Pugh said. “His life was marked by tireless dedication to the people of Oklahoma. From his early days in the Legislature to his time as our state’s governor, he personifies what it means to be a statesman. “For those of us in Edmond, his legacy is perhaps felt most strongly through his leadership at the University of Central Oklahoma. As president of UCO, Governor Nigh helped shape the university into a cornerstone institution in our state. He elevated the university’s mission, strengthened its reputation and inspired generations of students to believe in the power of a higher education and community. He loved this state deeply and never stopped investing in its future. His impact on higher education and public service will live on through the countless lives he touched. “My thoughts are with his family, his many friends and all Oklahomans who are mourning the loss of this truly remarkable man. May we all strive to serve with the humility, integrity and vision that Governor Nigh exemplified.”
Reps Remember George Nigh
Reps. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, Mike Osburn, R-Edmond, Jim Grego, R-Wilburton and David Smith, R-Arpelar, issued the following statement today following the death of former Oklahoma Governor George Nigh. Nigh was born in McAlester and graduated from McAlester High School. He later graduated from what is now Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton. He later taught social studies at McAlester High School. “George Nigh is absolutely legendary and beloved in our area of the state,” said Grego and Smith who share representation of McAlester. “No one cared a bit about his political party. All they knew was he was a fierce advocate for Oklahomans and Oklahoma. He had our best interests at heart and spent a lifetime showing us how to accomplish much through hard work, determination and love of others.” Nigh’s decades of service to the state included time in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, multiple terms as lieutenant governor and governor. Nigh served as president of the University of Central Oklahoma, located in Edmond, and was a constituent of Miller’s. “Oklahoma has lost a legend. George Nigh was the very epitome of what it means to be a public servant. He was a relentless champion for our state and had a unique talent for bringing together people from all walks of life. He innately understood that what makes Oklahoma special is the people who call this state home. During his time in public office and as president of the University of Central Oklahoma, he fiercely told Oklahoma’s story. He built UCO into the powerhouse institution it is today, and the university and surrounding Edmond community blossomed during his time at the helm. His mentorship will be greatly missed, and we will keep his family in our prayers.”
House Speaker Mourns Loss of Former OK Governor George Nigh
Oklahoma House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, released the following statement on the passing of Former Governor George Nigh. “Today, we mourn the loss of Governor George Nigh. He represented the Oklahoma Standard through decades of service, from reforming the executive branch and modernizing state agencies to declaring Oklahoma! the official state song. His work helped shape the direction of our state and will be remembered. My thoughts are with his wife, Donna, and the entire Nigh family during this time.”
Statement from EPA Regional Administrator Scott Mason on the Passing of Governor George Nigh
Statement from EPA Regional Administrator Scott Mason on the Passing of Governor George Nigh “I am deeply saddened by the passing of former Oklahoma Governor George Nigh. I was privileged to know him as a close friend and learn from him as a cherished mentor. There was no greater champion of Oklahoma, both during his time in office and for decades afterward. With deep knowledge and affection for our state, he brought its history to life through unmatched storytelling and wit. Oklahoma has lost an icon and a legend. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, former First Lady Donna Nigh, and his entire family at this difficult time.” -Scott Mason IV, Regional Administrator, EPA Region 6.
