Oklahoma leaders, institutions react to death of former Gov. Boren

Following the passing of David Boren on Thursday, leaders and institutions across Oklahoma are reacting the the death of the former governor, senator, and university president.

RELATED: David Boren, former Oklahoma governor, US senator, OU president, dies at 83

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt released the following statement regarding Boren's passing: 

"Today, I join Oklahomans in mourning the loss of former Governor David Boren, who dedicated his life to serving our state. His love of Oklahoma was evident in everything he did. Sarah and I extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Molly, and the entire Boren family."

Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt made a post on social media honoring the legacy of Boren's work.

"As a public servant, David Boren will have an entire chapter to himself in our state’s story," Holt said. "We send our deepest condolences to his family."

In Washington D.C., Rep. Frank Lucas also commented on Boren's work as a public servant.

“David will be remembered for his decades of devotion to public service and his desire to better our great state," Lucas said. "Oklahoma's agricultural, oil and gas, and educational institutions had no fiercer supporter or defender in Washington than David Boren.”

Oklahoma House of Representatives Minority Leader Cyndi Munson (D-Oklahoma City) posted on social media, expressing her condolences for the Boren family.

Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols commended Boren on his impact on Oklahoma as a leader in and our of politics.

“From the State Capitol in Oklahoma City to our Nation’s Capitol in Washington, DC, David Boren’s legacy of leadership will not soon be forgotten. His commitment to education took the University of Oklahoma to incredible heights, including establishing OU-Tulsa. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.”

"The university is saddened to share the passing this morning of David L. Boren, whose life’s work was rooted in his commitment to the people of Oklahoma and his belief in the power of education to change lives," the statement said. "For more than five decades, he devoted himself to our state, nation, and university, first serving as a state Legislator before rising to become Governor of Oklahoma, a United States Senator, and the 13th president of the University of Oklahoma."

 As part of OU's statement, current university President Joseph Harroz praised Boren's dedication and vision for the college.

“Few individuals have so wholeheartedly dedicated their careers to serving others as President Boren, who was driven by a bold vision to create a better, stronger future,” Harroz said. “He was guided by a steadfast philosophy of serving the greater good, as well as an enduring belief in the transformative power of education.”

Cherokee Nation's Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. released the following statement on X:

Sen. Mary Boren issued the following statement that reads:

“The life and legacy of David L. Boren left a lasting impact of excellence. His contributions to his family and community were a blessing, and I had the privilege of calling him my cousin and constituent.

“Many hearts, including my own, feel profoundly grateful for President Boren as we sing, ‘Live on University.’ May his loved ones find comfort in his loving memory and from our collective gratitude for his dedication to public service.”