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Kayse Shrum is out as president of Oklahoma State University. The university's board of regents announced yesterday that they accepted Shrum's resignation effective February 3rd. No reason was given for Shrum's departure. Oklahoma State University's provost and senior vice president, Jeanette Mendez, has been named acting president until an interim president is selected.
"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," said Speaker of the House Kyle Hilbert. "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."
"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," said House Appropriations and Budget Chairman Trey Caldwell. "We look forward to working with the next OSU leader to continue the momentum we have seen."
"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," said House Postsecondary Education Chairwoman Toni Hasenbeck. ''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."