Remembering the life of former Oklahoma Governor, Senator, and OU President David Boren

Former Oklahoma Gov., U.S. Sen. and University of Oklahoma President David Boren has died at the age of 83, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the state’s political and educational landscape.

A Career in Politics

Boren’s career spanned decades of public service. He first entered politics as a state representative before being elected Oklahoma’s 21st governor in 1975. He later moved to Washington, serving three terms in the U.S. Senate from 1979 to 1994. During his tenure, he chaired the Senate Intelligence Committee, playing a key role in national security policy.

“For many years, David Boren was the chairman of the powerful Senate Intelligence Committee and one of the most important leaders in the world,” said Bob Burke, a Boren family spokesperson.

A Return to Oklahoma

Despite speculation that he would run for president, Boren chose instead to return to Oklahoma to serve as the University of Oklahoma’s president. He led the university for 24 years, overseeing a period of significant growth.

“There were a lot of people who said, ‘Hey, why don’t you run for president?’” Burke said. “He didn’t want to do that. He wanted to come back to OU and make a difference.”

A Challenging Final Chapter

His tenure at OU was not without controversy. Boren resigned just days before his planned retirement in June 2018 amid a state investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving a former male student. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation closed the case in 2020, and no charges were filed.

A Lasting Legacy

Despite the scandal, Boren’s contributions to the university and the state remain significant. He founded the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, an organization dedicated to supporting education, and is widely credited with transforming OU into a nationally recognized institution.

“During his time as president of OU, never has there been a greater period of growth,” Burke said.

Boren’s impact on Oklahoma politics, education and public service will be remembered for generations to come.

“He was a true Oklahoman,” Burke said.